As I was about to retire from my corporate job after spending a long tenure of 40 years, I was super excited. I was set to enter a new phase of life as a free bird, where I was not bound by any commitments, work life balance, PMP, disciplines, etc.
I had no plans about this new phase of my life but you will be surprised that life has taken me back to my childhood. I have become more patient and calmer. I spend ample time with my two grand daughters who stay overseas. I spend hours with them on video calls where we play fun educational games such as learning about new countries, new words, tables, etc. Learning has become more fun for them. I also visit them annually for 2-3 months without thinking about my annual leaves or official work.
When not busy with my grandchildren, I enjoy knitting. It has always been my hobby and now I am pursuing it full time. Since retirement, my grandchildren’s demands for knitting jumpers / cardigans of their favourite cartoon characters has kept me busy.
I also enjoy waking up late, going for walk and doing yoga at my convenience. Playing scrabble with my husband have become a regular habit.
I used to believe that we should work as long as we can, as the routine keeps us fit and monetarily satisfied. But I would like to tell everyone that there will never be a point in your life when you would think of sitting at home as long as you are getting paid. It is the monetarily benefit that lures us that we even ignore our health. By the time we reach our retirement, these health problems become colossal.
Shashi Gandhi
( India )