Man I will tell you all developing a foundation has been one of the best things. People are more willing to help you on the opposite side of the spectrum.
For example how I got my current job. My employer actually attended an event my foundation sponsored and we chatted afterwards. Having a foundation is something you can do after retirement.
I give folks this advice:
1. Look for a government (state, fed., or local) job to retire from. I would push more toward state or federal because if a city goes bankrupt it could affect your retirement.
2. If you have a masters look in to teaching at a community college. Continue your education until you get the doctorate but don't quit that job in #1.
3. Once you have so many years after your doctorate look at transferring to a state college. (Right now with the instability at Louisiana colleges its good to stay at #1). The only way I would take a job at a Louisiana institution is if I were civil service. It takes hell and high water to fire a civil service employee.
4. Look for a passion. My foundation enabled me to get 100% of student loans forgiven. That was the ultimate benefit.
5. We are not getting young so job security should be our primary objective so government jobs have security.
