When will I retire? Never. Probably
Stuart Walton
Web designer, writer and content creator, based in Manchester. Almost famous on TikTok. Created over 500 websites for businesses. Always available for: web design, copywriting, SEO & social media. Stoic and left wing.
I am in 59th year on planet earth and distinctly remember my late father retiring at 60, which I turn in April 2025.
Once his euphoria had worn off, he visibly aged.
His Mondeo had never been as clean, but his life seemed somewhat dull (as he admitted) once he didn't have work at International Harvester / Case in Doncaster, where he'd worked for 38 years.
I should be at the age, arguably, where I'm slowing down, but it seems my professional and personal life has had an injection of Red Bull. The thing is I love what I do; I love the new life I've forged in Manchester as a single man with a dog. I love designing websites, writing, creating content.
Ok, you get the idea.
What I don't want to do is become a gammony Tory voter decrying the present and mourning an illusory past.
I want to work until I'm able-bodied and compos mentis at this business and with others, until someone taps me on my frail 90 year old shoulders, and says "Come on Stuart, your time is up, go and rest."
We have plenty of time to relax when dead.
Until then, I'll keep soldiering on until I shuffle off this mortal coil, with no regrets about a life well lived.
Work is good for body and mind, and I will continue at it, until I can no longer manage it.
Besides, I can't afford to retire!
I used to be a copywriter but I'm alright now. Writer, editor and strategist.
5 个月Like you Stuart, I can't see myself retiring in the traditional sense. I only started working for myself 9 years ago and I've just turned 61, so there's still plenty to play (and pay) for. I envisage a future where I'm a bit like a TV detective brought out of retirement to solve various cases before retiring to my study, surrounded by esoteric books.
Editor | Proofreader | Content Writer | Helping small businesses, freelancers and authors show their talent.
5 个月As long as you continue to enjoy it, that's the main thing. Sadly, as you point out as well, you cannot afford to retire and I suspect a lot of people are in the same boat. Sadly, they may well be stuck in jobs that are sucking the life out of them.
Successful and experienced bid writer working with training providers, colleges and the 3rd sector to support their aims and objectives.
5 个月Same Stuart!
VTAC Technical Ltd Chief Gopher ??
5 个月It's when it turns into a job Stu...then it's time. ??
Autichem Ltd. The home of DART Dynamically Mixed Flow Reactors.
5 个月Exactly. 61 and I might consider retiring at 70, then again I might not.