An Unforeseen Chapter: An 87-Year-Old’s Journey Back to Work
At 87 years old, Rebecca Reed finds herself in a position many hoped to have left behind decades ago: working out of financial necessity. While her peers are enjoying retirement, Reed is balancing two part-time jobs, earning $12 an hour as a church secretary and an editorial assistant in New Orleans. Her story is a poignant reminder of life’s unpredictable turns and the resilience required to navigate them.
Reed’s career path has been varied. In her younger years, she worked extensively in retail, even spending four years abroad while her first husband was in the military. Upon returning to the U.S., she worked in a dress shop. After a divorce, she embarked on a less conventional role for women at the time, becoming a credit manager. It was in this capacity that she met her second husband. The company she worked for eventually closed, leading her to step away from the workforce.
A Financial Shockwave
Life took a significant turn after her second husband passed away in 2011. While both were receiving Social Security benefits, Reed discovered a stark financial reality: there was no life insurance. The ensuing complications, involving his children and ex-wife, led to a period of intense financial strain.
“I had to file for bankruptcy soon after, because I couldn’t pay the bills,” Reed shared. Her car was in disrepair, and she was solely responsible for all expenses. Adding to the burden, she discovered an unknown mortgage on her house with a monthly payment of around $1,000. She credits her family with preventing her from losing her home during this difficult time.
The challenges didn’t end there. In the past two years, Reed has experienced two serious car accidents. These incidents not only resulted in a fractured shoulder requiring physical therapy but also left her with a car loan that she describes as “choking me to death.” While her overall health is good, she acknowledges the need for more exercise and a healthier diet.
The Necessity of a Paycheck
Faced with mounting expenses and a limited income, Reed had to find work. “I asked myself, ‘What am I going to do? I’m old,'” she recalled. A fortunate opportunity arose when the church secretary position became vacant. She now works Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., earning $12 an hour. During periods when the church was used for film shoots, she occasionally earned $20 an hour, but this extra income stream has since ended. While she has Medicare, the church job does not provide insurance.
Recognizing the need for additional income, Reed took on a second part-time job in December at a candy store in the French Quarter. However, the demanding commute, involving parking far away and walking, proved too difficult to sustain. She then transitioned to a new role as an editorial assistant for a woman documenting her husband’s history, also at an hourly rate of $12.
The Weight of Working
Reed’s sole source of income, aside from her current jobs, is Social Security, which amounts to approximately $3,000 per month. She considers it a miracle that she has finally paid off her mortgage.
“I wish I had started saving earlier,” she stated emphatically. “If you don’t save now, it’s going to turn around and kick you in the butt.” Another regret is not having her insurance situation more firmly established.
Her home lacks homeowners’ insurance, a significant concern given the potential for severe weather. “If a hurricane comes along and blows it away, I’m going to have to sell the lot,” she explained, noting the exorbitant cost of homeowners’ insurance in her area, with annual premiums exceeding $6,000.
Her current expenses include her car payment, groceries, and home maintenance. Recently, a termite infestation necessitated a new roof. She manages her car expenses by getting good mileage and refueling only about once every week and a half.
Reed is currently the only one in her family still working. Her sisters and friends are all retired, and social gatherings like high school reunions must be scheduled around her work commitments.
Hope for a Different Future
Reed’s current goal is to retire by the age of 90, though she remains uncertain if this will be feasible. She sometimes contemplates leaving her jobs and simplifying her life further, perhaps by canceling services like Netflix.
“If it were up to me, I would rather be home eating bonbons and watching TV,” Reed confessed. “But I can’t. In order to do the things I want to do, I need more income.” Her ability to take a recent, enjoyable trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, with her sister was directly enabled by her continued work.
Looking ahead at 87, Reed often ponders her future. She yearns for a retirement filled with financial freedom, allowing for occasional dining out with friends and the ability to purchase items she desires. This dream, however, feels largely unattainable without a lottery win, which she doesn’t actively pursue.
She has informed the church council president of her intention to retire at 90, but the reality of her financial situation may necessitate an extension. “Who knows?” she mused.
