At 48, I am still in my paywork period, but during the last few years I have also begun joywork--writing on Substack and turning a 120-year-old building into an event venue. Hopefully in 15 years or so, I’ll retire from my paywork and still have joywork that pays!
In my 20s, I once interviewed a 100 year old working lawyer. Sadly, that wasn't the subject of our interview! I've never planned to retire entirely, and now I'm moving toward retirement age, I absolutely don't want to retire: I'm writing more than ever! But it's very fortunate to have the choice. Thanks for this, Don.
And then there are those folks whose pay work is also their joywork. Back working part time at least for the next year….doing what I love ( special education administrator) with people and a community that I also love. Win win…..
Thanks for this piece. I always enjoy your thoughtful pieces. Anyone who has a choice in retirement is most fortunate.
At 48, I am still in my paywork period, but during the last few years I have also begun joywork--writing on Substack and turning a 120-year-old building into an event venue. Hopefully in 15 years or so, I’ll retire from my paywork and still have joywork that pays!
Like you, I have the luxury of doing joy work and it is in writing. I see myself as doing it for the rest of my life.
Well crafted and important issue, you word craftsman obviously in love with your new role in fogeydom helping others think clearly. Thank you!
Great piece, as usual. I don’t mind retirement being “relaxation and indolence”. Also, I finally have time to read The New Yorker from cover to cover!
In my 20s, I once interviewed a 100 year old working lawyer. Sadly, that wasn't the subject of our interview! I've never planned to retire entirely, and now I'm moving toward retirement age, I absolutely don't want to retire: I'm writing more than ever! But it's very fortunate to have the choice. Thanks for this, Don.
Good plan - and kudos to you for putting the pieces in place ahead of time.
And then there are those folks whose pay work is also their joywork. Back working part time at least for the next year….doing what I love ( special education administrator) with people and a community that I also love. Win win…..