Still building at 71

I Didn’t Plan to Be Rebuilding My Life in My 70s — But Here I Am

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I’m 71 years old—almost 72—and this isn’t where I thought I’d be at this stage of life.
I’m not retired. I’ve never retired. I’m still working, still learning, and still figuring things out.

This post isn’t advice or a success story. It’s simply an honest reflection for anyone who finds themselves reassessing life later than they expected.

What I Got Wrong Early On

I believed effort alone would be enough. I underestimated how much structure, timing, and financial stability matter when you’re trying to build something new.

What Changed for Me

Teaching ESL grounded me. It reminded me that learning is slow, human, and cumulative—and that shortcuts usually come with a cost.

Where I Am Now

I’m still working. Still learning. Still adjusting. Not finished, but not broken either.

If you’re in a similar place—still trying, still unsure—you’re not broken.
You’re human. And you’re not alone.

4 thoughts on “I Didn’t Plan to Be Rebuilding My Life in My 70s — But Here I Am”

  1. Bob, thank you for sharing this so honestly. There’s real strength in speaking plainly about where you are without trying to turn it into a lesson or success story.

    “Not finished, but not broken” really says it all. Still learning, still working, still adjusting. That’s not failure, it’s resilience. Your words offer something rare: permission to keep going without shame, no matter the age or stage.

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  2. Why do people think reinventing yourself is exclusive to a certain age demographic? The most recent retiree that I’ve gotten to celebrate just turned 70 last December and I’m eager to see how everything plays out. All my life I’ve known this person to be super consumed with the work they do, but I continually remind them that it’s a whole new life when you have an abundance of freedom! Hopefully they come across a site like yours to follow others that’s similar to their situation.

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    • Hi Adrian, thanks for your comments. To address your question, which I suspect is rhetorical, in my opinion, the answer is too many people have preconceived notions about too many things. Too many people believe they are too old to start something new. In their case, it’s probably true, not because it’s actually true, but because they think it’s true. 

      There’s an old adage that says something to the effect of, those who think they can and those who think they can’t are both right.

      Bob

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