Why I Retired to Start a New Small Business
It’s about curiosity, creativity, purpose, meaning, and connection
It’s been an interesting few weeks leading into 2025: a head cold, a loved one with the flu, and a trip to the ICU. It’s all good.
My writing has taken a back seat to life and a new business I’m starting. It’s week three, and I'm launching a business I’ve wanted to be in since I got my first camera in 1978: Clifford Jones Photography.
After 20+ years in consulting, I am retiring and starting a portrait and headshot photography business in Scottsdale, Arizona. Photography has been a passion of mine since high school, and I’m excited to turn it into my next chapter.
Could I retire? Yes, soon. But I don’t want to retire, as most of you know. I want to work at things that feed my soul.
At this stage, I want to have fun, make a decent living, and practice my artistic interests while staying closely connected to my community. I want Janice to retire when Janice is ready.
To me, life is art. And art is life. Therefore, instead of retiring, I’m becoming a full-time artist.
There’s a reason most artists don’t retire. We love creating art. When we create art that’s of value to people with money, art pays us well.
But I don’t work for money. I work for the love of work. The money follows, but I must believe and do the job well, like a pro.
That requires overcoming my head trash, “You’re not good enough.” Stupid stuff like that I give to God.
For me, retirement isn’t about sitting around doing nothing. It’s about waking up energized with curiosity, creativity, and purpose. It’s about doing work that feeds my soul, connects me to others, and excites me about the future.
My portrait and headshot photography business is more than a way to make money — it’s a way to stay curious and creative, connect with others, and live purposefully.
I’m living the dream I dreamed about long ago, and I’ve had a lot of help from my beautiful wife.
It’s been a few weeks since I decided to retire from consulting permanently. I’m having a blast promoting my art.
My new website is www.CliffordJones.com, and my LinkedIn page is dialed in. Here’s my new Instagram page.
I have a local studio near the Scottsdale airport. Or, I can shoot from your home or office.
Po, the Buddhist monk I met a while ago.
What lights you up? What brings you joy? What keeps you connected to the world?
Tell me about yourself by leaving a comment.
For some, retiring to a beach might be a dream for a while. Others might start a small business or pursue a creative passion. Still others might volunteer, mentor, or become more involved in their community.
Whatever it is, the key to longevity is to stay engaged. Work doesn’t have to be a burden — it can be an extension of your identity.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize the kid who built forts in the woods never really left. He’s still here, curious, playful, and eager to create something new.
Stay curious and tune in for the rest of my photography business launch story.
Let’s do this thing called life.
I'm a portrait and headshot photographer based in Scottsdale, Arizona. I also write about life, the art of human transformation, consciousness, spiritual evolution, mental health, and other human subjects. Learn more about my portrait and headshot photography work at www.CliffordJones.com.
I’m nowhere near retirement age, but to me, this is what retirement should be about. Fulfilling your dreams, living meaningfully and staying connected and curious. Well done and congrats on your new business!!