A bittersweet day
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,594
Likes: 72
From: North Central Arkansas
A bittersweet day
Thursday, 2/1/2018, I closed my shop, Poley's Machine & Welding for an early retirement due to health reasons. I have been fighting a bad back for years, finally it is to the point that I can't do this any more. My doctor said that if I wanted any quality of life in 5 years I had better stop working now. I will keep my shop equipment for now, I would go nuts if I couldn't go out there and tinker a little. I can work 2-4 hours then I'm down a couple of days before I can do it again. I will still work on my truck a little at a time. Hopefully this summer I can be driving it.
I will be 61 at the end of the month. I would have liked to have worked a few more years, but nothing catches my God by surprise. He has a plan for me. He has continually guided me in my business over the years, He will continue to guide in whatever He has for me to do.
I really appreciate you guys!
Thanks, Mark
I will be 61 at the end of the month. I would have liked to have worked a few more years, but nothing catches my God by surprise. He has a plan for me. He has continually guided me in my business over the years, He will continue to guide in whatever He has for me to do.
I really appreciate you guys!
Thanks, Mark
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,700
Likes: 8,278
From: northwestern Ontario
It's scary going into it but but in no time at all you adjust. You're keeping your tools so you can still keep as busy as you want and on your own time table..You're going to love..
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,917
Likes: 4,123
From: Angier, NC
Some times you have to do what you have to do.
Lately I have been thinking when I turn 60, 58 in 2 months, I would look for a job with better hours as lately they have been 14-18 hour work days driving LP trailer trucks.
If my eye sight, have to see doctor every month for injection in 1 eye, does not give out before my knees I hope to do this till 65 and retire.
Enjoy it!
Dave ----
Lately I have been thinking when I turn 60, 58 in 2 months, I would look for a job with better hours as lately they have been 14-18 hour work days driving LP trailer trucks.
If my eye sight, have to see doctor every month for injection in 1 eye, does not give out before my knees I hope to do this till 65 and retire.
Enjoy it!
Dave ----
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 55
From: Moro Bay, AR
I can relate to the change due to back problems. I figured i had maybe 3-5 years doing what I did. Two years ago I decided to make a change, went from self-employed heavy equipment mechanic to maintenance supervisor at a small state park. Money isn't near what I was used to, but the work is much easier and I now have benefits at the state level.
Good luck! Enjoy it while you can.
Good luck! Enjoy it while you can.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 545
Likes: 15
From: Columbus, IN
I feel for you Mark. Had to give up my machine shop back in 1998. Reason wasn't health then (sorta, was beat down), but due to a shrinking market and other factors. Was the third generation running "The Shop", it having been started by my grandfather and his partner in 1946. After 52 years, it hurt.
Now at just shy of 60, I do not look forward to having to hang it up. Back is OK, but my hands are destroyed from cranking handles, and the eyeballs ain't in too good of shape either from welding. Will keep on keeping on as long as I can.
Now at just shy of 60, I do not look forward to having to hang it up. Back is OK, but my hands are destroyed from cranking handles, and the eyeballs ain't in too good of shape either from welding. Will keep on keeping on as long as I can.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 24
From: Maryland
Keep your tools. Modern medicine is making new breakthroughs that may put you back in the shop. I too am hit with pains and lack of mobility but on the good days its amazing what you can get done.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,911
Likes: 1,192
From: Deerbrook, WI
Adjusting our hopes and aspirations to the often harsh realities of life in our fallen and broken world can be difficult sometimes. God knows about all of our tomorrows, however, and no matter what happens, we can trust that His will will ultimately be done in our lives. You seem to have the right attitude Mark, and I wish you all the best in your retirement.
Get your truck on the road and make plans for a Truckstock adventure! When you're retired, you can do things like that.
Jim
Get your truck on the road and make plans for a Truckstock adventure! When you're retired, you can do things like that.
Jim
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,378
Likes: 5,387
From: Central PA
Congrats and you have my condolences..... And that is why you call this thread a bittersweet day. My Dad used to say "It's no fun getting old!" And now I know what he means. My back is good but my knees are shot and I've got arthritis in both thumbs.... I don't know why.
But about you, hang in there. With time off your back feel better. Will you take Social Security at 62? I did against my financial advisors advice.
But about you, hang in there. With time off your back feel better. Will you take Social Security at 62? I did against my financial advisors advice.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,681
Likes: 1,251
From: Jefferson City, MO
You have to do what is best for your health.
Life throws curve ***** at you. How you move forward is what you focus on.
Philippians 4:13 is a popular verse, but Philippians 4:12 is what gives power and understanding to the following verse.
Each day is a new adventure.
Life throws curve ***** at you. How you move forward is what you focus on.
Philippians 4:13 is a popular verse, but Philippians 4:12 is what gives power and understanding to the following verse.
Each day is a new adventure.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hey Mark,
Hang in there...... My advice would be stay busy ... you will just be doing something
different than before. You can do it...Look around for something interesting & different.
Say yes to every invite you get...
I see you winning the Miss Drumsticks contest this year & possibly the Turkey Calling Contest if you practice...
Keep driving your old '49 F4 - enjoy life.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
Hang in there...... My advice would be stay busy ... you will just be doing something
different than before. You can do it...Look around for something interesting & different.
Say yes to every invite you get...
I see you winning the Miss Drumsticks contest this year & possibly the Turkey Calling Contest if you practice...
Keep driving your old '49 F4 - enjoy life.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
