Local Engineer Recently Featured in Union-Tribune
- Media
- Dec 29, 2025
- 2 min read
In this weekend's Business section of the San Diego Union-Tribune, three San Diegans—from entirely different walks of life—were spotlighted.
One was a former soundproofing specialist, one had retired from 40 years in criminal law practice and one had retired as a Civil Engineer. They had all decided to leave retirement and return to part-time work.
"We spend decades dreaming of not working, only to discover that work—on our own terms—might be exactly what we were looking for all along."—Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune
The Civil Engineer written about was Michael Garrod from Bonita. That name may sound familiar as he currently sits on the Sweetwater Community Planning Group Board.
Reporter Barbara Bry wrote the following about Mr. Garrod:
"Sometimes, the financial rewards can be substantial, as Michael Garrod discovered. The 66-year-old civil engineer retired at 58 and then volunteered for five years with the U.S. Geological Survey on projects for his former employer, Sweetwater Authority in Chula Vista.
After making a presentation to the board, the general manager asked him to return as a special project consultant. Now he’s working on a $100 million desalination project, about 30 hours per month, billing more than $200 per hour, more than enough to cover a few extra double lattes.
'I wasn’t sure if I had the new technology skills for a modern office,' Garrod says from his Bonita home, 'but I was able to learn quickly. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing as long as you like it and are with other people socializing. Most importantly, don’t sit around and watch TV.' ”
One retiree from Oceanside, one from North Clairemont and one from Bonita and all from totally different vocations. I wonder how Ms. Bry put these puzzle pieces together for her story?
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