Looking at Retirement Part Deux

In 2021, I retired from corporate America after more than 35 years. After being discharged from the US Navy, I had the opportunity to work at Sonalysts, Inc, Hewlett-Packard, The Hartford and Travelers Insurance. Each stop along the way gave me the ability to learn, grow, have unique experiences and work with outstanding professionals. That retirement from Travelers was not really a retirement. I refer to that as Retirement 1.0. You see, in 2017 I also became an owner of Scuba Shack in Rocky Hill, CT. At the time the circumstances seemed right to make the investment. In July 2021, I would move from the full-time corporate world to the full-time small business owner. Retirement 1.0 wasn’t really retirement and now is the time for Retirement Part Deux.

Last week, I officially wrapped up my work at Scuba Shack. The dive shop was sold at the end of July and I have been engaged in a transition to the new ownership team. With this work complete, there is the newfound freedom. Just how will that look?

I came across a seemingly timely short article by Lawrence Toppman in AARP Magazine titled “When retirement means the opposite of a bucket list”. In this article Lawrence talks about looking at retirement as what the Italian’s call “dolce far niente” – sweetness of doing nothing. When I first started reading this article, my mind flashed forward and I thought there is no way that I can do nothing. As I read further, it clicked. He talks about in retirement you get to do what you want to do, not should do. I think of it more as what I want to do versus what I have to do; at least as a job is concerned.

My passion for the diving industry continues with this new phase. There are many things that I still want to do. My work with the trade association continues and provides an opportunity to stay connected to many of the leaders in the community. I now have more time to dedicate to my non-profit – Scuba Educational Alliance of CT, as we look to create the new generation of ocean stewards. Then there is writing for the trade magazine, along with a new podcast. There is also time to create, read, go for a walk or just sit and watch the birds at the feeder.

I agree with Lawrence Toppman that retirement isn’t about your bucket list. I don’t believe I ever created a bucket list. I will however, take a slightly different spin and refer to Retirement 2.0 as what the Italian’s might call “la dolcezza di fare tutto” – the sweetness of doing everything.