<!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en"> <html> Dave, Something else I like about this occupation, if one is self-employed as most of us probably are, is that one doesn't have to go suddenly from a full-time job down to no work.  I am 56, and if I feel the need to "downshift," I can choose to work less.  Maybe 16 pianos per week rather than 20, then later on 13, 10, 5 or whatever as I enter the retirement years. But I haven't figured out how to gradually cut down the number of customers I've served these many years.  I guess I'll ask this list for that advice when I need it.  For now I just decide how many pianos I'm willing to do in a month, and the rest go on a waiting list or get referred to someone else. Regards, Clyde Piannaman@aol.com wrote: <blockquote TYPE=CITE>Listers, While attending the PTG Conference in San Ramon, CA,(my first conference) something stood out in my eyes.  At 50, I am still relatively young in this business.  Those who are older are not cast out like they are in so much of the high-tech industry in my neighborhood.  People with age and wisdom are venerated and treated with respect, appreciated for the knowledge they have and are willing and eager to share with those eager to learn. Nice to have work that doesn't give me the willies when I think about getting older! Thanks for all the wisdom available on this list on a daily basis, Dave Stahl</blockquote> </html>