This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with David B. Horne, founder of Add Then Multiply, a consulting firm. It has been edited for length and clarity.
When I was in my mid-30s and working in the corporate world, I thought that 55 would be a good age to retire. Now I’m 62, and I have no plans to retire, despite the fact that friends and even my wife are stepping back from their long-term careers.
The biggest thing that’s changed for me over those 30 years was starting my own business. Even when I was a high-level executive at several multinational corporations, I just felt like a cog in the wheel.
When I started working for start-ups, and then founded my own business around the age of 50, I flourished. That’s when I realized that I had created a lifestyle that I never wanted to retire from.
My dad worked until he was 83
I’m not the first person in my family with little interest in retirement. My own dad worked until he was 83. He was a boat captain and later became a boat pilot. When he had to take medical retirement because of an injury, he got involved with international maritime organizations. He loved the work. I think his eventual retirement contributed to his death two years later.
I know my choice isn’t for everyone. My in-laws are both approaching 90, and they’ve been retired for more than two decades. They loved that they don’t “have to” do anything — they just do what they want. Yet when I look at their choices, I know I would feel bored. That’s not a value judgment. I just know their choice isn’t right for me.
My wife, Kate, retired at 57 after working as an elementary school teacher. Luckily, we’ve been able to strike a balance between her retirement lifestyle and my work demands. I make sure I’m available during the evenings, and we go for long walks on the weekends. We travel together at least four times each year.
I focus on the parts of work that bring me joy
Because I own my own business, I have a lot of control over my working environment. I pour my time and energy into the areas of business that interest me most. For me, that’s strategic decision-making, including fundraising and mergers and acquisitions.
I want to be a visionary in my business, which makes work a lifelong endeavor for me. I like being challenged and feeling like I’m learning. My dad was the same way — he even enrolled in college for a semester while I was there. Work allows me to feel that buzz and excitement no matter my age.
While not everyone can tailor their schedule as much as I can, I believe that even employees can focus on the areas of work that are most fulfilling to them.
I outsource the tasks I dislike
At the same time, I outsource the aspects of work that are tedious or unenjoyable for me. My personal assistant handles all the day-to-day logistics of my schedule. I’ve carefully selected employees who can keep things running even when I’m away from work. I’ve surrounded myself with people who love doing the tasks I don’t enjoy.
Because of that, I have more time to travel, something that many people do in retirement. I typically work seven days a week (full time during the weekdays and half days on Saturday and Sunday). Yet, I also take lots of time away. I was in Greece for my daughter’s wedding in August and will travel to Canada for a month this fall. When I’m traveling, I’m entirely unplugged, able to join Kate in her retirement mindset. I know my team will call me if there’s anything truly critical.
I still save for retirement
While I plan to keep working for at least the next 10 years, I’m also saving for my old age. I live in the UK, but I have a retirement savings account similar to a 401(k) that’s worth roughly $700,000. I also have other investments that are more risky but with potentially higher payoffs. Eventually, I’d like to live off the return from my investments, with any business income as an added bonus.
I don’t plan to work seven days a week forever. I’m crafting a career that reflects what I want as I age: intellectual engagement and a sense of purpose, with plenty of time for family and travel.
