Retiring from your primary career is not merely an act of ending, but, more opportunistically and relevant, an act of commencement and of the promise of a meaningful future.
— Alan Spector, American lawyer, author and politician
Time, oh how fast it flies! I remember how nervous I was preparing for my first class, and how thrilled I was when I got my tenure. And yet, here I am, years later, sitting at my desk, with just a few more years till my retirement.
As it draws close, I cannot help but imagine all the things I would do, but deep down, there is a part of me that is dreading the end of my career.
As working people, there are times were I absolutely dreaded going to work, waking up early in the morning and having to deal with all sorts of problems.
In fact, having high tolerance can be considered a job requirement! Without it, there is no guarantee that one could cope well with their job.
There were times where I would be so exhausted, arriving home only to pass out on my sofa, and there were times I had to arrange for my colleagues to pick up my children, as I was overwhelmed with work.
At times, I complained and whined, but deep down, I enjoyed being busy with work, especially as I was doing what I loved.
I enjoyed conducting researches, discovering new things, and spreading knowledge to the students I teach. Especially when, as an educator, my students are able to properly utilise the knowledge given to become a better version of themselves.
On the other hand, once I am retired, I would finally be able to fulfil my lifelong dream of traveling the world! I would love to see all the wonders that the world has to offer, and who knows, maybe even make new friends along the way!
That said, I would also love to just relax at home and tend to my plants, without worrying about meetings and deadlines. A carefree life, finally, that is what I look forward to.
A part of me wants to retire, the other part does not. I was in a quandary about what to do.
Truth be told, I also fear truly growing old once I reach retirement age. It is silly, I will admit, but I fear that once I retire, I will not be as sharp as I used to.
My friends who have retired live very different lives from one another, some retire and spend their days cultivating hobbies like bonsai gardening, while others continue to work, albeit for free or less pay.
“It is not about the money,” they said. “I just miss working and being busy.”
They said working helped them to keep their mind sharp, and their body active. They help out at charity events and humanitarian organisations, trying their best to better the lives of others by lending a hand, and at the same time, enjoying their retirement by doing what they love.
My friends who ended up spending their retirement relaxing have no regrets either. They spend a lot of time tending to their hobbies and interests.
They told me that they feel as if retirement is the prize of working for so long.
“It is worth it,” they said. “Do I miss working? Sure, but as we get older, we would like to lay back and do the things we love besides work.”
That said, I suppose that there are many of us in a dilemma, not knowing what we would like to do once the time comes.
Personally, I would love to do volunteer work to keep my mind sharp and busy, however I would feel as if I would be neglecting my lifelong dream.
I would be thrilled to follow my dream of travelling the world, but somehow, I feel as if I would miss working.
If I were to be honest, I do not want to “fully” retire. I feel as if it would mark the end of an era in my life that I have enjoyed so dearly.
It has its ups and downs, as does many other jobs, but it is what makes it even harder to move on.
Age is also an unforgiving force. Working after my retirement is fine, if I can take it, that is!
Who knows how much age will affect my already frail body. I would be lucky to be able to run by then!
These days, teaching puts a lot of stress on my feet and knees, as I tend to stand while I teach. My children would have all grown up by then, there is no telling how our lives will be changed by then.
There are many other things that await me in the future, besides retirement. I may have many cute grandchildren, awaiting to be spoilt rotten by me!
As much as I look forward to it, I feel a slight melancholy. I may not be able to continue my career, but with all the memories I have, and the memories I am about to make, in the end, it will all be worth it.
Retirement may be the end of our jobs, but it is the beginning of a new chapter in our life, and like all chapters of life, we should make the best of it possible.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
