Retired lineman Scot Hale poses with a portion of his art collection in Fredericton.Chris Donovan/The Globe and Mail
In Tales from the Golden Age, retirees talk about their spending, savings and whether life after work is what they expected. For more articles in this series, click here.
Scot Hale, 67, Fredericton, N.B.
I retired two years ago, at the age of 65, after a long career in the utility industry. I worked as a lineman, powerline designer and business manager of a local union here in New Brunswick.
Retirement was a relief at first because my final job with the union was very stressful. I worked seasonally for many years earlier in my career and occasionally collected employment insurance, so I was aware of what the downtime in retirement might feel like. Still, it was interesting not to go to a job every day, as I always defined myself by what I did. But I changed gears quickly and took on new challenges.
I do some storm-chasing in retirement for fun and to earn extra cash. Storm-chasing is what we call it when you go out with a crew to help restore power lines during a storm. It’s like old home week when you’re going out with other retired linemen. It’s also very satisfying to help people get their lights back on. It’s a wonderful trade.
I keep active in other ways during retirement. For instance, I work out regularly, mostly jogging with weights. I was never a gym guy. My wife and I also like to travel – so far we’ve been to Hawaii and Ireland – and we have a rustic cabin not far from home where we can sit and watch the tides roll in and out. It’s pretty special.
I also like to collect art – something I’ve done for many years – and look for different ways to give back to my community. My wife convinced me to buy a retro Honda Monkey motorcycle as a retirement gift, which I like to ride around town. It usually gets a few laughs.
Mr. Hale rides his Honda Monkey in Odell Park in Fredericton.Chris Donovan/The Globe and Mail
I don’t worry about money in retirement because I was prepared financially. I grew up in a single-parent home where money was tight and I learned early on the value of a dollar. So, I’ve always lived below my means, saved and looked for opportunities to succeed financially. Whenever I made money working overtime, I invested it. My wife and I also have pensions.
I’ve mostly managed my own investment portfolio over the years. I took the Canadian Securities Course many years ago, when I was considering becoming a stockbroker. Although that didn’t pan out, the education has come in handy.
I also took my Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security benefits as soon as they became available and invested the funds. I’m the type to leave nothing on the table and consider myself financially savvy.
Also, both my wife and I are very marketable and continue to work part-time whenever the urge strikes. We don’t work because we have to, but because we want to.
The biggest challenge for me in retirement was how I would be perceived. I felt like a bit of a loser because I didn’t have a job. I used to think being old and retired would be terrible, but I don’t feel that way now that I’m in it.
A comfortable retirement has allowed me to appreciate and support my family and friends – especially my seven-year-old grandson. I am grateful for the gifts life has given me.
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 seeking participants for its Tales from the Golden Age feature, which examines the personal and financial realities of retirement. If you’re interested in being interviewed for this feature and agree to use your full name and have a photo taken, please e-mail us at: goldenageglobe@gmail.com. Please include a few details about how you saved and invested for retirement and what your life is like now.