With a career in a stable industry and a solid plan for retirement, Matthew Rutledge’s father expected to retire on his own terms. But when he was suddenly laid off at 59, the financial impact was crushing. Watching his father struggle to bounce back at that stage of life made Matt realize how fragile retirement security really is, even for those who plan ahead. Now, he researches why millions of people are working longer but still struggling to retire and what we can do to fix it.
Matthew Rutledge is a leading researcher on labor markets and retirement security at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. His work examines how automation, job loss, and shifts in economic policy affect financial stability for older workers.
In this episode, Dart and Matt discuss:
- The job loss that shook Matt’s father
- How pensions disappeared and left workers exposed
- Are 401(k)s a risky bet or a safety net?
- The brutal financial shock of widowhood
- The long-term care crisis no one sees coming
- Why Social Security won’t be enough
- Job benefits that keep workers stuck
- What Europe does right about retirement
- How career loyalty no longer pays off
- How to safeguard your retirement savings
- And other topics…
Matthew S. Rutledge is an economist at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, where he focuses on retirement security and the shifting realities of work in the modern economy. His research has shed light on the long-term effects of economic downturns on Social Security and older workers, revealing hidden vulnerabilities in the retirement system. He has also explored how automation is pushing older workers into non-traditional jobs and reshaping career trajectories. Matt’s work frequently appears in academic journals, policy reports, and media discussions on the future of retirement.
Resources Mentioned:
Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century, by Jessica Bruder: https://www.amazon.com/Nomadland-Surviving-America-Twenty-First-Century/dp/039324931X
Nomadland, directed by Chloé Zhao: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9770150/
Connect with Matt:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-rutledge-84a4964/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/matt_rutledge/

Work with Dart:
Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what’s most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.