Allow me to tell you a little something about myself.

Let me take you back twelve years to 2014 when I retired from full time work, at age 65. Before retirement I was a partner in a Leadership Training company, working in the oil exploration industry in various parts of the world.

For a while, retirement felt like bliss. I had nothing to do — and all day, every day, to do it.

If that sounds appealing, let me gently burst the bubble. Doing nothing is not fun, it's not living well. For me, it felt more like slowly fading out. I realized very quickly that I needed something to engage me, to challenge me, and to give me a reason to get out of bed each morning.

In June 2014, I took delivery of a 60-watt CO₂ Chinese laser purchased on Alibaba — sight unseen.

I had never owned or operated a laser before. I had no real idea what I was getting into, and that was partly the point.

I wanted a steep learning curve. I wanted a new challenge.

I was buying a hobby and deliberately setting myself up to learn something I expected would be difficult.

Quietly, though, I hoped I might make something saleable.

Even if it only covered beer money, that would still be a win.

Today, 12 years later, I operate nine lasers in my home-based business.

Together they generate a healthy six-figure annual turnover.

I run the entire workshop and business myself — no staff, no debt, no stress.

All equipment and stock are fully paid for, and the business has carried no debt for all its' existence.

I could more than double my turnover if I wanted to work harder.

I choose not to. My wife reminds me, I'm supposed to be 'retired'.

The freedom to choose is part of what success looks like, for me.