The Joy of Purpose: Why I Haven’t Retired

The Joy of Purpose: Why I Haven’t Retired

 Five years ago, I confided in my daughter that I was ready to retire. After decades as a retina specialist—one of the busiest in the country—I had achieved financial stability, no longer needing to work. Retirement seemed the natural next step: a chance to unwind, travel, and savor the rewards of my labor. Yet today, rather than slowing down, I find myself more engaged than ever, performing surgeries with renewed vigor and a profound sense of fulfillment. In addition to clinic work in Kentucky, I am deeply involved with eyecare in Belize, Guatemala and glasses in classes program at local schools. When my daughter recently asked why I haven’t retired, I realized the answer is both simple and deeply meaningful: true happiness lies not in abandoning work, but in having a purpose to wake up for each day.

For many, retirement represents liberation from the grind of a career—a well-deserved respite from responsibility and a gateway to leisure. Society often conditions us to view work as a burden to endure until we can escape it. However, I discovered a different truth during a six-week hiatus caused by a shoulder injury that left me in a sling, unable to operate. Without the ability to perform surgery, I found that my happiness wasn’t rooted solely in relaxation—it was tied to a purpose. Each morning, I now rise knowing I can restore someone’s vision through intricate procedures that transform lives. The awareness that my skills remain valuable and that my hands can still make a difference fills me with deep satisfaction.

Retina surgery has never been merely a job for me; it is a craft, a calling, and a source of ongoing challenge and inspiration. Initially, I thought I was prepared to step away, but I soon realized I wasn’t seeking an absence of work—I was craving an abundance of meaning. The act of healing, the precision of surgery, and the gratitude of my patients reaffirm daily why I chose this path. I believe God has entrusted me with a gift, and as long as I am able to perform surgeries with skill, I am compelled to use it to help others.

Beyond the operating room, my continued practice offers another invaluable reward: connection. My colleagues, staff, and patients form a vibrant community that enriches my life. The intellectual stimulation of discussing complex cases, the mentorship I provide to younger doctors, and the endearing friendships I’ve cultivated over the years are irreplaceable. Work transcends financial necessity; it is a means of engaging with the world and contributing to something greater than myself.

Many define success by the ability to retire comfortably, but I see it differently. The fact that I no longer need to work yet choose to do so with enthusiasm underscores that happiness isn’t about shirking responsibility—it’s about embracing what gives life meaning. As the philosopher Marcus Aurelius wisely noted, “When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love.”

So, when my daughter asks why I haven’t retired, my response is straightforward: I am happy. I awaken each day anticipating the work I do, the lives I touch, and the opportunity to refine my skills. Retirement may come eventually, but for now, I choose purpose, passion, and the profound joy of pursuing what I love.