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Westside Story – Retired Six Months

October 1, 2013 By Joe Boyle

Boots

Story & Photo – Joseph Boyle

Today is October 1, 2013. It is amazing to me that I have been retired for six months. April Fools’ Day, 2013 seems like such a long time ago.

With some perspective, I can now answer the question, “What is it like to be retired?” I love it. In fact retirement is better than working and I am a guy who loved his job. Being retired makes me feel like I did when I was a kid in the 1950s, but with more donut money.

Nobody knows this, not even my former employer, but I feel I can trust you so I am going to tell you the truth about why I retired.

You see, I wore Danner boots when I worked at the police department. My left Danner boot started squeaking with every step. I reasoned that if you are retired and wear a squeaky boot, the worst thing that can happen is you irritate the people around you. If you are employed as a police officer searching a dark warehouse for a burglar and your boot squeaks, you will draw gunfire. I was faced with either spending $200 for a new pair of Danner boots or retiring, so I retired. I have always been thought of as a good decision maker.

What else could I do? It did not take me long to figure out that I can buy 73 short, wet Starbucks cappuccinos with the $200 boot money.

I am happy I retired and it is not like they gave me the boot.

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About Joe Boyle

Joe’s life is divided into 3 chapters. Chapter I: 25+ years in business including Estate Planning with New York Life, Revenue Officer with the U.S. Treasury Department, Sales Representative and gas main Extension King with Washington Natural Gas Company, Real Estate Broker, investor, developer, and property manager. Chapter II: 25 years in public service as a Pierce County Deputy Sheriff between the ages of 45 and 70. Chapter III: Began with an April Fool’s Day 2013 retirement and involves The Arts including Writing, Comedy, and the Blues. Currently Joe is a creator on Westside Story, The Benny's & Joey’s Quiz with Publisher Ben Sclair and Double Take with author / columnist Susanne Bacon. Joe has performed as an actor locally and done stand-up comedy in Seattle, Tacoma, New Jersey, and Las Vegas.

Comments

  1. Paul Webb says

    October 2, 2013 at 8:03 am

    Have a happy retirement Joe – and keep writing! I love your articles. Paul W.

  2. Lorraine Robertson says

    October 2, 2013 at 9:53 am

    Have a nice retirement and thanks for the wonderful stories. You helped me once a few years ago when my car broke down, will never forget it. Lorraine R.

  3. Mary Hammond says

    October 3, 2013 at 4:53 pm

    Do you still wear your squeaky boots, now that you don’t have to? That’s the most creative rationalization for retiring that I’ve heard. 🙂

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