In this instalment of the series, we talk to Frank Hiel (61). After 38 years of working at Dow, he has been a man of leisure since 24 April. In the early days of his retirement, he would sometimes open his laptop to see how things were going at the factory. But not anymore!
Frank: 'I started at Dow as a process operator and I ended my time there as an area coordinator. I went from being behind the panel myself to having overall responsibility for seven factories and 20 operators. Almost all that time, I worked shifts.'
Lots of fun times
'I enjoyed my work a lot. Big shutdowns were perhaps my favourite. The preparation, drawing up procedures, working out everything that needed fixing. And where things could be done better. That was challenging and so rewarding!'
'But the time I was involved in building a new factory in Terneuzen was also great fun. You watch it growing, from an expanse of sand to a fully operational factory. Plus I went to the US for training and to Canada.'
Sleeping during the day gets harder
'When I was approaching 60, I got some calculations done for my pension. They didn't disappoint. Whereas working shifts was starting to get me down. I was finding it harder to sleep during the day - and to switch from one shift to another.'
'I stopped working on 24 April. At the moment, I'm still taking saved leave; my pension starts on 1 October. It still feels like an extended holiday. I always used to have extra time off in summer anyway. Only now I don't have to go back. That definitely feels different.'
'No time to get bored!'
'I did wonder if I'd fall into a rut, but far from it. I like doing odd jobs: for my kids, at my wife's flower shop or with friends. I regularly babysit my two grandchildren. Brewing beer is another thing I enjoy. And when nothing needs doing, we cycle around the local area or go on holiday. I haven't had much time to get bored yet!'
'Dow Pension Fund's pension scheme gives you the option to take your pension earlier than 67. I had a few conversations about it with specialists at AZL. I was really impressed with how well they explained everything.'
'There's so much to do! How I ever found time to work, I'll never know. Maybe I'll make it to 85, but you never know how much time you have left. Now I'm a man of leisure and can enjoy myself.'