One week ago, after 37 years, I stopped working at Ford Motor Company. Not my choice. But, they might be doing me a favor. I have a significant pension after all those years, enough to pay off my house and my new Ford Bronco. Old Man Rob is also 62, and eligible to collect Social Security. And unemployment for the next 26 weeks.
I always told people when they asked about retirement plans that I couldn’t retire. I have adult children at home, and I still do. But, the mortgage and the car payment are a big chunk of my expenses every month. I don’t necessarily need to start a full-time job right now.
A friend of mine owns a company that does aftermarket work on performance automobiles. He offered me a part-time job, with a possibility of much more if he can close a deal with another company.
It could be a lot worse. 350 people lost their jobs last week. I doubt that most of them are in a favorable position, as I seem to be. I did want to retire, and even though it’s not by choice, I am definitely enjoying the downtime now. My wife (also retired) didn’t come right and say it, but it’s obvious she wants me to enjoy a little bit of that downtime. Besides working out paying for things, I’m a bit concerned about what to do with all that free time. I have not been in this position in 40 years.
