Perspectives of In-service and Retired Academics on Retirement Planning in Tanzania


This study explores the perspectives of in-service and retired academics on retirement planning and their perception of the appropriate time for employees to start doing so. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study collected data from two private and two public Universities in Tanzania. Specifically, it employed focused group discussions and semi-structured interviews to collect requisite data subjected to thematic analysis. The findings show that retirement planning unfolds in six main areas: a) Identifying sources of income to meet retirement needs mainly through paid gainful work, b) Opportunities and networking beyond formal work, c) Spending time following changing work roles, d) Housing arrangements, e) Willingness to accept retirement and its associated outcomes, and f) Healthy lifestyle and health insurance costs. However, the study found no fixed time for employees to start preparing for retirement. Varied options and justifications regarding when one might start planning for retirement life emerged. Some participants indicated the best time as immediately after being independent or detached from the family whereas others cited the period immediately following one’s securing of formal employment or ten years prior to one’s retirement age. Based on the findings, there is a need for policy considerations and further research to facilitate smooth retirement planning and adjustment among academics.