The family (and very old friends) know me as a tech-nerd. Some folks realize that two years on a boat and five years working in four locations makes me more of a tech nomad than simply a high-tech geek. We moved around a lot.
But.
Retirement — it seems — raises many questions.
The idea of leaving “work” without much transition time is confusing to folks. I’m guessing it’s because they have sophisticated careers and complex legacies of policies and organizational initiatives.
“I’m writing full-time,” is met with furrowed brows and follow-up questions.
“I have a bunch of technology books,” is one answer that seems to satisfy extended family members.
It’s a less abrupt transition from tech work to tech writing. The path is easy to visualize as a downhill trot. It’s like I’m still clinging to my former “career” and keeping a hand in the old business. Or something.
(I didn’t really have a career for most of my working life. Early on, and at the very end, there was a kind trajectory. Most of it, however, was a succession of random encounters.)
I’m really trying to make a more abrupt transition from my tech-nerd work-life. When this book is done, I will chase #grimdark fiction more aggressively — with relentless purpose — until I master it or die trying.
(I’m only 65, I have a lot of time to learn the craft.)