Updated 4/9/11
Retirement is Great, But so was Intel
by Greg Hoyt
and edited by Elyce Wair
As you will see Greg is an interesting and diverse personality who is honest about his love for retirement and his feeling of loss of the Intel culture. When Greg retired in 2006 he had 27 years of service with Intel. He wore many hats, including back-end manufacturing and technical marketing. When he retired he was a Product Marketing Engineer in the Reseller Product Group in FM7.
“The thing I miss most about work is that four years after retirement, I still miss the great friends I made over 27 years at Intel. I knew at least 300 people worldwide by the first name. They could depend on me and I could depend on them. I cannot stress enough, the importance of professional relationships in business.
I also miss the structure and ease of doing business at Intel. After working for a small business prior to Intel, I did not take the ease the purchasing, shipping, getting my notebook fixed, upgraded, and a safe, super-fast network for granted. And to get out of the “hubbub” of the cubicle, I could always go to the café or an empty conference room.
Since my retirement in Oct. 2006, I decided to “give back” and do some serious volunteering. For the past 4 years, I have volunteered 3 times per week at the Intel Clubhouse. This is one of the many programs offered by the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. My objective is to give inner-city kids a chance to succeed and carry on work in high technology. Because schools now require homework done on computers the Clubhouse really provides an opportunity. I personally pay for computer upgrades, and repair of the Intel Clubhouse computers as well as notebooks and PCs owned by the student’s families. Through a recent Intel grant, we have been able to upgrade our 30 Workstations for our Adult Learning program and after-school program to accommodate an additional 15-20 inner-city kids.
What really impressed me about the Sacramento Food Bank and Services are the dedicated full-time staff and volunteers. They have a very positive attitude and go out of their way to not judge others. They help the diverse, local community and deserving working families that otherwise would go un-served. This program builds self-esteem and self-worth in a community that is challenged in both areas. The Intel Clubhouse provides positive adult role models while providing education and we all have fun doing so.
In addition to volunteering for the Clubhouse, I do another 10-15 hours per week at home supporting the inner-city community by fixing PCs/notebooks at home. While giving is important I also receive. I meet new people and learn about backgrounds that are different from mine and this is fascinating.”
Volunteering isn’t all about computers so Greg volunteers for Habitat for Humanity when they need help. “I learned how to hang sheetrock!” said Greg.
Besides volunteering, Greg spends time taking Graphic Arts classes at the local junior college. He is working on an Applied Art and Design certificate that will enable him to do commercial illustration. He is contemplating using his new skills to do part-time contract work.
“Since I don’t have children, I have been able to do world travel, especially on my Intel sabbaticals. Now that I am retired I can do even more!
Travelling the world also takes preparation groundwork and provides a chance to network with my worldwide Intel friends. I love the cultural diversity of the world and spending time with the locals from Africa to Tibet to Mongolia.
I have started planning my next trip to India in December. This in depth exploration of India will cover some the standard sights such as the Taj Mahal, Hawa Mahal, and the Palace of the Winds. I am looking forward to the River Ganges boat trip at sunrise and sunset (including the candle flower ceremony) and of course, visiting the many ancient temples including the 7th century Hindu Shore Temple.
I also plan to take the road less traveled and discover the Ghats of Varanasi and drift through the backwaters of Kerala. Also on my list is a Safari into the tiger habitat of Periyar Tiger Reserve and spending some time decompressing in the peaceful riverside town of Orchha.
As I write this, my companion and I are travelling in Europe for 21 days on a Rick Steve’s tour. We have already covered the Netherlands and after covering the Rhine, we plan to tour more of Germany, Italy, Swiss Alps, and of course, France.
My “spare” time is spent hiking with friends, spending time with my girlfriend, and of course, spending time with my dog and my girlfriend’s two dogs.
I love retirement because I have no deadlines but I do miss the challenge of them. My recommendation for new retirees is do what you love and you will never be bored.”