I'll Never Retire

by William Diehl

Before the mid 1950s, there was no "retirement" as we use the term today. A 1950 poll showed most workers aspired to work for as long as possible. Quitting was for the disabled. Life did not offer "twilight years," two decades of uninterrupted leisure courtesy of the U.S. taxpayer.

Just since 1960, the percentage of men over 65 still working has dropped by half. And the average retirement age keeps falling. It's down to 62, which gives the average man 18 years to be retired in its current meaning. It is not unusual to see people ending their careers in their mid-fifties.

This is one of the monumental changes in the fabric of society wrought by the government, that has so altered the integrity of the people.

As someone on a payroll until the age of 79, and now employed on a non-compensated basis, I came to see that I was regarded as something of a freak. Was I trying to set some sort of record? Had I failed to accumulate a large enough estate?

There seemed to be some feelings too that I was somehow un-American, and a poor reflection on a generation that is supposed to be enjoying the good life.

Observing my generation opt for leisure, I see all sorts of adaptations. One described his life in Florida as meeting the same three golfers on the first tee at the same time each day for nine holes, then lunch in the club house, nine holes after lunch, shower, gin and tonic, and then back to the condo to dress for dinner. When asked if this was the routine for every day, he said, "No, I help my wife clean on Tuesday."

This is what I'm supposed to aspire to?

Another friend, in answer, said "I sleep as late as I can because I don't know what to do when I get up."

The remark heard most frequently is "I've been so busy since I retired, I don't know how I ever had time for my job" or "Retirement is so wonderful, I should have retired sooner."

At this point it might be in order to ask – "Busy doing what?"

Many of those who retire at 55, 60, 65, or 70 are some of the most experienced, knowledgeable, and capable people in the workforce. Rather than occupying positions that might be available to younger people, they could be creating and expanding job opportunities for others.

There is a sense of self-worth that comes from working to a purpose that is essential to well-being, whether the task involves major responsibility or physical exertion, as both require diligence and daily attendance.

How did we come to this slough of despondency? Like so many of our present disorders, it was the siren call of the great white father in Washington: "Come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."

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May 26, 2009

William Diehl lives and works in Defiance, Ohio.