Departure of Covid expert spotlights Asian retirement rules

It is no bad thing to encourage older academics to retire. Most of us are not Nobel laureates and there are instances of the career progression of younger staff being hampered by those who will not let go of power. Having recently partly retired in my late 50s, I am keen to point out that there are those who have had enough well before 65. If reasonable contracts are on offer as in my own department it should be possible for those who wish to remain to continue in post. However, nobody is indispensable and succession planning should be encouraged but often is not given the character of many academics.

Not all academics want a full-time contract after the mandatory retirement age. For those still keen on a full-time job, positions are usually available in other institutions. Other academics upon retirement may wish to work part-time only and to pursue other interests.