In our lives we take up various vocations and careers. Sometimes we may shift from one vocation or career to another. Sometimes we may change our workplaces within the same career. The longer you pursue the same vocation or career, the more it becomes a way of life with you and you breathe it in every breath. Thus, you are a teacher, a nurse, a doctor, a clerk or a mechanic for years and that is your life. Most forms of employment hardly leave you with any chance of working out or following a fitness programme. “How I wish I could write a poem! But where is the time?” you lament. And the same is true where your leisure time activities are concerned. There is no time for or inclination towards them.
Sooner or later, the time comes for you to withdraw from office, public life, business, profession, etc. We call this retirement. Some retire on superannuation i.e. retiring when you attain a specific age that is laid down. Some retire prematurely i.e. before their time for reasons best known to them. This is known as voluntary retirement. Whatever the type of retirement you face, it is an end to a long active
career.
Then comes the question, “After retirement, what?” Most of us know when we are going to retire so we have ample time to plan for it. Once you retire, your pay packet diminishes considerably in size. So, the first thing is to work out the financial implications that retirement will have on your life. This will help you to decide whether you want to take up a job with a regular pay packet. If you have decided to take up regular employment, put in a word with concerned people before you retire. If you do not need a regular job but could do with a little additional pocket money, you could take up your hobbies seriously and convert them into sources of income even though the income may not be regular. Writing for newspapers and photography are good examples of such hobbies.
You can work from home or take photographs at different locations and occasions. Making homemade pickles and sweets would provide good opportunities for those with culinary skills. The best part in taking up these tasks is that it does not feel like work since we enjoy doing them. Doing things from your home is a great help to women since it helps them to adjust their time between household chores and the work they have taken up. Many times, you are relieved of the stress factor as well because you can only accept offers that you can handle. By employing additional hands to help you, you will be helping them in their financial need. Most importantly, you will have the great satisfaction of using your talents, which were hitherto unutilized or under-utilized. Some things to keep in mind, if you want to make your retirement fruitful. Do not take a long break after your day of retirement. It may be difficult for you to start doing something. Take care of your health. Be reasonable about it. Do not expect to be like a twenty-year old. Take care of chronic disabling diseases like diabetes, arthritis, etc. Change your routine now and then. Be Retired Not Tired!
