I was born in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia in October 1949, which makes me 62 years old as I rewrite this.

In my working life, I trained and worked as an Electrician from 1964 until 2001. I finished work aged 52.

I now help friends and acquaintances with their computers, as I am now stuffed physically due to arthritis in my spine -  the same ailment as Dad had - and was told by the health professionals that I would have to go on the Disability Support Pension as nothing could be done to fix my spine.
I knew some sort of government support existed but never dreamed I'd end up on it. I always thought it was for malingerers.
I've found I'm not the only one who thinks that.
 
Now, when I'm asked "what do you do for a living?" and I say I'm on the Disability Support Pension, some people look at me as though I've stood in something smelly.

I can tell you that nobody willingly goes on the Disability Support Pension, as the income you receive is not something to look forward to, and not working any longer, leaves you feeling that you have no identity or worth, though some people think you have a wonderful lifestyle.
I see the support as a form of "insurance" that I paid in taxes, as I worked - constantly employed or self employed - from age 15 to 52.

I live with mum who is now 84, as my life has taken a very tortured path, emotionally and financially - divorces and separations - and has led me to living back with her. Luckily, it works well for mum too at this stage of her life, as someone is there for her, to take her to shopping, doctors etc.

I am in a relationship with a lovely woman, but we live in separate homes, as it is practical in light of our life experiences, even though I miss her company a lot.

Life is happy but I've found one thing in life is certain, and that is change, so I try to live each day as happily as I can.