A Day in the Life of a VW Retiree
James Miller, a retired Volkswagen (VW) technician, begins his day with the same meticulousness that defined his 35-year career at the VW plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Now 65, he rises with the sun and takes his time savoring the simple pleasures of life—something his rigorous work schedule once made difficult.
His mornings start with brewing a pot of freshly ground coffee. The aroma fills his modest, neatly kept home, a far cry from the industrial hustle and bustle he once considered his second home. He reads the newspaper, skimming through the latest auto industry news with a sense of nostalgia and curiosity. The printed words evoke memories of year-end targets, breakthrough models, and the camaraderie of his workshop days.
After his morning routine, James puts on his walking shoes and heads out for a stroll around the neighborhood. This leisure walk is a stark contrast to the structured movements of his previous job, where precision was paramount. The local park, filled with the cheerful chatter of children and the rustling leaves of ancient oaks, provides him a therapeutic escape. He stops to chat with fellow retirees, exchanging stories that are often less about their past jobs and more about their current joys and challenges.
Returning home, James dedicates part of his day to his personal projects. The garage that once housed his Volkswagen Golf, a symbol of his devotion to the brand, is now a workshop of a different kind. Wooden planks, vintage tools, and half-finished birdhouses are scattered around. His hands, once deftly fixing complex engine problems, now craft intricate woodwork. Each creation is a testament to his lifelong ethos of craftsmanship and pride in manual labor.
Lunch is a simple affair, often consisting of a sandwich and a side of chips, enjoyed while watching a rerun of his favorite shows. Today, it’s "Top Gear," and the familiar hum of engines and the sight of sleek cars on the screen transport him back to the shop floor, even if just momentarily.
In the afternoon, James frequently volunteers at a local community center, helping kids with science projects and basic engineering principles. His eyes light up as he explains the workings of a combustion engine or the intricacies of electrical circuits. He believes that fostering curiosity and a hands-on approach in the next generation is his way of giving back.
Evenings see James unwinding with a book or catching up on emails from old colleagues with whom he still keeps in touch. They reminisce about the good old days and discuss the current state of the automotive industry. While he no longer wears the VW logo on his uniform, the bond he shares with the brand and its people remains robust.
Dinner with his wife, Becky, is one of the highlights of his day. They talk about their children, share memories, and plan small weekend getaways. Travel, which was once infrequent due to work commitments, is now something they relish.
As night falls, James reflects on his life with a content heart. While he misses the action and buzz of his former job, retirement has brought him peace and the chance to rediscover passions long buried under the layers of a busy career. His story is a testament to how life after retirement can be just as fulfilling, albeit in different, often unexpected, ways.