News
At 65, He Chose ‘Soft Retirement’ — Working Three Days a Week and Taking Longer Vacations
George Crabtree retired from his job as a commercial printer shortly before turning 65, expecting to spend more time with his wife and enjoy life outs...
By Wavers Multimedia
His retirement, however, lasted only 11 days.
Crabtree, who had worked for the same commercial printing company for 10 years, was contacted by one of his former bosses after a colleague went on medical leave and another unexpectedly quit. He agreed to return, but only under flexible, part-time conditions.
Rather than returning to a traditional full-time schedule, Crabtree agreed to work three days a week, usually on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. His hours are flexible, and he can occasionally work overtime when needed.
For Crabtree, the arrangement offered a balance between earning an income and enjoying the freedom he had wanted from retirement.
He said he and his wife could manage financially without his paycheck, but continuing to work gave him another reason to stay active. He also valued the opportunity to help his former colleagues during a staffing shortage.
Crabtree had already reduced his responsibilities before retiring. Three years earlier, he asked his employer to allow him to work fewer hours after becoming tired of managing as many as 23 employees. The company reduced his working hours and allowed him to step away from his supervisory position.
More time for travel and other interests
The part-time arrangement has also given Crabtree more freedom outside work.
He is an avid gardener and volunteers at Bellevue Botanical Garden, where he takes part in activities including maintaining paths and working on landscaping projects.
He also goes to the gym three times a week and has been able to take extended holidays with his wife.
The couple travelled to China in March, visiting Shanghai and using high-speed trains during the trip. They are planning another trip to Nevada in November and may return to China for Lunar New Year.
Crabtree said the arrangement has benefited his physical and emotional well-being, although he is unsure how long he will continue with it.
His experience illustrates one version of what has become known as “soft retirement” stepping away from full-time work without completely leaving the workforce. Instead of choosing between a demanding career and full retirement, Crabtree has settled on a schedule that gives him both work and considerable time away from it.