But here’s the thing people with retirement gigs may want to know: your actual benefit will increase only if the amount you earn is equal to or bigger than your top 35 working years. However, if your earnings are less, they won’t affect in any way your pension check because the Social Security Administration uses your highest 35 years of earnings to calculate what you’re paid.

In other words, retirement gigs don’t increase your benefits if you don’t make much, at least from a Social Security benefit perspective. You’ll obviously get to keep what you earn; however, your Social Security retirement benefit won’t increase if those years aren’t among your top 35.

Do you think about going back to work but don’t really know which job to choose? This book may inspire you to find the right gig for you!