If I retired and wanted to do something, I would probably start a small business.

 

^ What kind of small business?

 

In hind sight I can think of a couple professions that I likely would have enjoyed more but being basically lazy by nature I never had any real desire to try them. I had 33-years in a management with the same company. The latter third in a position that offered all the freedom, independence, and variety one could ask for with little to no stress. None-the-less I retired at age 60 because life is too short to waste it working. After all, you already lost 1/3rd of your life sleeping.

 

I'm what folks used to refer to as a "pink collar" worker. I have a job, not a career. That's just the way it was/is. I never had any desire to move up/ahead, by going back to school, or taking a job outside of my area with potential for advancement, though a couple of my siblings (no children) went that route. I was content with my life, raised our son, never worked a ton of hours, lived close to where I worked and that was good for me. Maybe I'm lazy like dlq?

I've been at the same job for 26 years last week. At times, I would not mind doing something different, I feel I'm a bit "stale." However, I don't want to put in the hours to work towards something else.

So to answer the question, no, no real desire to change what I do, nor to make any big changes as I get near retirement age. I hope my job is around for as long as I need it to be, though I have some doubts that it will be. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. IF I get to the point that I can work part time, that would be OK. I'd likely look for something I'm comfortable with, with only minor changes. I want the no stress or fun gig.

To be honest, I'd like to try dlq's life style for a while. For a lazy guy, he keeps busy. Keeping busy seems to be the key to a happy retirement.

 

You are right. If you don't have hobbies you might as well keep 'working' your way into the grave.

As a side note, I got back into doing oil painting last week and am really enjoying it. I made a couple changes to the studio that make a huge difference - lighting and sound. And I have a clearer idea of a 'style' of painting I want to focus on. I'll post a picture and explain more in the Art thread when I get a chance.

Lainey, I hope you get your wishes sooner rather than later.

 

Good for you, Dave. Yes, do post pics in the Art Lovers thread when you can. The +1 is working on two things, but neither one is ready yet. He's been missing classes due to work travel, and busy with son's start at GMU. Now maybe he can get back in the swing.

 

Thanks Dave. I've pretty much got a no stress gig going now. Part time would be a great change, and it would let me get an idea of how "lazy" I can be.

Excellent on the painting, Dave. Looking forward to seeing your paintings. I'll try to be more observant of the subject matter.

 

I wish that I could think of something. In one of my previous life's I had P&L responsibility for a $1.8 million business, and ran it at record profits for my employer. Now that I am unemployed (lost my job in April of 2011) I keep thinking of what else I could do and keep coming up short with reasons why in this economy a business start up may not work.

I am at a loss as to whether I should call it pragmatic or negative thinking?

 

A down economy can be an ideal time to launch a start up.
many critical elements are at there cheapest, labor, facilities etc.
especially if it is something that has a longer development cycle.

if it's directly tied to retail it maybe much harder, but gain in may draw in value driven customers.

 

I would think that you could use your contacts from previous employment to maybe get in on the ground floor of a new business. Maybe suggest the idea to someone you know who might be interested in a startup. Then you could spread out the responsibility for startup and admin. Of course, I have no idea what business you have in mind. It's not easy, but the rewards could be worth it. You will probably find you are working harder than ever, though. That's what I'm not particularly wanting to do. I'd like to get something interesting but part/flexible time.