Retirement Doesn't Have to be a Death Wish

I used to have a friend named Bob. He retired from a manufacturing plant at age 65 just as he had planned. "Can't wait to get out of here," he told me once. After retirement, Bob got a little too comfortable. He stopped doing a lot of things he had done while working. He sat around a lot and watched television while gaining weight. He socialized some in the beginning but "got tired of people" and stayed home more. The last time I saw him he was griping about current events and world problems. Then shortly after he had a heart attack and passed away.

I don't want to be that guy. But I have additional motivations other than self-preservation.

When I retired, I had plenty to catch up on- things I could not get done while I was working. Like working on time consuming home projects, reorganizing my elderly Mother's belongings in storage, and having hip replacement surgery. After all that was done I decided to pursue two things- what I wanted to do and what I felt I needed to do.

I had wanted for some time to do free lance writing but that takes time to learn and do as a career. But now that I have that started I'm looking forward to writing more for income rather than a hobby.

But after watching the news and learning about the labor shortages and the supply chain crisis crippling the economy I decided to do something about it. I floated the idea to my wife of me getting a CDL license and driving a truck for a couple of years on the road. Truckers can make six figure salaries now in addition to providing valuable services transporting goods. She said hell no, you'll get yourself killed or if you survive you'll be gone all the time. At the risk of having to sleep on the couch I gave up on the idea. So I decided a part time job locally would be a good thing for me and a way to help an employer out.

I got an offer from the local Home Depot store, a five minute commute from my house. They gave me the morning hours and weekends off just like I asked for. Great co-workers and a very helpful and likeable management team. I work at the Pro Desk, which provides customer service to contractor customers. I have something to do with my time, I make some extra money, and I help the store serve customers. When I leave for the day I'm done. I still have plenty of time for family and writing.

If you are retired or getting close to retirement, consider working somewhere in an area you like or do volunteer work. Either way, you will help others and reap some rewards for yourself too. Retirement doesn't have to be a wait to die experience. Spend your time on quality activities that add value to yourself and others and with positive people who have goals and dreams. Take care of your health and family and keep going- you'll be glad you did. I can promise you that from my journey already.

Richard Noss Paducah KY March 6 2022