The End Game
It's pretty much all we're thinking about nowadays. "There has to be a way out..." or "How can I retire like now?" Not many of us will be able to retire before we're septuagenarians, but if you're not thinking about it daily you're probably rich and don't have this problem. Or maybe life is just too hard for you to even imagine an end to the struggle. I'm not here to tell you it's possible for you or that it's going to happen ever, but if it did... What's on your final act list? What would you do?
I can see the wheels turning, and there's plenty to consider... Do I spend time watching cute puppies for an hourly wage? Do I drive a school bus to help out the community? Maybe volunteer at a food bank? In reality, my main goal if money was no object would be to sleep... For a year... After cocooning, I'll venture out and find a nice hobby.
Well, my hobby happens to be wine. It's not my only hobby mind you, plenty of other things I could do (and just might) but enology and wine studies are really something I want to explore. Now, I'm a chemist by degree, but my lab days are too far in the rearview to go back. The days of mixing it up in vats of muck, though appealing are pretty much over. I do however want to learn more than just the scores in Wine Spectator and very importantly share my knowledge. So instead of looking back, I'm looking in the cellar. Sommeliers are the face of wine. They get to commune over and enjoy the fruits of the vineyard. And they don't have to live there to do it.
You have to do your homework though. The WSET is the most popular set of courses for becoming a Master sommelier. I'm happy to hear about more if anyone wants to share, but for now my goals are set. I'm a sucker for a certification and this will be my major award. My leg lamp in the window, if you will. I'll save the ruby red details of how I came to this genius plan for another post, but my love of wine is grown from a place of joy and admiration, I assure you. Being a Master Sommelier isn't an absolute though. The Level 1 through Level 4 exams are increasingly difficult and will most likely kick my butt. You have to have a dream, and the lottery just ain't hitting the mark.
All of this to say that after 30 years of hard work, I've found my exit strategy for retirement. I'll be sharing the journey here for anyone who is curious or might be beginning their own end game. I encourage you to find your peace, whether it's where you are at now or way far away. One thing I know for certain is that no one is going to give it to you.
Til the last drop. -N
