When I Thought It Was Over… My Life Truly Began

A True Journey from Early Retirement to Reigniting My Passion for Low-Level Programming

By: A Veteran Programmer Who Discovered That Passion Never Retires

Introduction: My Children Wanted Me to Rest — I Wanted to Live

After many years of hard work in the world of programming, I made the decision to retire early. Not because I was tired, incapable, or had lost my passion — but because the job market had drastically changed, and it no longer appreciated the kind of work I specialized in.

When I shared this decision, my children — all of whom are now working and living stable lives — came to me with sincere love and said:

"You’ve done enough, Dad. It’s time for you to rest. Let us take care of everything now. Don’t worry about money or work — just enjoy your time."

Their words were filled with love and respect, and I was deeply moved. But deep inside, a voice rose with quiet defiance:

"I refuse to sit idle, even for my own children. As long as I breathe, I carry wisdom, skills, and a legacy worth sharing. I will not spend the rest of my life in a soul-crushing emptiness. I am alive — as long as I create."

A Crossroads: When Deep Roots Clash with a Changing Industry

I started my programming journey in 1986, at a time when software was built by individuals who understood the machine, the memory, the processor — and not just the surface.

I specialized in desktop applications, C and C++ development, and mastered low-level systems. I had years of experience working with databases, operating systems, network layers, and system programming.

But over time, the industry shifted.

Projects that once needed one or two developers now required inflated teams. Flashy front-end features took precedence over performance and architecture. Desktop software faded, while web apps, cloud systems, and service-based models dominated.

Despite my strong grasp of modern languages like Python, NodeJS, and TypeScript, I couldn’t align myself with a world that cared more about trends than craftsmanship. The programming I loved — the kind that speaks directly to the hardware — was being buried under layers of abstraction.

The Decision to Retire Wasn’t the End — It Was the Beginning

One day, I paused. I stopped chasing a job market that no longer reflected my values. I officially retired from formal employment. But I did not retire from life.

I searched for ways to fill the void: I studied artificial intelligence, explored web technologies, cloud platforms, blockchain, and Web3. Though I enjoyed learning, my soul still didn’t feel at home.

And then, everything changed.

Back to the Roots: The Project That Gave Me New Life

I remembered why I fell in love with programming. I remembered x86 processors and their elegant instruction sets. I remembered the thrill of working with Assembly — the raw beauty of communicating directly with the machine.

And so, I conceived the idea of ForgeVM — a virtual machine project that seemed almost impossible in scale, but perfectly aligned with my passion. A Code Engine capable of translating high-level code into machine-level instructions for x86-64, ARM, and RISC-V processors.

I began with the first step: building an x86 Assembler. I started dissecting Intel manuals, diving into the technical details of every instruction and usage. It felt like coming home.

For the first time in years, I was not working for clients, deadlines, or paychecks. I was working for myself — for the boy who discovered programming in 1986 and never looked back.

True Joy Comes from Doing What You Love — Not What You’re Forced To

I say this with complete honesty: I haven’t felt this joyful about programming in decades. Every minute I spend on this project, every line of code I write, brings me peace and fulfillment.

This project filled the void completely. It reignited my sense of purpose. It reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.

A Message to Everyone in My Position

To anyone who has retired. To those who feel left behind by a fast-moving tech world. To every expert who thinks their time is over.

Don't give up. Maybe your retirement is the start of the work you were born to do. Do what you love, even if you do it late in life. Your worth is not tied to your age — but to your passion. And true freedom is creating with love, not obligation.

My Inspiration: A Man Who Never Stopped After 32 Years

You may ask what inspired me to take this step and start over.

The answer is a great man I worked with for 32 years. He only began his true life’s work after retirement — and continues to build, create, and inspire even today.

He taught me a timeless lesson: Life doesn’t end when you stop working — it begins when you finally work on what you truly love.

Today, I’m living my dream. Today, I’m coding with joy. And today, I say to you — start now. This might be your beginning, not your end.