”I want to finish with flying colours.”
After 21 years at KTH, Björn Nordbäck, Curator at campus Flemingsberg, retires at the age of 62. He worked his first day on the 28th of February 2002 at what was then called KTH Syd, and he has worked under six Heads of school.
“I want to finish with flying colours when everything is at its best,” he says.
You have worked a long time at KTH!
“Yes, I have, for 21 years. If you stay that long at a job you’re either lazy or you really like your job. For me, it’s definitely the latter. I’ve really enjoyed working here. But I had a heart attack in 2018 and that was a real wake-up call. I made my decision in March last year. Even if I know I will miss my job I’ve never regretted my decision.”
What have you enjoyed the most?
“It’s definitely the contact with staff and students. I’ve especially appreciated the contact with the Student Union – the students are so positive and cheerful and that’s really contagious. I’m a social and outgoing person and in my job – first as a janitor and then as a curator – one really has to be.
“All my encounters with people have been utterly rewarding and I’ve always felt appreciated. I’m very grateful for that.”
does it feel to retire after so many years?
”I must admit I have mixed feelings. I will enjoy doing what I want with my time, but at the same time, I will miss not having close contact with people in the same way as at work. It will probably take some time to adjust and let it sink in that this is what life will be like from now on.”
During February and March, Björn plans to just enjoy having all the time in the world, but after that, he is set on starting to volunteer for a non-profit organization.
“I’m used to being needed at work, I don’t think I can adjust to just doing nothing.”
When it’s time to take a photo, he protests at first. He’s wearing a t-shirt, which he otherwise never does at work.
“I always wear a proper shirt at work, but today I’m filling in for Mats, the janitor, and then I need to wear more casual clothes,” he says.
We get to take the photo in the end, of course, Björn’s not the kind of person who makes a fuzz about little things.
Text: Åsa Karsberg