Daily Work Spotlight: Robert Simons
Tell us a bit about your daily work prior to retiring.
For 9.5 years, I served as Central Area Manager in Development and Trustee Services for the Provision Financial Resources (formerly known as the NC Baptist Foundation). In that role, I supported churches and individuals across central North Carolina by making presentations, helping establish endowments and fund management accounts, and guiding individuals in estate planning and church loan investing. I also assisted churches seeking loans through Provision’s financial services. In 2023, I transitioned into a new role as Special Projects Manager, primarily supporting the accounting and operations team with initiatives such as digitizing records and streamlining automated databases.
What does life look like since you’ve retired?
Life after retirement has been extremely busy! I spent the first three months making up for lost time with family in Tennessee, especially with my three grandsons. Since they live eleven hours away, it was hard to see them often while I was working full-time. I also have 23-month-old twin grandbabies here in Raleigh, and retirement has given me the freedom to enjoy much more time with them too.
At home, I’ve taken on plenty of house and yard projects. My wife and I love gardening and traveling, and we’ve been able to do a lot more of both since I retired. I also continue to do a little part-time work for Provision, which I really enjoy. It allows me to stay connected with people I love and respect, all from the comfort of home.
Retirement has also opened the door to more volunteer opportunities. I’ve led a team to Burnsville to help with Hurricane Helene rebuild efforts, assist monthly with Backpack Pals (a local ministry feeding hungry children), served on my church’s Nominating Committee, taught Sunday School, and joined an ad hoc committee with Baptists on Mission. This fall, I also plan to serve on the Health Screening Bus and help distribute tickets for Baptists on Mission at the NC State Fair, lead a group of Senior Adults on a retreat to Caswell, and begin serving on an Advisory Committee for a local credit union.
How has retirement shaped your view of work?
I believe the Lord always intended for us to work—both before and after the Fall. Before retiring, I assumed this meant we should remain in our vocation as long as we were physically able. But as I approached retirement, and now since retiring, I’ve realized that God provides many opportunities to keep working for good and for His glory beyond our professional careers. I find tremendous joy and satisfaction in being able to serve Him in this new season of life.
In what ways does your work and daily rhythm post-retirement reflect your faith and God’s character?
Since retiring, I’ve tried to maintain structure in my days, but with more room to spend time with God. I make it a priority to have daily devotions, and I also find myself noticing and enjoying His creation more often. Living on my wife’s family farm has been a blessing—I’ve come to love working with my hands in the dirt and pausing to appreciate the beauty of nature. I still keep a calendar, but retirement has given me the flexibility to respond more freely to needs as they arise.
Genesis 1:28 talks about God’s call to steward and cultivate His creation. How do you see your work in retirement connecting to that calling?
My post-retirement work has given me more time to explore ways to cultivate and steward God’s creation. As I mentioned, I enjoy gardening, and now I’m able to give it more attention—experimenting with new plants, finding more environmentally friendly practices, and sharing the harvest with others. I also have more time to care for and beautify the family farm the Lord has blessed us with.
Why do you think people tend to view retirement as “an end to working?” Do you believe that is the right way to view it?
Retirement is definitely not the end of work. I see it as a season to use the education, experience, and opportunities God has given us to serve others in new ways. I’m continually amazed at how many opportunities the Lord provides for meaningful and satisfying work when we remain open to them. My prayer in this season is that God will keep my eyes open to what He wants me to do.
What encouragement would you give to someone who is still working towards retirement but feels disconnected from their faith?
Daily work can often crowd out time with God, yet He desires a personal love relationship with each of us. That’s why He created us—to be in relationship with Him. Make it a priority to spend time with God each day. The more time you spend with Him, the stronger your faith will grow. If life feels too busy for God, then you’re likely filling it with things that aren’t necessary. I recently read something that really struck me: if you’re spending more time on social media than in prayer and Scripture, your priorities are out of order. Eternity will be spent with God—not on Facebook, Instagram, or X. Invest first in your relationship with Him.
What advice would you give to other retirees who feel they might be missing purpose since retiring?
My advice is similar to what I shared above: spend more time in prayer and Scripture, and ask God what He wants you to do in retirement. He will provide opportunities and give you a renewed sense of purpose.
Daily Work Spotlights are part of a series of conversations with believers who are pursuing excellence in their daily work while seeking to honor God in all they do. Through these interviews, we aim to show how faith shapes the way we approach our vocations, from the decisions we make to the way we serve others.
Each story offers a glimpse into the lives of men and women who see their work as more than a job. They are connecting faith to their daily tasks, striving to reflect Christ in their industries, workplaces, and communities..