The only solution to the jobs problem is lower the Soc Sec age to age 50.

[zipplewrath]

31. On a more serious note

We actually need to start constructing the system for the future in which people gradually work less over a period of 20 years or so. Most folks are "Peter principalling out" around 50 - 60 and become "top heavy" employees in companies that would be better off with a lower median age work force. We need a retirement/economic system that utilizes people in a "partial retirement" mode for 20 years or so where there is still income, but not the "gotta pay off the mortgage and put kids through college" level. Either enabling people to embark on new careers, with lower annual income levels (Everything from teaching to sculpture, as well as nonprofit work) or people continuing to participate in their original professions, but more advisory/mentoring/surge capacity sense. I watch people struggle with picking the right age to retire. They know it is a one way street and once out, getting back in is difficult. So there is a tendency to "hang on" too long. If they could go, legitimately, to reduce work weeks without the fear of become expendable, it would go a long way toward enabling a more efficient work force and one that gently ease into retirement.