Tony's story

After a long career in IT, Tony retired at the age of 60. Rather than taking a step back from active work, he decided to focus his time on something that could give him a sense of purpose: volunteering. Repairing and upcycling furniture seemed like a great fit, and it’s become an enjoyable and rewarding way for him to stay engaged.

For Tony, volunteering offers a way to stay productive and make a practical contribution to his community. "I enjoy doing something positive for others, and it’s nice to feel like I’m contributing," he explains. In addition to the satisfaction of helping, Tony appreciates the social aspect of volunteering. Working with a group of people who share similar interests and values has been a great way to meet new people and stay connected.

One of the things Tony enjoys most about his volunteer work is that it allows him to apply a variety of skills. Having spent his career working in IT, he appreciates being able to use more hands-on abilities like repairing, painting, and restoring furniture. "I can draw, paint, and fix things," he says, enjoying the opportunity to use his creative side as well. The ability to finish a project in a single session also appeals to him. Tony can start and complete a project in one visit, which brings a clear sense of accomplishment.

After decades of working in a structured job, retirement has given Tony the flexibility to do what he wants, when he wants. "It’s great to be able to volunteer without the constraints of a regular work schedule," he says. Having the freedom to manage his time as he chooses has been one of the most appealing aspects of his new routine.

Tony is also quick to point out that volunteering at the Reading Superstore; "It’s a good well-run organisation, everything is efficient and straightforward.”

Retirement for Tony hasn’t meant stepping away from activity. Instead, it’s become an opportunity to use his skills, stay engaged with others, and contribute to his community in a meaningful way. Volunteering through furniture upcycling provides a balance of creativity, practicality, and social interaction, making it a fulfilling part of his post-retirement life.