Brothers Jerry and Peter Wong spent decades building careers in the aerospace industry. Now, they have traded corporate life for something different — working at Disney.
Jerry Wong, 66, works as a photographer at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. He takes pictures of park-goers. He joined Disney four years ago — the same year he ended his career as an engineer at Northrop Grumman, an aerospace and defense company valued at $75 billion.
From Aerospace Engineering to Disney Photography
Jerry's path to Disney started long ago. He began as a summer intern at Northrop Grumman in 1979. That internship grew into a four-decade career with the company.
During his time in aerospace, Jerry worked on ground communications for government contracts. That work taught him people skills he now uses every day at Disney, where he interacts with visitors from around the world.
His brother Peter also spent years in the aerospace industry before retiring. Together, the brothers decided they wanted a different kind of retirement — one that did not revolve around screens and constant connectivity.
Retiring from the Laptop and Phone Lifestyle
The brothers' decision reflects a broader trend. Many Americans are choosing to retire later and take on part-time work. Some do it to cushion their savings. Others want to pursue a passion they set aside long ago. And some simply want to fill extra downtime with something meaningful.
For the Wongs, the move to Disney was about adding "a bit of magic" to their lives. Jerry made his feelings clear about leaving corporate life behind.
"I'm finished being married to my laptop and phone." — Jerry Wong
The quote captures a sentiment many retirees can relate to. After decades of being tied to work devices and deadlines, the brothers chose a retirement that puts human connection first.
What This Means for Retirement Planning
Jerry's story shows that retirement does not have to mean stopping work entirely. For him, it meant switching from one kind of work to another — from engineering to photography, from government contracts to family photos at a theme park.
The skills he built in aerospace did not go to waste. Working on ground communications for government contracts required patience, clear communication, and the ability to work with different kinds of people. Those same skills help him now as he photographs guests and makes their Disney visits memorable.
Our Take: A Retirement Worth Noticing
In our view, the Wong brothers' story is a useful reminder that retirement looks different for everyone. The old model — work until 65, then stop completely — is not the only path.
Jerry's choice to work at Disney after a long aerospace career shows that retirement can be a time to explore new interests, not just a time to rest. His comment about being "married to my laptop and phone" speaks to something many workers feel today. Technology keeps us connected to work around the clock. Stepping away from that — even into another job — can feel like freedom.
For readers thinking about their own retirement, the takeaway is simple. You do not have to choose between working and enjoying life. Sometimes, the best retirement is the one where you get to do work you actually enjoy — with people you like, in a place that makes you happy.
Jerry found that place at Disney. After 30 years in aerospace, he is no longer tied to his devices. He is taking pictures, meeting people, and adding a little magic to his own life — and to the lives of the park-goers he photographs.
