Under new management

The decision to 'force' Dad into retirement at the tender age of 82 was the right one. There is simply a point in life when work becomes a burden and when the 'under a new management' sign has to be put on the door. My brother was kind enough to assist me in getting the shop refitted, modernised, and loaded with well priced watches. We also hired two young ladies with retail experience, and on March 8, the family run business established in 1951 was once again providing 'horological services' to our loyal customers.  Was Dad happy about the retirement? Of course he wasn't - but that was hardly a surprise. We knew he would not surrender without resistance. The resistance was in the form of active shut down, long sleeps and general grumpiness. But all three of us - my mother, brother, and myself - decided to stay on the same page, to hold our position firmly, no matter what - Dad is no longer allowed to shop. Having an old, slightly demented man being in charge and issuing orders to a new and enthusiastic management would be a recipe for disaster. Occasionally, Dad would visit the new shop. He would whinge and complain about stock on display, and why his favourite Seiko clock was not prominently featured in it's all largeness so that passers-by could tell the time. More than once he told neighbours that 'he was forced out of his own business'. Luckily, like the rest of the family, our neighbours knew that his retirement was long overdue.  The new management was generating sales, but it is fair to say that the old shop had a new vibe. Which is fine; we have realistic expectations and we are prepared to continue investing in the future, while letting the youngsters 'take it to the next level'. But last week, out of the blue, both staff resigned. They handed over the shop keys with the explanation that 'as the times are getting uncertain, going back to school to further education makes more sense than ever'. Thank you Putin. On Monday morning, I got a message from my brother with a simple caption: "he has won". Freshly shaved, reinvigorated, like a Phoenix rising from its ashes, the old man was back behind the workbench. At 8pm, a second message arrived: "David and Dad sold 4 watches, replaced 7 batteries and a bunch of straps." I have no idea who David is. Probably a kid from church or a neighbour. And I have no doubt that in a few weeks from now, there will be a major problem of some kind followed by a phone call from either doctor or accountant, wanting to talk to me. But until that day, I'll let the old man enjoy his 'victory'. What the heck - if he wants to die behind the watchmaker's bench, so be it. We'll all die of something anyway. (to be continued...)