A Qualitative Study of Older Workers' Experiences Working at Convenience Stores

Abstract

This study explores the experiences and psychological dynamics of older workers in convenience stores. Between March and June 2020, in-depth interviews were conducted with seven older workers from franchised convenience stores in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, followed by within-case and cross-case analyses of the results. The within-case analysis focused on each participant’s personal circumstances, motivations for seeking employment, and work experience. The cross-case analysis identified common themes, resulting in seven major categories and 22 subcategories: “Reasons for choosing convenience stores as secondary employment,” “Knocking on the door of reemployment,” “Elderly entry into the new world of the convenience store industry,” “Ubiquity of difficulties,” “Overcoming challenges,” “My life changing positively through work,” and “Older workers in convenience stores.” Based on the results of this study, we suggest the following: First, it is necessary to develop jobs that reflect the experiences, capabilities, and desires of the elderly. Second, it is necessary to establish an integrated system that includes policy information on the working environment, job training, and support ministries. Third, cooperation at the national and corporate levels is needed to establish a system to strengthen safety management in convenience stores. Fourth, there is a need for systematic job training that reflects the needs of older workers and companies.