Farewell Work, Hello Retirement!
April 30th 2008 was my last day at work. People asked: “what are you going to do?” There is lots to do: reading, writing, listening to music, there is always work around the house; I am going to continue exercising, bicycling, motorcycle riding all year round. I’ll be doing what our ancestors did: fishing, hunting and gathering… I’ll be traveling, visit with family. And last but not least I’ll be doing ham radio. I think it's a good plan.
What were my principles at work?
1. Enthusiasm, initiative, action.
2. Give the company a good eight hours of work every day, and then some.
3. You got to have a good sense of humor to survive 30 years in the field.
For those who stay behind, (still working) it’s going to be harder; you got to be a juggler, a magician, a psychologist… My definition of Success:
- I did what I like to do for work.
- I live where I like to live.
- Have a house paid in full.
- Have some hobbies for fun.
- Have a comfortable retirement.
- Being able to share with family and friends what is meaningful to them.
- See places that interest me.
- Write a book.
Besides all these, I started with no money but I acquired a modest house, was able to support my family and secured a reasonable retirement by hard work, little help and some luck. My secret? I set small goals and try to achieve them one at a time by perseverance. I usually start out with doubts, but usually end up with certainties…
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