How this 68-year-old retiree is replacing the ‘excitement and learning’ he got from work

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In Tales from the Golden Age, retirees talk about their spending, saving and whether life after work is what they hoped it would be.

David Carriere, 68, Kelowna, B.C

I retired in 2016 at age 61 after a career in hotel management. I dreamed of retiring at 55, but still enjoyed working into my late 50s. Also, I wasn’t entirely sure how much money I would need for retirement or what I would do with my time. Then, in my early 60s, there were a lot of changes in my job that were beyond my control, so I decided it was time to leave.

Financially, I thought I would be fine. My needs are small. I have no children and no expensive hobbies. I had no employment pension other than my Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits. Still, I contributed to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) over the years and invested the money myself using an inexpensive online platform.

At first I took a few part-time jobs because I didn’t know how to retire. I worked in the back room of a liquor store, as a clerk in the automotive department, and as a shuttle driver at a car dealership. I stopped working part-time when COVID-19 hit in March 2020 and haven’t worked since. Looking for a job is difficult. Not many employers are looking to hire someone my age. Fortunately, I don’t have to work as long as I continue to save and invest wisely.

I have also found more enjoyable ways to spend my time. For example, I started reading books again. I also listen to audiobooks during long walks. I now consume all kinds of books that I never thought I would be interested in. Didn’t realize how satisfying and interesting this would be. It seems to have replaced the excitement and learning I used to get from working.

I also play golf and travel with my girlfriend who lives in Winnipeg. We travel back and forth to visit each other and go to Mexico during the colder months of the year. I moved to Kelowna from Brandon three years ago and have spent a lot of time immersing myself in my new community. For example, I volunteer on the council of the apartment where I live. I also keep a close eye on my investments. With more free time, it’s easy and fun, at least when the markets are up.

Sometimes I get bored, but that’s not what I dwell on. The hardest part of retirement for me is anticipating what might happen to my health. Getting old sucks, but I hope to stay active for many years to come.

As Brenda Bowie said

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Are you a Canadian retiree interested in discussing what life is like now that you’ve stopped working? The Globe is looking for people to take part in its Tales from the Golden Age film, which explores the personal and financial realities of retirement. If you are interested in being interviewed for this role and agree to use your full name and photograph, please email us at goldenageglobe@gmail.com Please include some details about how you saved and invested for retirement and what your life is like now.

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