Mr. Hummel, you will retire in August 2019 after 49 years of training and working as an architect. Are you looking forward to it?

Now it's good. I took early retirement at 60, but then I realized that I really missed the contact with people. That's why I went back to work with a reduced workload.

Have you now prepared for your retirement?

No, I haven't prepared myself in any special way. I now know what to expect, because I've been able to deal with it over the last five years. I indulge in an intensive but solitary hobby. My wife and I have now also started to join a walking group. I think this is healthy, fun and can be expanded.

Would it be an option for you to take part in seniors@work? What would be important key data for you?

I don't think it's entirely fair to compete with my former colleagues. Let's stay in the field of architecture: younger employees or architectural firms are sometimes dependent on orders. I don't want to "take" these orders away from them.

However, I could imagine getting involved if I can offer some kind of support on a voluntary basis. For example, buying or selling a house: not acting as an agent yourself, but giving the seller support in the form of a second opinion.

What would you like to say to the creators of seniors@work?

I am concerned about the question of liability. Whatever I offer as a senior citizen, be it building a stable, helping to pick cherries or looking after dogs... What if I make a mistake or something happens? Who is liable? I personally want this to be clarified. As a service provider, I need to be able to protect myself.

Thank you very much, Mr. Hummel, for these interesting thoughts and – not to forget – happy birthday and good luck with your retirement!