This research explored how older German workers’ self-reported work ability is influenced by voluntarily switching employers and whether a honeymoon-hangover effect (HHE) occurs. In job satisfaction studies, HHE refers to three stages around a voluntary job change: decline in the previous role (deterioration), an initial boost in the new role (honeymoon), and a later reduction over time (hangover). It remains unclear if work ability follows a similar pattern. We analyzed 2,502 participants from all three waves (2011, 2014, 2018) of the lidA study, a nationally representative cohort of employees born in 1959 or 1965. Using fixed-effects regression models with lag and lead variables, we identified clear deterioration, honeymoon, and hangover phases. Work ability rose markedly immediately after the job change. These findings indicate that voluntary employer changes can help preserve work ability in later career stages, even if they do not produce long-term increases. Despite the subsequent hangover effect, the overall benefits of switching employers remain significant.
