In the Happy with Retirement column, we talk to retirees. How have they organised their retirement and how are they enjoying it? This time, we are talking to Alvaro J. Ribes (66). After 34 years of working at Dow, he retired in October. 'I worked full-time until the end. Now it is time for some other activities.'
Alvaro: 'Dow has always given me a lot of room to develop myself. I lived and worked in the US for 15 years and also got my PhD there. I also worked in Argentina for a year before coming to the Netherlands.'
Privilege of a broad career
Until his retirement, he fulfilled a role in the global R&D team in which he was given a lot of room to direct learning and development initiatives. 'It was a role that challenged me and gave me great satisfaction, precisely because I could contribute to sustainable progress. I have had the privilege of a broad career, with positions in research, logistics, human resources and improving work processes. What has always motivated me is understanding how all these components combine to create value for society.'
Meaningful work
'I am proud to have worked for a company that develops innovative materials that contribute directly to people's daily lives. This multi-faceted experience not only enriched me professionally, but also gave me a deep sense of meaning in my work.'
'I am my own CEO now'
In the course of his career, he already thought about retirement. 'At a fairly young age, I was already aware that a happy post-career life requires sufficient financial resources. For me, a pension primarily is the financial instrument for personal freedom. That way, I can do the activities I enjoy and I have room to acquire new experiences. I am my own CEO now.'
From gardening and mosaics to guest lectures
In practice, that means a wide range of activities including gardening, learning foreign languages and working with mosaics, as well as taking courses, giving guest lectures, and enjoying travel and culture. 'Of course, you have to be healthy and lucky in this regard. That's why you can regularly find me in the gym. Above all, I won't sit still and I like to keep challenging myself.'
Bigger than yourself
What does he miss the most? 'Connecting with colleagues and doing work that is meaningful and purposeful. Within an organisation, you can work together on something bigger than yourself. I do miss that sense of shared impact. In the future, I might look for that again in volunteer work.'