texasnielsen
Senior Member
This isn't your typical "I am considering retirement, looking for a trawler and what kind of boat does TF recommend?"
Having been a lurker far longer than I've been a member I have come to have great respect of the members of TF. From life's experiences to boating advice this forum has always been a sanctuary for me due to my love of all things marine-related.
Interesting, my career has been in aviation.
I have been eligible to retire from the FAA as a safety professional for several years. I believe I will finally commit to that decision next January after 38 years of service. Between the idea of not working (having held a job since I was 13 washing dishes in a bakery to the fabulous career in air traffic control, I honestly don't know what it's like not to work. And this my conundrum.
Knowing I am comfortable leaving Uncle Sam's employment (so as to enjoy my retirement longer than it took me to earn it) I don't know if I am ready to "stop working". Meaning if you're doing something you really enjoy, is it really work? I would enjoy doing something within the marine industry but I wonder how many opportunities exist for a 58 y.o.?
I've been around boats most of my life. But my resume is airplanes, safety and program management. Does that translate to the maritime industry? Do I need to go back to school for a captains (not a six-pack) license to "prove" my knowledge?
My wife is 15 years my junior and her desire is to keep working until her son graduates college. That's 8 years or so. Sometimes I think I'd be happy pushing a broom in a shop but I suspect my "type A" personality would soon tire of that and seek something more satisfying given the almost four decades of past involvement.
Have any of you faced similar situations? Was retirement more or less what you expected? Working will not be for financial reasons. I just enjoy being busy and contributing. And my heart (the non-romantic piece) has always been happiest while at waters edge or underway. But I have no idea about what kinds of opportunities exist in marine industries besides mechanic, salesman or surveyor. Seems like there is plenty of them already.....
So frustrating and I fear I am overthinking the whole thing.
Thanks for your patience reading this diatribe.
Having been a lurker far longer than I've been a member I have come to have great respect of the members of TF. From life's experiences to boating advice this forum has always been a sanctuary for me due to my love of all things marine-related.
Interesting, my career has been in aviation.
I have been eligible to retire from the FAA as a safety professional for several years. I believe I will finally commit to that decision next January after 38 years of service. Between the idea of not working (having held a job since I was 13 washing dishes in a bakery to the fabulous career in air traffic control, I honestly don't know what it's like not to work. And this my conundrum.
Knowing I am comfortable leaving Uncle Sam's employment (so as to enjoy my retirement longer than it took me to earn it) I don't know if I am ready to "stop working". Meaning if you're doing something you really enjoy, is it really work? I would enjoy doing something within the marine industry but I wonder how many opportunities exist for a 58 y.o.?
I've been around boats most of my life. But my resume is airplanes, safety and program management. Does that translate to the maritime industry? Do I need to go back to school for a captains (not a six-pack) license to "prove" my knowledge?
My wife is 15 years my junior and her desire is to keep working until her son graduates college. That's 8 years or so. Sometimes I think I'd be happy pushing a broom in a shop but I suspect my "type A" personality would soon tire of that and seek something more satisfying given the almost four decades of past involvement.
Have any of you faced similar situations? Was retirement more or less what you expected? Working will not be for financial reasons. I just enjoy being busy and contributing. And my heart (the non-romantic piece) has always been happiest while at waters edge or underway. But I have no idea about what kinds of opportunities exist in marine industries besides mechanic, salesman or surveyor. Seems like there is plenty of them already.....
So frustrating and I fear I am overthinking the whole thing.
Thanks for your patience reading this diatribe.