When I made the decision to retire, I didn’t envisage learning new skills to keep myself occupied. I arrogantly believed that I had enough hobbies and sufficient existing skills to absorb the idle time available to me.
As it turned out, Isaac Asimov was spot on when he said, “You are never too old to learn more than you already know and to become able to do more than you already can.” I discovered, to my chagrin, that none of my existing hobbies would adequately fill my spare time.
Growing up, I always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. I tried several times, but my fingers hurt too much. I even tried learning how to play the violin, which, admittedly, is a more difficult instrument to master than the guitar. Also, although I love music intensely, I had to admit that I possessed zero musical talent, or even the potential to learn, if I was being honest.
Actually, I was terrible with my hands. I was always more comfortable with thinking, analysing and problem-solving. My background is in telecommunications network engineering and project management. My strengths were mental, not physical. So, things like woodworking and metalworking were never going to be a feature of my interests. I am reasonably good, though, at co-opting skilled labour to do the heavy lifting.
Anyway, not only did I decide to learn a new skill, but I also managed to find one. I am currently learning how to code using a variation of the C++ programming language, designed for Arduino development boards, to control electronic components. It’s early days, and I’m still a little disorganised as this photograph of my workbench demonstrates.
However, I have big plans for projects that will automate my living space and other trivial needs, such as controllable ambient lighting for my listening room. I don’t know where this will ultimately lead, but it’s certainly absorbing and enjoyable.
lenny unencumbered 