Retirement Clock is Ticking

Stardate 07.05.2026

The retirement clock started ticking the moment I promised my wife that I would not work any longer than one day after my 70th birthday.

It struck me this morning as I woke up. Four years from today, on Stardate 07.05.2030, I will officially retire from my day job.

I rarely write about my work here because I'm not authorized to speak publicly about many aspects of it on social media beyond my own personal experiences. What I can say without hesitation is that I have one of the best jobs in the world. I truly love what I do.

I simply happen to love my wife even more.

Yesterday she gave me one of the greatest birthday gifts I could have received: family time.

From sunrise to sunset, I caught a glimpse of what life may feel like after I punch the clock for the very last time. Like my day job, my family mostly remains outside the reach of social media unless everyone is comfortable with sharing a photo or two. Some moments are meant to be treasured long before they are ever photographed.

I want to thank my friends and family for giving me the best birthday I could have imagined.

I savored every moment.

I treasured every phone call.

One call will stay with me for a very long time.

My mother called me at the exact moment I was born sixty-six years ago. She was sitting in the same home where my sisters and I were raised. She sang "Happy Birthday" to me, and for a few minutes the years seemed to disappear.

The emotions ran high.

We nearly lost her during a serious health emergency that kept her in intensive care for an extended period. Watching her recover has been one of the greatest blessings our family has experienced. Hearing her voice yesterday reminded me that some gifts cannot be wrapped.

This past year has carried its share of twists and turns, and the calendar for the rest of this year is already full.

Today, my heart simply says thank you.

Thank you for being part of my life.

Thank you for your friendship.

Thank you for your patience with my shortcomings.

There is meaningful work waiting for me during these next four years at my day job. There is also much to prepare as Helen and I begin looking toward the next chapter of our lives together. I hope that when we begin traveling full-time, our paths will cross with many of yours wherever life has taken you.

As the retirement clock continues its steady countdown, I find myself appreciating each day a little more. Every sunrise is another opportunity to serve well, love deeply, and prepare faithfully for whatever God has planned next.

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." — Psalm 118:24

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

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Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Four years sounds close enough to start celebrating, Captain."

Spock: "An understandable sentiment, Doctor. Logic suggests that meaningful service continues until the final shift has ended."

Michael: Every season has its own assignment. Mine is to finish this one with gratitude, then step into the next with Helen by my side and faith leading the way.

Mission Log: The retirement clock is ticking, but today remains a gift. I'll do my best to honor it well.

Thank you for walking this journey with me.

May you live long and prosper. 🖖