When I was in my late 20s/early 30s, I thought about my long-term career plan and decided this: Work in a profession until age 60, then retire and teach at a university. I figured the details would sort themselves out when it was time.

And I did it. Well, part of it. I left my 32-year career at Ball Corporation, a month shy of my 59^th birthday. I was ahead of schedule on the first part of my long-term plan, though the reasons behind that timing are complex and will be part of a later column.

I had prepared for the next part of the plan. In the mid-90s in Muncie, Indiana (Ball’s former home), I taught classes as a side hustle at Ball State University. I was not much older than my students, and I’m sure I wasn’t great. Still, it seemed like students appreciated what I shared with them about real world journalism and writing, and with each class I learned how to do it better – while earning the…