Today marks the first day of my official retirement!!!
I have completed the main mission of the Role Playing Game (RPG) called work, having maxed my levels and dealt with quite a few side missions that came my way. My work as a software engineer (programmer as we used to say), IT Architect, Inventor, Technology Blogger, Metaverse Evangelist and virtual world builder and finally Industry Analyst for industrial IoT formed the main story arc. Of course, TV presenter, Sci-Fi author and Dr of Technology(hons) are all part of the fun too.
I have worked with some wonderful people over the years too and learned a lot from everyone, so more than anything thank you all!
Of course huge love and thanks also go to my very supportive family, especially my wife Jan, who will now have to put up with my new relaxed state, but will keep me busy I am sure.
Time now for more technology and creative pursuits with an extra helping of martial arts as my character sheet still has some numbers to ramp up. Aiming to write book 3 in the Reconfigure series next year too. Obviously, any advisory roles that pop up I will happily take a look as I have spent this 35+ year career helping others and will continue to do so.
A lot fewer people will see my ever-growing collection of items on my backdrop (hence the video) of my office on video calls, an ice breaker and memory aide in many conversations, but it’s not going anywhere either.
Once again, thank you everyone who has made this part of the journey of life such a blast. I hope you all get through your main mission with as much fun as I have had!
I will continue (or rather restart) posting here on Feeding Edge and all the other places I may have been a bit quieter on recently. There are so many interesting things to observe and engage with.
Huge congratulations on completing the main quest!
It really comes through how much passion and curiosity you’ve poured into your work over the years. Retirement here doesn’t feel like an ending at all, more like a new chapter with even more freedom to explore. Wishing you lots of fun, creativity, and well-earned enjoyment in this next phase.
I love the RPG analogy — maxed levels, side missions and all. What a career arc! It’s rare to see someone reflect back with so much joy and gratitude rather than burnout. Sounds like the post-game content is going to be just as interesting. Enjoy every moment of it!
What a fantastic milestone. Thank you for sharing this reflection — it’s inspiring to read about a career driven by curiosity, generosity, and creativity. Clearly a lot of people have benefited from your work and perspective over the years. Wishing you and your family all the very best for what comes next.
This was such a joyful read. You can really feel the excitement of stepping into a new, more relaxed mode — even if “relaxed” still includes tech, books, and martial arts! Congrats on an amazing journey so far, and looking forward to seeing what you get up to next.