@Jerry N. posted:This thread presents an ideal opportunity to introduce myself as I have finally joined the Forum. I recently retired at age 58 after 30 years as a public defender in a very large city situated by a very large lake. My initial plan, post-retirement, was to get a non-confrontational gig simply to maintain a semblance of structure in my day-to-day existence, thereby ensuring a regular bathing schedule, etc. COVID hit at just about the time I was finalizing my exit with the pension board, so a job search hasn’t been in the cards.
Turns out I’m doing fine. I am taking good care of myself, enjoying my wife’s company, corresponding regularly with my daughters, and waking up every morning without having a day in court hanging over my head. AND, I am using my new-found freedom to explore aspects of our hobby that I previously had no time to pursue.
You’ll be hearing from me sporadically as I butcher a Marx 333 or blow out my fuse box with a Lionel Type V.
Jerry, I totally understand.
Lawyers that litigate and do a lot of trial work have a hard life because of tremendous stress. Model railroading can be their salvation, as I say in my byline, which is also a lyric in my song about model railroading: "In my little world, I leave this troubled world behind."
As a family law attorney, I never had a lot of trials because most divorce cases get settled, often on the courthouse steps, but I had my share of trials, including a 4 month custody trial in Manhattan Family Court early in my career that I won! I enjoyed it even though I took a bath financially because it was such a new experience, I made some money and I have an extremely supportive wife.
After 42 years of law practice, it is wonderful for me to continue to do collaborative divorce and mediation work (which does not involve litigation or trials) to be very close to retiring from litigation, and when done with work, to indulge in my hobbies including model railroading.
My issue is that I enjoy model railroading much more when I have done some law related work and made some money doing it. I think that is because being a provider dude, like my dad, is so engrained in me, and I think of my trains as a reward for having done some work and making some money earlier in the day.
I mention this because it's good to consider all of one's available options. I believe that for me, semi-retiring, only doing work that you enjoy, as well as my hobbies, is the way to go.
We are all different, which is also a very good thing, IMO.
Arnold
