Build with Clay #101: Retirement
A bi-weekly newsletter sparking personal growth
Hi, reader!
31 year old Tara Dower recently completed all 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail in just over 40 days. For context, most people take at least 6 months. Trivia for today: How many states does the Appalachian Trail cross? Bonus: name them!
With that, welcome to the 101st newsletter! This one is all about Retirement.
A timeline.
In March of 2016 I had my first child.
In December of 2018 I lost my father.
In May of 2020 I set a goal to retire by 2026.
In February of 2024 I alerted my boss that my retirement was within reach.
In August of 2024 I gave my boss my official retirement date.
In December of 2024 I will retire.
A thought.
Those first two items on the timeline, having a child and losing a father, showed me how short life is.
Which led to a dynamic shift in my priorities.
My focus shifted from climbing the corporate ladder to valuing our two most precious resources: our time and our attention.
This shift in priorities is what led me set a goal to retire.
To free up my time and my attention.
And sure, setting a goal is good.
Accomplishing the goal feels rewarding.
But what I really need…
Is for everyone to send thoughts and prayers for my wife, who will now have me around a lot more!
I can’t help that my love language is quality time!
You may ask, what will you do now, Clay?
Well, for the next 6 months, I plan to say no to any new long-term commitments.
As I have been encouraged to give myself plenty of space and time for pause.
To then see what I naturally gravitate towards.
Through the process, my vow is to not forget why I am retiring:
To spend my time and attention to be a present father, a loving husband, a caring friend and a compassionate community member.
I trust you will hold me accountable!
Where are your time and attention spent today? Where do you want them directed in the future?
A quote.
“No man on his death bed ever looked up into the eyes of his family and friends and said, “I wish I’d spent more time at the office”.”
Answer: 14 (Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine)
Indeed a special edition, Clay! I have always looked forward to your newsletters. Many of which are profound yet simple to digest. Trust you will continue to afford the time in annotating your reflections. Your penmanship predates ChatGPT - thankfully. It is not far reaching to suggest, then, that these newsletters form part of your time and contribution to the community at large.
Good luck to your wife!
And, warmest wishes my friend in carving out a new, meaningful journey.
Congratulations on a new phase of your life, Clay. I cant call it retirement. That's too old a term that carries baggage. You are off on a new adventure... with vision and focus. Well done.
I retired a couple of times over my life. Each time was to do something new... move to a new country, be with kids, learn, do, study, travel, experience, ...... I got another degree at age 55. Currently, I'm dabbling to be an artist (!?) Grandmothing is a very important role for the season of life.
So. Congrats for what is ahead. Both you and Whitney will have time and energy for new experiences and goals. And that's not retiring.