this business of retirement...

Two weeks ago I received the unexpected - although not entirely surprising - news that the long-time family-owned Ford dealership where I have worked for the past thirteen years will be closing down.
My position is in Administration where I do the accounting, as well as working closely with the service department and processing warranty claims.
It is a tiny dealership in a small community, therefore it has been difficult over the past several years dealing with a large corporation where the stress is on volume of sales and the resulting bottom line.

Presently the business is owned and operated by three siblings, each of whom I consider good friends as well as employers.
Their parents opened the business some forty-odd years ago and the trio took over the dealership during the nineteen eighties.
This family business has contributed to the economy of the valley in a great and unique way - we will All miss them!

As I wish my three friends good luck in wherever their new endeavours take them, I too, have to look at a change in my own career.
Living in a small town does have its advantages and I have already had several offers of employment.
These circumstances did lead to an excellent example of irony - and luck as the case may be - as I was looking to speak with a certain individual regarding work, he approached me asking me to work for him!

In the interim, I have tentatively decided what I want to do, although there are a couple of different options in the wings.
I would like to work at mowing lawns in the summer - and do the books for said lawn maintenance company - and I'd love to teach skiing in the winter.
The ski school at the hill has, over the years, encouraged me to take my Level I Instructor course so I can teach for them, but I was never in a position to be able to commit - now I can!
In the fall I plan to take my Level I and teach all winter, then I would like to continue on to take my Level II course next spring.
Hopefully, I should be able to complete those couple of levels without too much difficulty.
My challenge to myself then will be to attempt the completion of the much tougher Level III Instructor course...

I am very exited about the possiblities!

...working outdoors in the sun, wind and rain.
...and snow.
...getting into decent physical shape.
...I hear a change is as good as a holiday.
...starting my own bookkeeping business.
...the opportunity to earn more money.

A door closes and a window opens!

Maybe I should begin with my own yard...