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I think you're right in that for many people, life is directionless without work and a schedule handed to them. I find it incredible that there are politicians

by prawn 6y ago

I think you're right in that for many people, life is directionless without work and a schedule handed to them. I find it incredible that there are politicians in their 70s and 80s - especially considering the demands that job would have in terms of travel and public events. Buy a caravan and go on an extended holiday like the stereotypical retiree! And that there are exceptionally wealthy people still with their nose to the grindstone.

barry-cotter 6y ago
Those politicians and businesses people are living their best life, doing the thing they are excellent at. Not what I’d do in their situations but no one asks why a novelist or painter is still practicing their art in their 90s.
- prawn 6y ago
  An artist or writer would have the bulk of their time in their studio or at their desk. Things that people aspire to do as a hobby. There'd optionally be time at galleries/openings. A politician would have day after day packed with events and travel. You'd need to be switched on, constantly. I can appreciate that a career politician would feel it was their calling, but I often wonder when they plan to step back and let others influence proceedings.
  - barry-cotter 6y ago
    These politicians and businesspeople are also doing things they’d do as a hobby. They’re talking to tons of people, organizing things and getting things done. They’re doing extrovert things. Not my preference but de gustibus non est disputandum.
    - prawn 6y ago
      Fair enough. I'm sure there are similar opportunities with less gruelling schedules though! I remember reading a HN thread years ago about retirement hastening decline for some people. I guess many just don't know different or don't find/enjoy hobbies in a holiday context (fossicking for gems, photography, fishing, etc). For an extrovert, it might be volunteering, but then I guess maybe the 80yo politician views what they're doing as volunteering.

by prawn 6y ago

barry-cotter 6y ago

Those politicians and businesses people are living their best life, doing the thing they are excellent at. Not what I’d do in their situations but no one asks why a novelist or painter is still practicing their art in their 90s.

prawn 6y ago
An artist or writer would have the bulk of their time in their studio or at their desk. Things that people aspire to do as a hobby. There'd optionally be time at galleries/openings. A politician would have day after day packed with events and travel. You'd need to be switched on, constantly. I can appreciate that a career politician would feel it was their calling, but I often wonder when they plan to step back and let others influence proceedings.
- barry-cotter 6y ago
  These politicians and businesspeople are also doing things they’d do as a hobby. They’re talking to tons of people, organizing things and getting things done. They’re doing extrovert things. Not my preference but de gustibus non est disputandum.
  - prawn 6y ago
    Fair enough. I'm sure there are similar opportunities with less gruelling schedules though! I remember reading a HN thread years ago about retirement hastening decline for some people. I guess many just don't know different or don't find/enjoy hobbies in a holiday context (fossicking for gems, photography, fishing, etc). For an extrovert, it might be volunteering, but then I guess maybe the 80yo politician views what they're doing as volunteering.