Retired air traffic controller William Jesse looking over his restored 1949 Chevrolet pickup truck at his home in Victoria, B.C., on Nov. 4.CHAD HIPOLITO/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.
William Jesse, 77, Victoria
I officially retired in 1994 at the age of 49, after a career in the aviation industry. I had a chance to leave with a good pension, so I did. Being a shift worker, I had plenty of time off, so I knew that when I retired I would easily adapt. My wife and I then moved from Montreal to Victoria.
After a few months of being retired, I decided I need to do something to pass the time, to keep my mind and body active. My pension was adequate, so working postretirement was not for financial gain. I did it for enjoyment. I took a job at a company that restores vintage aircraft – not the kind in a museum, but ones that actually fly.
I did that for a couple of years but then decided it was time for a change. I stopped working again and focused on fixing things around the house as well as my hobbies, including restoring vintage trucks.
Another hobby is doing magic, which I got into when my kids were younger. One day, in my mid-50s, the owner of a local magic shop asked if I would work for him part-time. I did that for a few years, working behind the counter and demonstrating magic to customers. It was a great experience because I met a lot of people.
I also worked as a movie extra and was in about a dozen films such as The Engagement Ring (my 1949 Chevrolet vintage truck also had a cameo role in that one) and The Road to Perdition.
One of the last jobs I had, until about 10 years ago, was working in the funeral industry as a “para-funeral,” or an assistant at a funeral home. It was one of the most rewarding jobs I had, helping to support grieving families.
Mr. Jesse at his home in Victoria.CHAD HIPOLITO/GM
I also cared for my wife for a couple of years before she died of cancer in 2017. It’s been very difficult without her. I’ve been more of a homebody since she passed away. This might sound silly to some people, but my blind cat Rey – Spanish for king – brings me a lot of joy and comfort. My wife and I rescued him from Cuba a year before she died. Without him, life would be very hard.
I have a pension, so I don’t concern myself with the ups and downs of the stock market. However, I have noticed the effects of inflation. I price shop a lot more than I used to, but that’s also part of retirement. I find it kind of fun. I have one credit card, which I seldom use.
Life isn’t perfect, but it’s good. I think retiring early is the best thing you can do if you can afford it. I know people in their early 70s who are still working and like it. It’s a personal choice. When you do retire, you need to have something to do. If you don’t, then you’re in big trouble.
As told to Brenda Bouw
Life isn’t perfect, but it’s good, says Mr. Jesse.CHAD HIPOLITO/GM
This interview has been edited and condensed.
