How do you want to retire?
The narrative follows a man facing the unexpected reality of retirement after years in a corporate position. Initially unprepared, he reflects on his unambitious past, gradually gaining maturity and insights through reading and observing others’ experiences. As retirement approaches, he grapples with mixed emotions, fearing a loss of purpose while also anticipating freedom from routine. Post-retirement, he contemplates his life changes, balancing newfound free time with his spouse’s ongoing work. Despite early disillusionment, he finds solace in writing, channelling his energy into expressing his experiences. Ultimately, he learns to embrace life as it comes, focusing on contentment rather than lofty expectations.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The narrative explores the journey of a man confronting retirement after years in a corporate job.
- Initially unprepared, he reflects on his life, grappling with the loss of routine and purpose.
- Post-retirement, he finds solace in writing, discovering new hobbies while adjusting to life with his spouse.
- Ultimately, he learns to embrace life as it comes, focusing on contentment rather than expectations.
- Through gradual maturation, he appreciates the importance of adjustments for a fulfilling retirement.
The Job
He never thought of his retirement. It doesn’t mean that he was overconfident about his abilities. Instead, he was ignorant to the extent that it didn’t come to his mind. An unemployed person, he got the job after a long struggle, failures and facing frustrations. Though not of his choice, he joined it, thinking that beggars can’t be choosers. Opposite to his notion, his job was decent. He adjusted himself and started working diligently. Can a man of thirty be such ignorant about petty things? Still, he was.
(1) Economic freedom
The job gave him economic freedom, though he was financially very tight. He lived in a rented one-room set. It was a great drain on him. Nevertheless, there was no choice. One chair, a folding bed, a kerosene stove, a small cooker and a few books were all that he had. His spouse was a simple girl who adjusted well to him. People around him unconsciously helped him open his wings.
(2) Gradual change
Gradually, he started picking up experiences as they came to him. Still, he had to learn many things. His habit of newspaper reading paid dividends. It started grooming his mind. The news, views and editorials constantly hammer his mind, and he used to try understanding the intricacies of the instances. Many momentous incidents occurred during these times. Incidents are still fresh in his mind as if they were recent ones.
(3) Latent wishes
From the beginning, he had some wishes buried deep in his psyche. He always thought about travelling, hiking, trekking and camping in the hills, and photographing. Road travel by own car, lugged with camping gear, was his favourite longing. Later, he started trekking and visiting places, driving his car. He travelled and explored many destinations, particularly hills and historical sites.
Maturation
With time, his maturity increased and, correspondingly, his outlook changed. The viewpoint became pragmatic, and he started viewing things in the light of reasoning and logic. An unambitious man, raw and crude, was now trying to shape up his thought process. He was endeavouring to chisel and sharpen them. Still, a lot more was yet to be done. The ability to critically analyse and put logical views in the light of facts and figures was not fully developed. He had to learn the art of reading between the lines. It was probably the reason for his early ignorance. He saw that many of his colleagues were gradually retiring.
(1) Monotony at work
Nevertheless, he used to talk with those who were to retire in a few months. He wondered about the future of retirees after they retired. Working in an office was routine, yet the monotony would break when they transferred to another department. After a brief change, it used to become routine.
(2) Official communique
Days passed. One day, he too received an official communication informing him about his retirement. Typically, the organisation used to issue an official communique a few months before the employee’s retirement. This notification included the date of superannuation, as well as relevant details like the employee’s ID and designation. The identity card becomes useless after the person retires, so it has to be surrendered.
(3) The shock
The communique was a shock. He was mentally unprepared. He couldn’t reconcile with the fact that he would be retiring after one hundred and fifty days. This period includes non-working Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. He read it repeatedly to confirm its reality. This was an official routine. It was also time for him to prepare to disembark from the train compartment he was in. He was to prepare for this phase. Besides doing his routine work, he was preparing for his final departure too.
(4) The organisation
He often reflects on his days working in the organisation. It was a large corporate office located in a metropolitan city. As an officer, he held a position of authority and enjoyed the power that would soon volatilise. While he looked ahead to being free from the monotonous routine, he couldn’t help but wonder, “What next?”
After retirement what?
He didn’t plan for his post-retirement life. There would then be enough time for himself and his family, he often thought. Settled overseas, his only son was earning a handsome income. Here, he and his spouse lived together in a small house. Both of them had scant relatives or friends. They seldom talk to others. To keep himself engaged, he needs to do something. (Bob Erickson)
(1) Cogitation
A sudden jackpot leaves a poor man feeling bewildered. He was equally confused about his uncertain future. With plenty of time on his hands, he can immerse himself in his hobbies of reading, writing, travelling, and photography. These activities will engage his mind and soul. He won’t have anyone supervising his work. Currently holding a commanding position, he supervises and manages a staff of around fifty people. Yet, he is still accountable to his boss. That will soon be a thing of the past. He needs to manage his emotions carefully.
(2) The colleague’s story
Suddenly, a case involving one of his colleagues came to mind. After getting the usual communication about retirement, his colleague felt hollowed. As the days approached, the colleague felt a sinking sensation. He admitted to the hospital for nervousness post-superannuation. Our protagonist, nevertheless, strictly warded off any negative feelings. Life was going to start afresh. It would be his second innings, he thought. The inevitable change has to be accepted with grace. There was nothing unusual. It was also a routine.
(3) Qualms
Days passed. He often contemplated his life after retirement. He had heard many stories from people who were already enjoying their retired lives. They seemed to have plenty of time, free from the pressures of commuting to the office and work-related stress. On the surface, they appeared to lead a carefree life, surrounded by family and friends. Nonetheless, were they truly happy? During their more emotional moments, they would open up about their struggles and challenges. He had accumulated a wealth of stories and experiences based on the lives of others. He often found himself murmuring that he had learned a lot from them.
Fairwell party
The day came when he retired. After office hours, a small tea party was organised by his office colleagues. It was yet another routine. A farewell party is customary with mutual contributions. Small gifts are presented to the retiree after he is garlanded. A similar event was organised to honour him. Everyone was serious. They congratulated him on the start of his new innings. After the party was over, he came back to his home.
Next morning
The next morning, he routinely got ready, but soon realised it. A faint smile came to his face. He took out a book from the shelf and, lying on the couch, started reading it. Soon, he fell asleep and was woken up by the call of his spouse. Both dined together, conversed for a while. She became busy with her daily work. There was no retirement for her. She had no time to sit with him as she had to finish her work. Sitting alone in the study room, he brooded for a while, opened his computer and started typing.
Decision
The plans he had made proved futile and vanished like a wisp of aroma. He and his spouse were the world. Both had to spend time together. They would scream and argue with each other, and the next moment, they would discuss some vital issue. It became the new routine. His spouse also needed to adjust. The reason was the new situation when he would be at home for a long time. He thought he must do something to channelise his mind and energy. Photography is his hobby. Still, it needed a regular outing. This was not possible because of his ailing spouse, so he had to consider another engaging task.
(1) Reading and writing
9He had a flair for reading and, to some extent, writing. To put across his viewpoints to people, writing is the best way. He had enough time, so he took up writing and started narrating his experiences to others. He started adhering to a routine of daily writing about 1500 words or more. His writing was getting refined. Though he does not feel satisfied with his writing but he continues to work and work hard. He works diligently, as was his habit.
(2) Adjustments and calibrations are important
After a considerable period, he has settled into his new life. Our protagonist has enough funds to take care of himself and his spouse, who is suffering from age-related problems. Despite it, she manages the affairs well. The difficult period is over. He does not have big ambitions. His finances are moderate. His necessities are fulfilled. Life is a trade-off; no one gets everything of their choice. Adjustments and calibration are needed for a contented life. This has become the mantra of his life, and he follows it.
Epilogue
At the fag end, he wishes nothing extraordinary. He understands the fleeting nature of life and that expectations yield little.He tries to live every moment the way it comes to him, without expecting anything from life. He does what is required of him and tries to feel satisfied with what is available.
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