This article in question is based on an interview with David B. Horne, the founder of Add and Multiplyconsulting firm. Edited for length and clarity.
When I was in my mid-30s and working in the corporate world, I thought 55 would be a professional. good retirement age. I am now 62 years old, and I have no plans to retire, despite the fact that friends and even my wife are retiring from their long-term careers.
The biggest thing that has changed for me in those 30 years is starting my own business. Even when I was the senior manager of several international corporationsI felt like a cog in the wheel.
When I started working for a startthen I started my own business when I was about 50 years old, I was successful. That’s when I realized that I had created a lifestyle that I never want to give up.
My father worked until he was 83 years old
He is not the first person in my family to have less interest in retirement. My father worked until he was 83. He was a boat captain and later a boat driver. When he was forced to retire from medical work due to an accident, he became involved in international sailing associations. He loved work. I think the eventual retirement contributed to his death two years later.
I know my choice is not for everyone. Both of my parents are approaching 90, and have been retired for over twenty years. They liked that they didn’t “have to” do anything – they just did what they wanted. However when I look at their options, I know I will feel lonely. That is not a value judgment. I know their choice is not right for me.
My wife, Kate, retired at age 57 after working primary school teacher. Fortunately, we have been able to strike a balance between his retirement life and my work needs. I make sure I’m available in the evenings, and we go on long trips on the weekends. We travel together at least four times a year.
I focus on the areas of work that bring me joy
Because I have my own businessI have a lot of control over my work environment. I spend my time and energy on the areas of the business that I love the most. To me, that’s strategic decision-making, including fundraising and mergers and acquisitions.
I want to be a visionary in my business, which makes the job a lifelong career for me. I like to be challenged and feel like I’m learning. My dad was like that – he even enrolled in college for a semester while I was there. Work allows me to feel that noise and joy regardless of my age.
Although not everyone can change their schedule as much as I can, I believe that even employees can focus on the areas of work that give them the most satisfaction.
I give jobs I don’t like
At the same time, I give away the parts of the work that are boring or unpleasant for me. Mine a personal assistant it handles all the daily stuff in my schedule. I have carefully selected employees who can keep things running even when I am not at work. I am surrounded by people who like to do jobs that I don’t like.
As a result, I have a lot of time to travel, which is something many people do when they retire. I normally work seven days a week (full time during the week and half days on Saturday and Sunday). However, I also spend a lot of time away. I was in Greece for my daughter’s wedding in August and will be visiting Canada for a month this fall. On the go, wireless, I can connect with Kate on her retirement idea. I know my team will call me if there is something really important.
I am still saving for retirement
Although I plan to continue working for at least the next 10 years, I am also saving for my old age. I live in the UK, but have a 401(k)-like pension savings account of about $700,000. I also have other investments that are very risky but have high returns. Ultimately, I would like to live off my investment returns, with business income as an added bonus.
I don’t plan to work seven days a week forever. I’m creating a career that reflects what I want as I get older: creative and purposeful, with more family time and travel.