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I turn 70 this week.
I retired at age 64; I invested well and felt I had no financial worries. I was set.
Then the problems started. I had a difficult time filling my days. While I was financially prepared, I was not emotionally prepared. After six months, when I started looking forward to what was on Dr. Phil, I knew I had to do something or I would mentally atrophy.
Given my work experience, a former associate asked me if I would be willing to go to work for his company on a six-month contract to take care of some issues that were discovered in a recent audit. I jumped at the chance and got the issues resolved so on the next audit, there were no findings. The company was thrilled and asked to address some other issues. I agreed.
That was nearly six years ago, and I am working at least fifty hours a week and having the time of my life. The big difference between what I do now and what I did when it was a job, is that I can stop whenever I want. I am not bound by a house payment, the kids’ college, or all the other issues that are foremost in the mind of every working person in America.
Every task for which I am contracted is a little different, which means I am continually learning. Every task can be my last if I choose to take my retirement in a different direction. And the biggest thing: I am having more fun than I have ever had in my life.
Here is my suggestion for people who are not yet retired. Find something to do (whether it is tennis, golf, or fishing) that you see yourself doing and enjoying every day for the rest of your life. Until you do, all the money in the world will not fill the leisure time that could be a constant burden.
