Looking Back #19 - An Update: Work or Retirement, Finding That Sweet Spot
Update to My Most Popular Post Ever
Today’s “Looking Back” post is also an update. The original Work or Retirement, Finding That Sweet Spot was written in August of 2023. It was (and still is) the most popular post I’ve written so far. This version incorporates most of what I wrote then but with some important updates as to where things stand today.
On January 6 (yes I know) of 2023, I ended an era of my life called Work. Fifty-five years of it, to be more precise.
Of course, I haven’t really stopped working. That day, I began a new journey that most refer to as Retirement.
I still “work”, it’s just that I’m not trading my time for money any longer.
I love this quote by James Michener:
The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play … He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him it is always both.”
After he retired, my Dad used to say, “I’m so busy now, I don’t know when I would even find the time to work”.
Now, I understand what he meant by that.
So, the parameters have changed. Instead of trading my time for a paycheck at a job that I ultimately had no control over and often did not like, I am accountable only to myself.
If I don’t live up to my own (although much more relaxed) standards, the buck stops with me.
A popular Navy recruiting ad used to say, “It’s not a Job, it’s an Adventure”. I have chosen to view this new era of my life as an adventure.
I embarked on a lifelong dream of becoming a writer via this wonderful platform called
Thanks to my good friend at and for making me aware of this great writing site.Not an occasional or hobby writer, mind you. But in my best Pinnochio imitation, now I’m a Real Writer.
You know - someone who writes every day and produces award-winning, publically acclaimed stories, articles, and essays …
(OK, Just kidding about the “award-winning, publically acclaimed” part … actually, even the “writes every day” part).
As I embarked on this new adventure, I knew it would be different, but I didn’t know what to expect. What would actual retirement look like?
I was so idealistic (and very naive) when starting out. I set a reasonably (?) ambitious writing schedule: Up at 5 am, in the seat by six, and write for 4 hours minimum (with some breaks, of course). Monday through Friday.
COWABUNGA! That sounds a lot like work.
The goal was to publish a variety of different pieces, four to five times per week.
Literally starting with no subscribers (not counting myself), I coerced family and a few friends to subscribe. My goal was 20 subscribers per month. I am happy to say that, I have maintained or exceeded that goal.
That writing pace lasted about five months.
I began to lose focus on my #1 goal - to write because I enjoyed it and believed that I had something worthwhile to say.
Being so new to Substack, I jumped all in.
It wasn’t long before it felt as though I was back at work, with all the goals and deadlines, pressured to publish no matter what. If I didn’t, I felt extremely guilty.
In my mind, losing steam meant losing subscribers, which some writers consider an “unpardonable sin”.
I grew weary of the self-flagellation.
Taking stock and refocusing, I realized that it did not matter to me that I only offered a free subscription to Life UnCorked. I did not want to restrict the readership by changing to a paywall membership model. Besides, I don’t need the money as my retirement income is more than enough to meet our needs and then some.
I have found that subscribers who enjoy my writing will stick with me and those who don’t will move on. And that’s OK.
So, when my wife and I began doing some impromptu as well as planned travel, I slowed down by default.
Epiphany!
I realized that there was no reason for me to publish that much. Or get up that early. Or needlessly stress out.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad I started that way because it had a tremendous impact on growth and accelerated the learning curve.
So there was much good. It just wasn’t sustainable or compatible with my goals.
This revelation was almost like my spiritual redemption 42 years ago. The compelling weight of a rigid writing schedule fell from my shoulders and my burden became light.
Similar to what Yogi Berra meant when he said, “It was like Deja Vu all over again”, I felt like a new man - all over again!
Now, along with this new adventure, I have met (virtually speaking) so many wonderful folks here on Substack that have helped me tremendously. Each one has shown me possibilities that I had not previously considered.
Here are a few with whom I currently read and interact:
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , and .Some of these writers are much younger than me and have ambitions of one day (Soon, I pray for their sakes) becoming full-time paid freelance writers. Some already are.
To be clear, my goals are different, but I have learned so much through reading their posts and interacting with each of them in a variety of ways.
So please, check them out.
My reason for writing in the first place is that I have things to say.
One simply does not live 70 years and not have stories and insights that can only be gained through experience over time.
Maybe something I write could have an impact on someone who is currently experiencing similar circumstances.
Plus, I want to continue honing my writing skills and exploring new genres and writing styles.
The bottom line is that while I do have ambition and goals, I have decided to chuck the self-imposed deadlines and time restrictions.
That has been so liberating.
So, having scaled back, I do not feel guilty when I go for a day (or two or three or seven) without writing.
The thing is, in my mind I’m always writing. So, when I do sit down at the keyboard, most of it has already been formulated in the little gray cells up here (tapping noggin).
There are many others that I don’t interact with, but I read regularly for news, information, and inspiration. I highly recommend using the Explore (Looking glass) feature on the left side of the main Substack page to view the various categories. You are bound to find something of interest.
The whole point of this article is a sort of confession-
After starting with a bang, I now maintain a pace more compatible with my current lifestyle.
Most of all, I want to thank every one of my subscribers who have come aboard and have stayed with me over the last 18 months. You truly make me look forward to each day.
I hope that in some small way, what you read on Life UnCorked, and now The Talking Pen as well, will make a difference and help you along in your life’s journey.
Thank you for subscribing to Life UnCorked where the focus is on successfully navigating the issues of life from a Christian point of view.
While you’re here, check out my creative writing ‘Stack: The Talking Pen, where you’ll find fiction & non-fiction stories, poetry, art, and personal musings that illustrate the struggles, tragedies, and triumphs of life.
great article. You do your substack in a way that meets your needs. Us readers will enjoy whatever you put out.
You can run or you can walk, you'll get there!