Due to the high percentage of retirees working in heavy activities, this article aims to examine the occupational histories of retirees who have found in the informal construction work a way to supplement the low values of retirement or an option to remain "active." This study was conducted on a qualitative approach, using the semi-structured interview. Construction workers were interviewed in São Carlos, São Paulo state (Brazil) and the interviews were taped and transcribed in order to recover the completeness of the testimony, and the data analyzed in thematic units. The results show that the work in construction is "a family need" to respondents seeking extra earnings necessary to maintain the same financial conditions before retirement. Given the low educational level of respondents, this sector was one of the few remaining options on labour market exclusion
retirement; work; professional paths; social vulnerability