Work that keeps you moving

Sitting still? That doesn't suit Elzo. At 77 years old, he is still very active. He works as a driver, is active in community life, acts as a referee on the field, and makes time for his wife. Not because he has to, but because he enjoys it and it gives him energy.

"As long as I'm healthy and can still do the things I want to do, I'll keep myself busy."

Always busy

Even outside of work, Elzo doesn't sit still for long. He has been active in community life for many years, including as a referee and match secretary. He also coordinates the collection of old paper in his region, and there is always something to do at home in the large garden with a vegetable patch.

He has been doing some of these activities for decades. For Elzo, it's always about the same thing: staying busy and being among people.

"I consider myself lucky that I'm still quite healthy for my age. Being able to do the things I want to do gives me satisfaction."

Working because it's fun

The same goes for his work. After a long career as a bus driver, Elzo could have decided after his retirement that it was enough. But stopping completely? He never seriously considered it.

"I enjoy being among people. I've always done that. And I really like driving. Driving is not a burden for me."

He would miss the contact with others if he stopped completely. "Your world becomes a bit smaller. You talk to fewer people and have fewer stories. I think I would miss that the most."

Driving doesn't feel like work

That driving suits Elzo became clear during his years as a bus driver. He still remembers well when his granddaughter, as a five-year-old girl, rode with him once.

After the ride, he told her that grandpa was done working. Her reaction? "Grandpa, is this work?"

Elzo can still laugh about it. "Wonderful. That's how I've always seen it. Driving has never bored me."

That love for the road is still there. Through Timing, Elzo works as an emergency driver at Distrivers. If something goes wrong with a delivery on the road, he steps in. This way, he visits various places and meets new people all the time.

"I always say that I'm an emergency driver. When I arrive somewhere, people are often happy to see me. Then they know they'll still get their products. Those are the nice aspects of the job."

Temporary work that fits his life

On average, Elzo works about ten hours a week. One week that's one or two days, the next week a bit more. It's precisely this flexibility that makes the work fit well with his life.

"Temporary work suits me well. I live just a few minutes from the company, I really like driving, and it's nice work to do."

When Elzo is not available, he indicates it. This way, he keeps time for sports, his community activities, and time with his wife. In consultation, they look at when he can work.

"It all goes in good consultation. If I can't, I indicate it, and then we look together at how to handle it."

This way, he doesn't have to choose between working and the other things he finds important. They can coexist.

The people make the difference

Although Elzo likes being on the road, the work for him is about more than just driving. It's the encounters on the road that make it enjoyable. A chat, a joke, or just a moment of contact with someone on location: these are the small moments that Elzo enjoys.

Elzo is also clear about his time through Timing. "The contact is correct and neat. If there's something, there's always someone available, and it's resolved. I've found that very pleasant."

As long as possible

How long does Elzo want to keep working? He doesn't attach an age to it. For him, it's mainly important that his health allows it and that he continues to enjoy it.

Maybe in the future, he'll work a bit less. Be available a few days less or keep more time free to cycle with his wife. There's room to adapt to that.

But stopping completely because he's reached a certain age? That's not how Elzo sees it.

"If I stop working, I think something is wrong and my health is failing me. As long as that's not the case, I'll keep myself busy."

For Elzo, temporary work means more than just a few hours of work a week. It keeps him busy, brings him among people, and at the same time gives him the freedom to organize his life the way he wants.