Dan Hiltebeitel's Advice on Retirement for Masons

Words: Dan Hiltebeitel

As masons approach the milestone of retirement, the transition can bring a mix of excitement, anticipation, and uncertainty. For those who have spent their lives working in the physically demanding and highly skilled masonry trade, the prospect of retirement may seem both liberating and daunting. Dan Hiltebeitel, a seasoned mason with over six decades of experience in the trade, has navigated this journey with a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards that come with it. Having transitioned from an active masonry career to a fulfilling retirement, Hiltebeitel shares invaluable advice for fellow masons on making the most of their retirement years, drawing from his personal experiences and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

One of the most essential pieces of advice Hiltebeitel offers to fellow masons is the need to plan ahead and have a clear vision for retirement well before you decide to hang up your trowel. The transition from a structured, demanding work environment to the open-ended nature of retirement can be jarring if not adequately prepared. Hiltebeitel, who retired in 2016 after a long and varied career in the masonry industry, learned the hard way that the lack of a plan can lead to challenges in adjusting to this new phase of life.

"You should have something. If it's not a hobby, it’s got to be family, your garden, your yard, or your house. You have something that you can get working on and keep moving," Hiltebeitel advised. This sentiment stems from his own experience of facing retirement without a clear plan for how he would spend his days. "All I ever did was work," he reflected, noting that his life was so consumed by his career that he hadn’t developed hobbies or pastimes outside of masonry.

Hiltebeitel's lack of hobbies was a significant challenge when he first retired. Unlike many retirees who might turn to fishing, golfing, or other recreational activities, Hiltebeitel found himself without these traditional pastimes. "I don't fish, I don't golf, I don't gamble—those common pastimes for many retirees just weren’t part of my life," he explained. Instead, he found fulfillment in maintaining a large vegetable garden, taking on home improvement projects, and spending quality time with his family, particularly his grandchildren.

Hiltebeitel’s experience underscores the importance of having a plan in place before retirement. Whether it’s developing hobbies, setting personal goals, or planning for travel, having a vision for how you will spend your time can make the transition to retirement smoother and more enjoyable. For masons approaching retirement, it’s essential to consider what will keep you engaged, purposeful, and fulfilled once you’re no longer on the job site.

According to Hiltebeitel, financial security is another cornerstone of a successful retirement. The transition from earning a steady income to living on a fixed income can be one of the most significant adjustments for any retiree, particularly for those who have spent their careers in the masonry industry, where work can be physically demanding and sometimes unpredictable. Hiltebeitel, who spent much of his life focused on making a living and ensuring that his family was provided for, knew that financial preparation was critical to enjoying a stress-free retirement.

"My biggest concern, of course, was finances," he admitted. Like many masons, Hiltebeitel spent his career focused on ensuring that his bills were paid on time and that his family was financially secure. The idea of living on a fixed income without the possibility of earning more through additional work was a daunting prospect.

However, careful financial planning and conservative money management allowed Hiltebeitel to transition into retirement comfortably. He credits his wife for their financial stability, noting her careful approach to saving and budgeting. "We have no debt, so financially, I could relax," he said, highlighting the importance of being debt-free as a way to alleviate financial stress in retirement.

For masons nearing retirement, Hiltebeitel’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of reducing debt and ensuring that your finances are in order before you retire. Whether it’s paying off a mortgage, building up savings, or planning for potential healthcare expenses, taking these steps can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on enjoying your retirement rather than worrying about money.

While financial security is critical, Hiltebeitel also emphasized the importance of maintaining good health as a foundation for a fulfilling retirement. For masons, who often endure physically demanding work throughout their careers, staying healthy in retirement is crucial for enjoying the fruits of their labor. Hiltebeitel, who has remained active and healthy into his 70s, credits his good health for allowing him to enjoy his retirement years fully.

"When you have good health, you’ve got everything," he said, reflecting on the importance of staying physically and mentally active in retirement. Throughout his career and into retirement, Hiltebeitel has prioritized staying active, eating right, and addressing any health issues that arise. This commitment to health has allowed him to continue enjoying life to the fullest, whether spending time with his grandchildren, working in his garden, or participating in community activities.

For masons, who may experience physical wear and tear over the course of their careers, it’s essential to prioritize health both before and after retirement. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and addressing any lingering injuries or health issues can significantly improve one's quality of life during retirement. Hiltebeitel himself has undergone shoulder and knee replacements, but his commitment to staying healthy has allowed him to remain active and engaged in his retirement years.

One of the most significant adjustments Hiltebeitel faced in retirement was adapting to a new daily routine. After years of early mornings and a rigorous work schedule, the slower pace of retirement required a shift in mindset. "I'm sleeping until 7 o'clock, and that's huge," he shared, reflecting on the luxury of a more relaxed start to the day. However, with this newfound freedom comes the challenge of filling the day with meaningful activities.

Hiltebeitel warned against the risk of becoming idle in retirement, emphasizing the importance of staying mentally and physically active. "You don't just stop," he advised, highlighting the need to find activities that bring joy and purpose. For Hiltebeitel, this has included spending time with his grandchildren, participating in community activities, and maintaining his large vegetable garden. He also stresses the importance of staying connected to others, whether through family, friends, or community organizations like the Lions Club or the American Legion.

Hiltebeitel's involvement in these activities has kept him busy and provided him with a sense of purpose and fulfillment in retirement. For masons transitioning into retirement, finding a balance between relaxation and purposeful activity is key to enjoying this new phase of life.

For many masons, retirement significantly changes their role and identity. Hiltebeitel, who spent years teaching and running his own masonry shop, found it challenging to adjust to a life where he was no longer in charge. "When I was teaching, I ran my shop. I had 30 guys, brick-laying apprentices, and I was in charge. Now Joy and I work together, and that's a big adjustment," he said.

Many retirees find it difficult to transition from being the boss to collaborating more closely with a spouse or others. Hiltebeitel advised embracing this new dynamic with patience and understanding. Retirement offers the opportunity to develop a different kind of partnership, one based on shared goals and mutual support.

For masons, who may be used to the independence and authority of leading a crew or managing a project, transitioning to a more collaborative and less authoritative role in retirement can be challenging. However, as Hiltebeitel has learned, it can also be an opportunity to deepen relationships and enjoy the support and companionship of loved ones.

As Hiltebeitel reflects on his retirement journey, his final advice for masons approaching this milestone is to embrace the journey with an open mind and a positive attitude. "Every day is new when you're retired. It's just different," he reflected. While transitioning from a life of work to retirement may come with challenges, it also brings new opportunities for growth, relaxation, and enjoyment.

Hiltebeitel encouraged retirees to focus on what matters most—whether it’s spending time with family, pursuing a long-neglected hobby, or giving back to the community. For Hiltebeitel, the joy of retirement lies in the freedom to explore new interests and deepen relationships without work pressures. "Now it’s just kind of like relaxed, and that's refreshing," he concluded.

For masons approaching retirement, Hiltebeitel’s story serves as a reminder that retirement is not the end of the road, but rather the beginning of a new and exciting journey. By planning ahead, prioritizing health, adapting to new routines, and embracing the changes that come with this new chapter, masons can look forward to a fulfilling and rewarding retirement.

Dan Hiltebeitel's journey from a dedicated mason to a content retiree offers valuable lessons for those in the masonry industry who are approaching retirement. His experiences highlight the importance of financial and mental planning to ensure a smooth transition into retirement. By prioritizing health, staying active, and finding new ways to stay engaged and connected, masons can look forward to a retirement that is not only relaxing but also fulfilling and rewarding. Hiltebeitel's story is a testament to the fact that while retirement marks the end of one chapter, it also opens the door to a new and exciting phase of life—one where you can continue to grow, learn, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
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