Ageing academics do not retire-they just give up their administration and fly away: a study of continuing employment of older academic international business travellers

Abstract

This research examines a newer breed of globally mobile international employee, older academic international business travellers (AIBTs). This is the first study to examine older academics who retire or reduce their responsibilities but continue to work–and to work internationally. Using semi-structured interviews with older academics from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, we found ten key drivers for continuing to work, albeit in a different capacity, as academic international business travellers; most of which related to strong identification with occupation. We also found interviewees have generally greater satisfaction levels than experienced in their previous work. Interviewees expressed intentions to continue working as long as opportunities are presented to them and their interest in doing so and health allows. We note implications for further research and opportunities for universities to make use of the invested human capital of older academics.