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ITS NEVER TOO LATE

While you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to repair antique clocks, Michael Brewer, age 80, of Carrollton, Texas, proves that it doesn’t hurt to be one.  Working seven days a week in his garage workshop, Mr. Brewer gives us another great example of figuring out a way to get paid during retirement years by doing  something we enjoy as a hobby.

He started out repairing clocks that his wife had purchased for her antique shop.  At that time, he was still employed full-time for one of America’s largest aerospace contractors in support of NASA’s Space Shuttle program.  Beginning in experimental missiles and fighter aircraft, Mr. Brewer had played an integral scientific role in every step of America’s space program.  He figured correctly that if he could design and work on the most sophisticated rocket engines and components in NASA’s arsenal, he could probably take apart and repair timepieces from the 1800’s.

WORK A FULL DAY

Arriving in his shop every morning by 7:30, Mr. Brewer’s days are now spent repairing clocks of every description sent to him from across the country.  Most repairs take 2-4 hours of his time.  During all of his careful work, Mr. Brewer is mindful of the importance the clock has in the lives of his customers, their families, and, in most cases, the generations before them who used the same timepiece.

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Often the markings and traces of the original craftsman who made the clock are still evident after hundreds of years.  Small items of all description are also not uncommon to find once the clock is opened from owners over the years.

DO IT FOR LOVE

Understanding that many of the clocks he repairs come from older individuals on fixed incomes, Mr. Brewer is often scolded by his wife for not charging enough for his services.  He says that he personally doesn’t need much for his time, and he’s happy to help others who need his unique repair abilities.  House calls, though, all result in an extra $100 on the bill.

Now, well past normal retirement age, Mr. Brewer is active each day providing an unusual service and generating supplemental retirement income.  He’s using his brain to still solve complex problems, just as he has his entire working life.

AND DO IT FOR MONEY

For him, Mr. Brewer found a new way to apply his considerable intellect and mechanical skills that allow him to work from home, on his own time, at his own pace, and still bring in decent money.

What do you like to do that might be of value to someone else?  Just start thinking about it.   Some ideas will come to you.  Really!