Retired Life - Am I Doing This Right?

Today is the official start of my second year of retirement from corporate life. A year ago, I entered this new phase of life with some ideas about what I could or would do with the opportunities it presented. Here's a look back at how well that went, for my friends who are still working and for the amusement of friends further along the retirement path than I am.

    First of all, I want to say that the ability to enjoy retirement and accomplish things that are important to me is not something I take lightly or for granted. Long life, physical health and mental health are not guaranteed for any of us. Even just having the time and ability to share these thoughts in a blog is something to be grateful for.

    As I entered retirement, I wanted to accomplish a few things with the time formerly occupied by corporate life. This is roughly how my plan went.

    First, I wanted and needed to be more available for my wife, Denise, and her mom Alice (AKA, Gram), both of whom have gone through some pretty major health challenges this past year. Caregiving and supporting family through aging and health challenges are major priorities for me. I've done my best to fulfill that commitment over the past year, and it has become a big part of my life. Those who have been there know what I mean. For those who haven't, chances are the day will come. If you know, you know.

    Second, I wanted to nurture and grow my creative side as a writer and songwriter. That's been going pretty well, though not yet at the level I'm shooting for. It's nice to have time to write and, in addition to this blog, I have three book projects in process. I've discovered that writing books isn't necessarily the biggest challenge. Dedicating the time and energy to promoting and selling them is. I've watched several friends do it over the past year or two, and it takes a lot of time, travel and hard work.

    My songwriting output has improved as well, and that is truly one of the things that keeps me sane—or possibly insane, if you've heard some of my songs. Either way, anyone contemplating retirement should have a plan to keep busy, keep learning and keep growing. Retirement can't just be about what you stopped doing.

    Along with nurturing my own creative side, a related passion is growing and supporting other creative people through 3rd Street Coffeehouse, which is now in its 40th year as a live music venue. I'm working hard on several projects to build on our existing platform and relaunch it for the next generation of musicians to receive and build upon. It's a sacred place in our community, and I'm honored to be part of the long legacy of people who are, or have been, a part of it. We'll celebrate our 40th anniversary next April, and I'll definitely be writing more about that.

    Lastly, and unexpectedly, I've followed in my father's footsteps this past year by getting involved in grassroots politics at both the local and national levels. Over the past year, I found myself more and more disenchanted with the changes I was seeing in national policy and felt obligated to seek and support what I believe to be much-needed change. When Beth Macy announced her run for Congress in my district, I knew I'd regret it if I didn't support her.

    My dad was a Democratic Precinct Captain back in the day, so I guess it's in my DNA to get involved at the grassroots level. Perhaps my efforts will help steer the country toward a better place. I hope so. I also hope Dad is looking down with his buddies from some smoke-filled cloud and they're proud of me. Knowing Dad, he's probably thinking four moves ahead of me and I hope he’ll pass along some good advice from the cloud.

    Being that this is my first retirement, I still make rookie mistakes and I'm still learning. Mostly, I learn from people like you—people who may have different ideas from mine and challenge me to look at things from their point of view. Challenge accepted. I'd genuinely like to hear your thoughts in the comments. Are you currently retired or planning to be in the coming years? If you're retired, is your experience anything like my own? If not, how has it differed? If you aren't retired, what are your goals and plans to stay engaged, keep growing and stay busy?

    Please share your thoughts in the comments. I hope our conversation will be thoughtful, respectful and productive.

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    Thank you for reading—and for walking this road with me.

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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