WHEN TO RETIRE?

I have been meaning to write on this, for a long time now – again something, suggested by a dear friend of mine. This one is very to the point, and a brief one.

What is retirement?

The act of stopping to work permanently.

This brings me to the next question – How do you define work?

Is it something, that makes you earn? Or something that improves quality of life as well?

How about doing something, that gives you money and makes you happy? I bet; you will never think of quitting then. There might be a job, that you initially loved, but later it becomes monotonous or tiring. Fatigue sets in. This is the time when you need to relook, at your working life. People shift jobs, change industries or quit altogether. You might even want to revisit your lost passion. It is never too late – painting, fashion, farming, gardening, travelling, digital marketing, teaching, writing, any of these can make you earn money as well. The list is endless. For example, I did my schooling in Sciences, Grad in Economics, Post Grad in Marketing – worked in advertising, did some corporate training and teaching in Sales and Marketing, and then ended up as an entrepreneur in area of creativity and fashion. And trust me, I never had any formal education in areas of apparels, fashion and art. Took me good 15-20 years to get hold of, what I actually wanted in life. And, who says till when will I be happy doing what I am doing, here and today. Though, as of now, it seems to be a thing of long run.

Moneywise, one needs to secure their and their family’s future. What about kids, and their future, you will ask? How much should one leave behind for kids? I say, not that much. These days kids are smart enough to making a living of their own, and opportunities are a plenty. Also, saving for one of biggest expenses (especially in India) – their weddings – no need – weddings in future are all going to be an intimate and compact affair, with minimal wastage. Having said that, if you have enough in bank to live a good life, maintaining your current standards of living – all comforts, taken care of. You can chill and hang your boots. Nevertheless, get into something, that might give less money, but gives you a relaxed life.

When we are addressing work-life balance, it is but natural, to talk about health. But simple things like daily walks, direct dose of Vit D (sunlight) can take care of most of it for you. If your body is giving you warning signals, pains and recurring aches, better sit back and take a stock of the situation.

Does making money always lead to a better life?

Most of the times, yes. A friend of mine, always says: “money can buy happiness, you should know, where to look”.

I personally disagree, there is no upper limit, key lies in satisfaction. That does not mean, that you shouldn’t be ambitious, but happiness lies in what you have achieved. There is always room, for more and more. But looking back, at where you have started and what you have accomplished, so far, will always make you content. The ambition of reaching a particular post or a stage in a career, could be your drivers too. What, once that is achieved? You set new goals? One sure can…but after giving it a due thought and weighing pros and cons. Once when I was at a crossroads, someone suggested, that I should make a list of ‘for and against’ for each possible path. While, I didn’t sit with a pen and paper, but I did do some vague list making in my mind. That really, helped me come to an informed decision, one I don’t regret.

I am sure everyone will have their viewpoint on this. I also know some people, who enjoy the ‘rat race’. They thrive in such environment. To each his own. As I say, whatever makes you happy and makes you approach work with same zeal every day.

My take is…if you are passionate about your work (that generates income), then you will never think of stopping. Taking a pause, is always an option.

Trust me, you need to find your calling, and you will never have to think of ‘retirement’.

So, if your hobby is your ‘work’…the term doesn’t exist in your dictionary.

Signing out, on this…I need to get back ‘to work’ and I am lucky that my work is my passion.