You know how sometimes a smell can take you back in time? You can’t identify exactly what the smell is, but it just reminds you of something from your earlier life.

You’re transported there for a few seconds and that’s all. It’s gone again in a flash.

Well, I was driving out of my estate around 9pm the other evening when I had one of those moments.

It was a nice, balmy night, and I don’t know if it was something on the radio or the smell of freshly cut grass or a combination of all that, but for a split second, it felt like I was going on night duty.

A little strange given that I’ve been retired for the last 11 years, but it reminded me of those occasions back then when I’d have to forfeit a family gathering to go to work. Or abandon a barbecue just when everyone else was settling in for the night.

I got a warm, fuzzy feeling when I came back to the real world and realised I wasn’t actually going anywhere important. The time of the day didn’t matter either because I am no longer governed by the clock. I am a free agent and I love it.

Retirement isn’t for everyone though. I have self-employed friends who have their money made but refuse to retire. They love what they do and want to keep at it.

I met one recently doing a painting job, and I was surprised to hear he is 80 years old. He doesn’t look it. He told me he has no intention of retiring because he’d find it too difficult to sit........

© Evening Echo