Nearly half, 47%, of small-business owners now plan to never retire until forced to do so for health reasons — up from about 4 in 10 in 2005 and 2007 — according to a recent Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index poll. Another 41% plan to cut back on work but stay involved with their business when they retire. Those planning to stop working in their business altogether fell to 1 in 10 during 2010 from nearly twice that level in 2005.
First of all, I’ve never once read anything about “retirement” in the Bible. Second, the concept of “working for a living” is a bit bizarre because most of Creation simply lives, and gaining their sustenance is a normal and lifelong part of that process.
More importantly, were I independently wealthy to the extent I never had to work a day in my life — and I am several zeroes away from that situation — I would probably be doing something very much like what I’m doing now: growing beautiful ornamental plants in the spring and producing tasty, nourishing vegetables in summer and autumn.
Both are very happy businesses. Why would I ever wish to stop, as long as I’m physically able? Furthermore, the work keeps me vastly more strong and fit than almost anyone my age, the management keeps me on my mental toes, and the interaction with customers provides a rich and rewarding social network.
It matters not whether you run a farm, a pub, a family hardware store, an old-style medical practice, or a classic auto repair garage … for many of us in business the non-monetary rewards more than make up for the occasional tough year.
Gee, just think, now there’s a whole class which is about to join the farmers. Welcome. Larry