I am currently 61 years old and I have worked since I was 10. At the age of 10, I spent most Saturdays (& everyday during the summer) working for my Dad, who was a roofer/carpenter. I started by just toting asphalt shingles to the roof for him and his crew to put on. Asphalt shingles weigh 90 pounds per bundle. I started carrying half a bundle at a time and by the time I joined the Coast Guard (at age 17) I could carry 2 bundles comfortably and 3, if pressed. But I digress.....
I retired from the U. S. Coast Guard after 21 years, and last year I retired from Mississippi State University. I sought, and eventually found a part-time job working two days a week. Well, as I've been working less, and I've come to see that our expenses are manageable (our home & cars are paid for), I've come to covet my time more than having a job. So, effective July 1st, I will be leaving my P-T job, and I'm looking forward to it. More "me" time means I can do jobs around the home at my leisure, and stop before I get too tired and/or injure myself. More time for little "crafty" things that I do as a hobby, and (most importantly) more time to be with my sweetie.
Now, I mentioned some of the luck was not so great. In 2010, just about 9 months into my marriage, I was going home on my motorcycle when an elderly gentleman turned in front of me without warning. I had less than 10 feet to react (the skid was 7 feet long) and could not avoid him. Thankfully, I survived and the settlement I received is the big reason my home (with a new roof) and cars are paid for. I DO NOT recommend this way of earning money. I was months recovering, and have no memory of the accident or 2 months following. Probably for the best, because I'm told I was in a lot of pain. But again, I digress......
The last paragraph just brings home vividly that life is short. That being the case, and because I can, I plan on living it as fully as I can. Why Work?
Everyone have a great day
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