From Engineer to Coffee Critic: An Unconventional Second Career

Retirement was not what I had envisioned, but life had other plans. After years of dedicated work, I found myself reconsidering my next chapter. Initially, the thought of having a career following retirement seemed unnecessary. However, life had different plans in store for me. My journey took an interesting twist, leading me on a path from an engineering career to becoming a coffee tester. This is a story worth sharing, not just because it’s unconventional, but because it portrays the spirit of embracing new experiences and the unexpected rewards that follow.

The Importance of a Second Career

Chasing a second career can be a rewarding experience, especially for those who wish to keep themselves mentally active and engaged as they grow older. It can also provide a sense of purpose and a new set of challenges. For many, the idea of retirement involves a period of rest and leisure, but this doesn’t necessarily mean slowing down. Many professionals find that their skills can still be valuable, and this can lead to new and exciting opportunities.

The Switch from Engineer to Electrician

My career journey wasn’t a straight line. Before retirement, I was a professional electrical engineer. This career involved a range of activities, from designing complex systems to ensuring the safety and efficiency of electrical projects. Near the end of my engineering career, I decided to go back to my roots and work as an electrician. It was a career I pursued for a short time before moving on, but it provided a different set of skills and experiences.

The Shift to Coffee Tester

And then, after several years of enjoying the fruits of my retirement, a new adventure beckoned. One day, I decided to become a coffee tester. The idea came to me one day when I was exploring a new coffee shop on my bicycle. It struck me that there was an opportunity to document my experience and share it with others. I started using Google Maps to locate coffee shops, then visited them to taste the coffee and interact with the patrons.

Immersing in the Seventh Art: The Coffee Experience

Being a coffee tester is a unique and immersive experience. Each day presented a new challenge and a new story. I would write detailed reviews for each visit, often sharing them with my daughter. One of my favorite reviews was written on a wet day when we were stuck in the car due to the rainy weather. The coffee itself was awful, but the atmosphere and the people were fantastic. This kind of detailed, personal review is what sets my coffee testing experiences apart.

The Benefits of Pursuing a Second Career

Beyond the novelty of the experience, becoming a coffee tester has brought several benefits. Firstly, it has provided a new social circle, as each coffee shop visit introduced me to different people in the coffee community. Secondly, it has helped me stay active and engaged, which is vital as you age. Lastly, it has given me a sense of purpose, knowing that my reviews can help others decide where to find the best coffee.

Conclusion: Embracing the Unusual

Making a career change, especially late in life, can be both challenging and rewarding. In my case, retiring as a professional engineer and transitioning to the role of a coffee tester was a journey that taught me the value of embracing the unexpected. Life often has a way of surprising us, and sometimes these surprises can lead us to the most fulfilling experiences of our lives.