Elvis Has Left The Building

 

August 14th, 2025 - Elvis Is Gone!

“Retirement is just a dream as far as I can see

Like the dream I had, when I was young, of the good life for you and me”

“Midlife Crisis” by Bob Schmucker (2014)

    Retirement - I’ve been thinking about, dreaming about, writing about and singing about it for a long time. It’s been something of a joke with my family and friends for a number of years. But after about 58 years of toiling away, I’m happy to say that I’ve finally crossed over into the golden years and the land of retirement.

    My work life started early - around the age of 10, I found out I could get paid for pushing a lawn mower around people’s yards and started my first business. This quickly expanded into other services including leaf raking, snow shoveling and cleaning out garages. Profits were used to purchase everything from bicycles and baseball gloves to electronics, beater automobiles and music. Around 15, I started working at various gas stations where I could better fund my social life. I learned to drive trucks, worked in machine shops and as a carpenter for a while. After college, I joined the Air Force.

    The Air Force was great fun as I loved fighter jets and the smell of jet fuel, but eventually I separated from active duty and went to work in the defense industry. I’ve spent the last 40+ years in engineering and manufacturing, doing things like project and program management, reading and writing contracts, and ensuring compliance with all of the federal acquisition regulations and laws. It’s been a good ride, but my ability to juggle 20 things at the same time isn’t what it used to be. My vision sucks and computer screens are taking their toll. Late last fall, after much procrastination, I put the retirement plan in motion. 

    Last week, I officially joined the ranks of the retired. At the moment, it feels like I’ve just got a 500-pound gorilla off my back. Corporate life takes its toll and I’ve been a corporate guy most of my working life. Years ago, I found that I needed more balance in life and started working on what I’ve called my next career, which is writing (blogs, books & songs) and performing my music wherever they have me. It doesn’t pay a lot, but it's far more rewarding and fun. Success won’t be measured in dollars; it will be measured in smiles. 

    Hopefully, there will be many years of smiles to be had with my wife Denise, who’s put up with too many years of me being gone too often (even when I was physically present). Maybe I’ll get to see a bit more of my kids and grandkids too, who are visible reminders of the adage that time waits for no one. My friends who are retired will start to see a lot more of me, which I really look forward to. I’ve got a 50th high school reunion coming up and even wrote a new song for it a couple of weeks ago, after fellow classmate and songwriter Terry Schnell put up the challenge. My song probably won’t be as good as his, but I won’t be empty-handed.

    I also hope to have more time to give back to the community through volunteer efforts. The good folks at Feeding Southwest Virginia have my number and have extended their warm invitation to join them. I think I’m going to do that. Giving back and doing for others - that’s a good goal for retirement.

“I thought by now, I’d be set free from poverty and want

Have a big house and a new car, eat in fancy restaurants

Fly a private jet to the Hamptons, live a life of luxury

I keep on dreamin’ every day of escapin’ reality”

“Midlife Crisis” by Bob Schmucker (2014)

    I welcome your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Please share this post with others who value both humor and serious stuff about this blue marble that we all share.

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