Working after retirement: Paul Higham
Retirement isn't what it used to be as life expectancy is at record levels. For some, working after retirement is just about money, but for others is an opportunity. After Paul Higham retired and, in consequence, stopped working at the British Consulate of Vietnam, he realized that his professional career hadn't ended yet. Nowadays, he works part time in Shutta as the Office Manager providing a great organization and administration of the information and resources.
Why not stop working? What are the advantages and disadvantages from continuing to work after retirement? How different is the Shutta work environment from previous jobs? These and other questions will be answered in this interview!
1. What brought you to Vietnam?
I spent 22 years working for a college in the UK initially lecturing in computer programming and software engineering. For the last 10 years I was the Director, International Business which involved recruiting students from mainly South East Asia and South America. A change in family circumstances meant I had the opportunity to change career paths. The result was that, at the age of 50, I moved to Vietnam to run an English language school. After about 18 months I was then hired by the British Consulate General to basically run the office. I stayed there for 14 years before I was made redundant for financial reasons.
Photo by Paul Higham
2. What are you passionate about?
I am not really passionate about anything! I played squash for about 40 years until old age (more specifically poor eyesight) caught up with me – I now go to the gym 3 times a week. I enjoy football and have been a lifelong Spurs supporter. I like traveling and have visited about 49 different countries so far, hoping to make 50 in the not too distant future.
3. What has been your greatest accomplishment to date?
I would not say I have a single accomplishment but there are 2 events that come to mind of which I am proud. Both were during my time at the college. Firstly, I was a co-writer (one of four) of the first ever Higher National Diploma in Software Engineering in the UK. This diploma is about second year Honours degree level. Secondly, I represented the whole of UK Further Education (about 650 colleges) on the education Board of Directors of the British Council.
4. What have you been up to after retiring and before starting to work on Shutta?
Initially I went to the UK and Norway for a break and, on return, did some volunteer work for Saigon Children’s Charity, mainly to help with their Summer Ball which is their big fund raising event of the year. I then spent some time basically doing nothing, went to Malaysia for the GP and then joined Shutta.
Photos by Paul Higham
5. Why not stop working?
Initially the thought of not getting up for work and having time to yourself is very appealing, however, if you do not have a hobby and are still healthy there comes a point when doing nothing becomes boring. Hence, I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity at Shutta which I readily accepted.
6. Why Shutta?
The Directors of Shutta were aware (I’ve known them for some years) that, in the distant past, I had written programs and taught software engineering. They also knew that I had managed the office at the British Consulate General. At one time I thought I might take up programming again but realized that I wasn’t sure I wanted the commitment to start again. However, Shutta was looking for someone to run the ‘back office’. As with many things in life it is sometimes about luck, Shutta had a job they needed doing and I wanted something to do and they felt I could do what they wanted.
7. What are your main tasks in this new job?
Shutta is expanding and procedures needed to be put in place in preparation for the expansion. Currently I am writing HR type documents such as Terms and Conditions, recruitment procedures, an induction program, appraisal process, reorganizing the file structures to store the new documents. All necessary for an expanding business.
8. Do you stay updated on the latest technologies? Are you in any social network?
The short answer to this is no. I do not have a Facebook account or any other social media account. It may seem strange that I work in a company which is highly involved with social media and modern technology but, my job essentially evolves around basic management information stuff so, although some of the things I see in the office are interesting, I do not need them to do my job.
9. How would you describe the culture at Shutta? How is working in a high-tech start-up different to the work environments you have previously worked in?
Good question. The working environment is totally different. Most of my working life has been spent essentially working for government. This means more formal attire. In the Foreign Office in London it is very much a suit and tie environment. Here, due to the climate, normal attire is shirt and trousers, no tie or suit unless there is an important meeting. Shutta is somewhat more relaxed, shorts, flip flops are normal. The Foreign Office allows a ‘dress down Friday’ where, unless having a meeting, jeans and t-shirts is fine. This is relatively new - last 10 years or so. Not that long ago (30 years!) you had to ask permission to take your jacket off in the office! I am not sure it would be possible to dress down at Shutta unless a swimming costume was deemed ok! Personally, I do not think it makes a difference as to what you wear as long as you perform your job to the best of your ability. I still wear shirt and trousers so my colleagues probably think I am weird!
10. What are the benefits you get from continuing to work after retirement?
I think the main benefit is having a structure to life. As I said earlier, doing nothing sounds great, and it is for a while, but I believe you need to stay active both in mind and body. It is possible, as I do, to have a slightly shortened working day to take some advantage of being retired – not getting up early is certainly an advantage as is a salary!
11. And disadvantages?
Overall, personally, there are no major disadvantages. Occasionally it would be nice not to have to get up to go to work – especially after staying up until 4am watching Spurs – but those times do not happen very often.
Photo by Paul Higham
12. Any future plans?
Work wise would be to help Shutta as much as I can for as long as I can and hope the company continues to thrive. Personally, to visit my 50th country within the year, maybe at Lunar New Year.
13. Do you have any warnings, suggestions or advice for those who might be considering retirement?
I think it depends on circumstances. Some people have a hobby or an interest that they can concentrate on to keep them busy. For others, like me, after the initial taking it easy spell that, in itself, becomes a chore. I was lucky enough to find a job but charity work is also something that can help people keep busy.
Paul Higham,
Shutta Office Manager.