[Seahawk]

Since the company I am part owner in is located in the foothills of NC, a retirement hotbed, I have learned a lot about who does well in "retirement".

Some, like Jim, thrive on being retired. A lot of engineers do.

Management types need outlets and feedback and often do poorly ("I am so bored" is a common refrain) unless they are attached to a project, something tangible they are "in charge" of. These are the folks that become HOA Nazi's.

The middle group finds satisfaction in volunteering, part-time work, sports, etc.

We use the management types a lot, for proposal work, legwork on specific regulations concerning our business, UAS laws, preparing for audits and inspections, etc. We 1099 and pay $25 an hour or so depending. They love it.

The proposal guys will often work for a percentage of the deal only...if not we pay them well - proposal writing is a skill.

We also bring on 1099 folks to manage small efforts for us: We are making composite shrouds for Army IR Countermeasures equipment on Blackhawks as a sub to a large company. We needed someone to manage the effort and attend to the demands of the Prime...20 hours a week or so on call.

So, to your question:

I agree with Terry. Owning a business in an sector you are not currently familiar with is a hard go. The reason I own a company at my age (61) is that I was an expert in the field prior to ownership and my partner and I are very comfortable with each other. It was a great fit.

I personally like the assistant approach and that would free time for more research in what you want to do.

My experience in the "handyman", home repair and remodeling area is that there are never enough good ones and they are very busy.

We are in the process of selling my MIL house and the guy doing the repairs and touch ups does very well...a "Ron John" sticker on his truck and more business than he can handle.

So, congratulations (you as well McL): Keep an open mind on the possibilities.

Edit:

Quick Sea Story.

My XO when I was doing flight test at Patuxent River flew Navy Huey's in Vietnam in support of the Riverine forces and UDT/emerging SEAL Teams...great guy with a massive sense of humor and great skill as a wood worker.

He bought a farm in Arkansas near Mena and started in the wood working business. He did very well but grew to hate it. It a hobby he got a lot of pleasure from until it became a job.

He ended up being very successful starting a company for at risk mothers and children in Arkansas...he wrote the grant applications, did all the leg work and got the business up and running. He was/is a management type.