Brian, I'm not trying to prove anything. I still enjoy doing the job for a few days a month in between sailing, flying, writing books, spending time with the family and grandchildren (heaven sent excuse to start up a model railway), trips abroad (America later this month) and numerous other activities - I don't really think I need to get a life, I'm more than content with the one I have.
As regards blocking youngsters, one of the reasons I am still working is the difficulty experienced by small units in attracting competent radar controllers of any age for the sort of salary on offer. In any case, as many will attest, I have done more than my fair share of encouraging and positively assisting young people to make a career in ATC and I am sure none of them would begrudge my present situation.