The Precarity Trap.

Precarious (insecure, unstable, and uncertain) employment is a growing concern. Using nationally representative data on workers ages 50 through 62 from the Health and Retirement Study, we find that precarious employment in midlife is common, particularly among disadvantaged groups. Those experiencing it in their sos through early 60s are less likely to expect to work full-time past age 62, the earliest age at which an individual can claim Social Security benefits. Precarious employment also may be a barrier to working until full retirement age, threatening financial security in later years.