In the series Happy with Retirement, we talk with retirees. How have they arranged their pension? And more importantly: how are they enjoying it now? We spoke to Jos Dumoleijn, who worked for Dow for almost 40 years and has been on leave since September 1. As of January 1, 2025, he will officially retire.
Jos Dumoleijn
Jos: “On January 1, 1985, I started at Dow in Terneuzen through a temporary employment agency. In 1987, I officially joined Dow. For the first ten years, I worked in the Dow library in an administrative role. After that, I became a planning and logistics service coordinator. In my last position, I worked as a production data analyst at Polyglycols.”
Preparing for retirement since summer
“At Dow, it was possible to save for leave (gross leave savings scheme). I took advantage of this. That’s why I’m now on leave for four months before my official retirement. This way, I can calmly prepare for January, starting from this summer.”
At 60, I already had a conversation about my retirement
“At 60, I already had a conversation with Dow about my retirement. Together, we went over everything I needed to consider. I also had calculations made through an external agency and the Dow pension fund. Through the pension fund, I had a meeting with a pension consultant, where I also received calculations. This gave me a clear understanding of my financial picture.”
Filling in the day
“You need hobbies, otherwise the days become long. My wife and I enjoy spending time with our five grandchildren. We look after them every week, and sometimes they stay for dinner, which is always nice. I also enjoy gardening, both at home and at my daughters’ place. Cycling and walking are other hobbies of mine, and I recently joined the local walking club. It’s a great way to build more social connections too.”
A job after all?
“Maybe next year, I’ll still work one day a week. For example, at a landscaping company. Something enjoyable and outdoors. It doesn’t necessarily have to be administrative work.
Good guidance
“Since I live in Belgium, there are some particularities to consider. Dow provided me with the right information to arrange this, such as for payroll tax. I’m satisfied with the support I received from both the company and the pension fund. The ‘Pensioenschets’ tool in ‘Mijn Pensioencijfers’ gives a clear picture of my financial situation in retirement.”
What goes through your mind when you're brushing your teeth at night?
“When I’m brushing my teeth at night, I think, ‘I can sleep in tomorrow! I don’t have to get up at 5:30 in the morning anymore.’ The pressure is off, and that’s really nice. I wake up, read the newspaper. But, I also wonder how my colleagues are doing. I enjoyed working at Dow. It’s a great employer, and everything was well organized when I joined and when I left. It was perfect.”