Retired Conductor on America's Got Talent

Follow your Passions During Retirement

“I told everyone I was going to retire on my birthday, and I did. Ever since I retired, I have more time to work on my dream and work on my talent. This is the time where I'm going to do it. This is my moment,” said Eric Booker, aka “Badlandschugs,” a retired Subway Conductor and TWU Local 100 member on a recent America’s Got Talent (AGT) episode. In his juicy three minutes of stardom, Booker chugs four glasses of pickle juice, hot dog water, creamed corn, and hot sauce. Each glass holds 1,000 ml (4.23 cups) of liquid.

Thanks to TWU Local 100’s retirement planning services, Booker was able to retire on his birthday. He worked for MTA NYC Transit for 32 years. “TWU helped me a great deal while I was working and continues to be a great help during my retirement,” he said.

Retirement seems distant for younger union members, while older members may have complex feelings about it. In addition to utilizing the Union’s retirement planning services for financial guidance, deciding what passion to pursue in retirement can also be overwhelming.

Before Booker retired, he did competitive eating contests in his spare time. “While my peers were starting YouTube channels doing eating challenges, I went a different way by starting a chugging channel,” said Booker. Over time, his popularity increased on social media.IB Image

Finding your passion often begins with self-reflection on the values and principles that guide your life and decisions. This discovery process can start before retirement by exploring new activities. Similar to financial planning, patience in discovering your passion is key for enjoying the transition into retirement.

“Find your passion and make time for it now, so when it's time to retire, you can enjoy it to the fullest! I was a conductor who did most of my tenure as a Construction Flagger, working long hours and commuting into the city from Long Island, and I still found time to follow my dream. Retirement is about planning. And sitting home all day with nothing to do gets old real fast,” said Booker.

This is how Booker transitioned from conducting NYC’s trains to performing on AGT’s stage, a popular national television show that entertains millions of households. He chugged various liquids in front of a shocked and captivated audience that clapped and pumped their fists to cheer him on. When he reached for the last glass -- hot sauce -- the audience encouraged him by shouting, “Let’s Go!”

Booker walked off the stage with AGT's host, Simon Cowell, proudly telling Booker, “I really like you.” Booker found his passion in chugging vast quantities of liquids. What will your dream passion be in retirement? Watch Booker’s performance on AGT:

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