The adage, “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” rings true for many. When you’re passionate about your work, it often feels more like a fulfilling hobby than a chore, and it comes with the added benefit of earning a living.
Loving your work isn’t just emotionally satisfying; it also benefits your health. Research indicates that people who are enthusiastic about their jobs tend to live longer, while those who experience chronic job-related stress face a higher risk of heart disease.
Bob Rohloff is a prime example of how loving your work can positively impact your life. At 91 years old, Rohloff recently opened Bob’s Old Fashioned Barbershop in Hortonville, Wisconsin.
Rohloff began his barbering career in 1948. After retiring to Arizona with his wife, Marian, in 2008, Rohloff quickly realized that retirement didn’t suit him. A few months later, he returned to barbering. 2010, the couple moved back to Wisconsin, where Rohloff continued cutting hair at Hortonville Family Barbershop.
“Retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” Rohloff told CNBC. “You need to stay engaged in something, whether a hobby or a job. I enjoy my work immensely; it’s fun coming into the shop. I feel great, so why stop?”
Rohloff estimates he has given more than 100,000 haircuts throughout his career.
A new opportunity arose when Mark Karweick, 55, who had just returned to Wisconsin from Michigan, met Rohloff. After a lengthy discussion, they decided to open a barbershop together.
Their new establishment reflects a nostalgic barbershop vibe. It features a century-old barber chair, which Rohloff humorously claims is the only item older than him in the shop. “There aren’t many old-fashioned barbershops left, and we want to keep it that way,” Rohloff shared with Spectrum News. The shop also includes furniture from an old Michigan barbershop.
Their pricing also maintains an old-school charm, with a standard haircut priced at $14 and $12 for seniors.
Rohloff firmly believes that staying active is crucial for health and longevity. “Sitting in a recliner isn’t living. People often assume they can’t do anything after a certain age, but they can,” Karweick added.
Rohloff’s perspective aligns with the philosophy of Active Aging. Colin Milner, founder and CEO of the International Council on Active Aging, tells Fortune that adhering to Active Aging principles can enhance lifespan and quality of life. “Physical activity is just one element of a person’s well-being,” Milner explains.
It’s essential to remain socially engaged and intellectually active and to stay positive, curious, and calm. Proper nutrition and avoiding tobacco are also crucial.”
Rohloff’s advice for a long and joyful life is straightforward: “Don’t give up. Stay active in something, be it a hobby or a job. Keep moving and engaged, and you’ll find joy in your days.”