Retired from work, not life
Robin Smith, a former clinical psychologist, has spent the last few years thinking and writing about retirement. Leaving his 38-year career in 2022, he recognizes retirement is a process. Robin suggests “You stop going to a job every day, but that’s only a small part of it.” Volunteering with Habitat, acting, writing, and other creative pursuits are part of that reflective process which also satisfies his curiosity and serves his community.
“It can be a reinvention of self. You contemplate who you were, and who you are now. Part of figuring that out takes community,” imparted Robin.
“You retire from a job, you don’t retire from the need for meaning, purpose, and joy. And, you find that at Habitat.”
Robin, like so many other core volunteers, found a new social group at Habitat. He is part of the Thursday core crew, largely because that’s the day of the week that he first volunteered. Prompted by an invitation from Rev. Seth Black at Haywood Street Congregation to participate in a Habitat build day, Robin found himself on a Habitat jobsite the year after he retired. The monthly Haywood Street outing wasn’t enough though, so he began volunteering every Thursday to help build new homes. And as a faith liaison to Habitat, he organizes group volunteer days for his church, Central United Methodist.
His favorite task isn’t a task, rather it’s the variety he most enjoys. “You never know what you’re going to do, what’s going to be needed.” Volunteers frame walls, build steps, install floors, lay sod, install trim, paint, and much more. He admits driving around town doing material pick-ups and deliveries is a task he thoroughly enjoys.
And, he agrees with fellow volunteer Claudia’s reason for volunteering with Habitat: “I do this so I can keep doing this.”
Robin is currently part of a small crew working to finish up a few homes in the Glenn Bridge neighborhood in Arden, while the majority of staff and volunteer work in New Heights. Staying in Glenn Bridge was rooted in his desire to support fellow volunteer and friend Jim Drennan, someone he may never have met were it not through Habitat. Jim is the Adopt-a-Lot sponsor on an Aging in Place home, through a memorial gift made in honor of his late wife, Penny. Jim, Robin, and a few other core volunteers completed the house in early April, and another family is now home.
Robin found his way to the mountains via Western Carolina University, raised his three now-grown children in Haywood County, and today resides in Buncombe County with his wife, Pam.
He is retired from work, not life. On top of spending every Thursday building homes with Habitat, he sits on the Board of Montford Park Players, is very involved with Central UMC, is politically active with the goal of ensuring a vibrant and healthy democracy, enjoys spending time with his 3 children and 6 grandchildren, and somehow also finds time to raise cattle on a family farm in Virginia.
In addition to finding meaning, purpose, and joy, Robin notes one of the greatest things about volunteering with Asheville Habitat is, “I learn something new every time I am here.”
If you are a life-long learner, seeking to build or grow community, or eager to learn or hone skills, Habitat might be the right fit for you. If construction isn’t your thing, no worries, there are other opportunities at the ReStore and Admin Office. Learn about all volunteer opportunities here.
