This essay as stated is based on a conversation with David B. Horne, founder of Add and then Multiplya consulting company. Edited for length and clarity.
When I was 30 and working in the corporate world, I thought 55 would be a good age to retire. I am now 62 and have no plans to retire, despite friends and even my wife retiring from their long-term careers.
The biggest thing that has changed me in these 30 years was starting my own business. Even when he was a high-level executive in several multinational corporationsI just felt like a cog in the wheel.
when i started working for start-upsand then I started my own business in my 50s, I flourished. It was then that I realized I had created a lifestyle for myself that I never wanted to retire from.
My father worked until he was 83
I am not the first person in my family with little interest in retirement. My father worked until he was 83. He was a boat captain and later became a boat pilot. When he had to medically retire due to injury, he became involved with international maritime organizations. He loved the job. I think his eventual retirement contributed to his death two years later.
I know my choice is not for everyone. My in-laws are approaching 90 and have been retired for over two decades. They loved that they don’t “have to” do anything, they just do what they want. However, when I look at his choices, I know I would be bored. This is not a value judgment. I just know that his choice is not right for me.
My wife, Kate, retired at age 57 after working as a nurse primary school teacher. Luckily, we were able to find a balance between his retirement lifestyle and my work demands. I make sure I’m available in the evenings, and we go on long walks at the weekends. We travel together at least four times a year.
I focus on the parts of the job that bring me joy
Because I own my own businessI have a lot of control over my work environment. I pour my time and energy into the areas of business that interest me the most. For me, that’s making strategic decisions, including fundraising and M&A.
I want to be a visionary in my business, which makes work a lifelong endeavor for me. I like being challenged and feeling like I’m learning. My father was the same way: he even enrolled in college for a semester while I was there. Work allows me to feel that buzz and excitement regardless of my age.
While not everyone can tailor their schedule as much as I can, I believe that even employees can focus on the areas of work that are most fulfilling to them.
I outsource tasks I don’t like
At the same time, I outsource the aspects of work that I find tedious or unpleasant. my personal assistant he takes care of all the day-to-day logistics of my schedule. I’ve carefully selected employees who can keep things going even when I’m away from work. I’ve surrounded myself with people who like to do the tasks I don’t like.
Because of this, I have more time to travel, which many people do when they retire. I usually work seven days a week (full time on weekdays and half day on Saturday and Sunday). However, I also take a lot of time. I was in Greece for my daughter’s wedding in August and will be traveling to Canada for a month this fall. When I travel, I am completely unplugged, able to join Kate in her retirement mindset. I know my team will call me if there’s something really critical.
I still save for retirement
While I plan to continue working for at least the next 10 years, I’m also saving for my old age. I live in the UK but have a retirement savings account similar to a 401(k) worth about $700,000. I also have other investments that are riskier but with potentially higher returns. Finally, I would like to live off the return on my investments, with any business income as an added bonus.
I don’t plan on working seven days a week forever. I’m creating a career that reflects what I want as I age: intellectual engagement and a sense of purpose, with plenty of time for family and travel.