The inevitable day has arrived. This afternoon s/he will lay down office, hold centre stage at farewell function and then depart from familiar premises a last time. It also marks entry into another phase of life, an almost unbelievable setting where there is no boss to issue orders or assign duty and s/he is ‘monarch of all I survey’. This is probably just reward for years of diligent toil, but to effectively administer ‘self rule’ and ensure successful ‘reign’, some essentials – four come readily to mind – would be worthwhile guide-posts in retired life.
1. Finance : Earning by way of regular salary having ceased, money management assumes greater significance than ever before with emphasis on thrift. Hence the pressing need to providing a sound financial base. Preparing a list of assets & liabilities is the starting block. Enumerate all investments, arrange maturity dates (sequence-wise) of policies/FDs etc. as also committed payments falling due. Then compute monthly inflow, from which deduct average expenditure (for running house, RDs of post office or bank, SIPs of mutual fund, etc.) to arrive at estimated balance. In short, reconcile cash flows and budget provision. This exercise will identify ‘disposable income’ available to permit comfortable living as hitherto, indulging an impulsive purchase or spend and, with proper husbanding of resources, squeezing in an occasional holiday.
Don’t overlook making a Will, for it ensures intended passage of estate to designated heirs and simultaneously pre-empts any ugly litigation over succession claims. Clearly this precaution contemplates beyond self, prompted by concern that ownership devolves smoothly to surviving members. That one has provided for the future takes a burden off the mind, which relief itself induces sound sleep – a bedtime boon all wish for, more so the elderly.
2. Relationship : A demanding job during one’s career often prevents sparing sufficient time to family. With ample leisure now, more companionship to spouse is available as also increased participation in domestic affairs. Children have meanwhile grown up (raising own families in turn) and quite likely reside in another city. Contact is of course maintained ; their LTC (Leave Travel Concession) trip, a facility doubtless, carries a double shortcoming viz. spaced at long intervals and of brief duration. This deficiency isn’t conducive to building intimate ties, especially where youngest generation is concerned. In comparison, the reverse movement i.e. staying with them for extended periods oftener, declares better dividends. Togetherness and lavishing affection on grandchildren, in course of a prolonged halt, most definitely strengthens bonding. Ask any grandparent which moment is treasured and majority answer would be toddler greeting them with the warmest hug on arrival and refusing to let go, between whimpers, at hour of departure.
These stretched visits, moreover, are instrumental to achieving a sought after domestic ideal : following their marriage, daughter-in-law/son-in-law are new entrants, close interaction with whom develops harmony thus facilitating her/his inclusivity into the family fold.
One may be hundreds of miles distant and prospect of next meeting could be uncertain, but links with immediate relatives and close friends must be kept active. This simple gesture reinforces that attachment and reflects a caring disposition, earning goodwill – an intangible commodity one can never have enough of.
When dependency on others is minimal or totally absent (actually so preferred), it could also lessen frequency/extent of interaction. As separation widens, the specter of isolation assumes a real possibility should there be no support to fall back upon during adversity. Choosing to be detached/lonely is an inexplicable denial of company, because association comprises a vital connect in our lives. Nurturing relationship, divorced from ulterior motive, is a virtue that springs from fondness of the heart. And it is those fortunate few who are richer, when gifted genuine warmth from near and dear ones.
3. Hobby : Traditionally wife has been the home-maker, a role that isn’t confined to normal eight-hour span and enjoys no weekly off or leave of any kind. Perpetuated by circumstance she is stuck in a 24x7x52 job, performing chores arguably more onerous than office duty. Because another task awaits the one finished and she never ‘retires’, wondering how to pass time is hypothetical.
For husband though, prospect of another ‘empty day’ is a depressing struggle that begins each morning (beyond the initial flush of lolling around/doing nothing) – an undesirable state that must be addressed quickly. Early rising has become habit but devoid the accompanying activity of rush to office and kept busy therein till evening, time is now going to hang heavy. So remaining occupied must be a prime objective. Since newspaper and TV can best be limited diversions (that too of passive nature and not to ignore from couch-potato to hibernation is a short transition), time absorbing subjects of interest (demanding active participation) will afford longer – and meaningful – engagement. Indoor hobbies like dabbling in the kitchen, terrace gardening or contributing short articles to magazines/dailies and even painting/music could be pursued. For those with a philanthropic inclination, volunteering for community service say, would be fitting involvement. Granted an idle mind may not always be the devil’s workshop but staring at a blank agenda daily, it will certainly rust and gradually turn dysfunctional.
4. Health : Forgive liberty taken on a much quoted adage but ‘Ill health drains wealth’ is realistic plight should it befall at an advanced age. With medical care frightfully expensive it’s a ruinous consequence unless one is beneficiary of co. scheme/under insurance cover. Protection under some sort of financial umbrella is, therefore, crucial. Be particular about keeping good health through hygiene, diet, periodic check-ups etc. However, medical liability could result equally from injury (accident, risk prone situation, etc.) and like defensive driving, be doubly alert on any danger content (as if anticipating some untoward happening). Thereafter, pray misfortune doesn’t strike.
In a patronizing mood, boss might add a couple of suggestions to foregoing, but minor incompleteness is preferred to having authority say the last word on a chapter that has closed, the final full stop therein being the point where erstwhile domain of office terminated. Welcome fallout of the company – employee severance: summons like Boss is Calling will, henceforth, never be intruding the current tranquil scene.
H.S. Baral is a passionate writer on matters related to business, management, marketing and corporate affairs. Prior to his retirement from the State run power plant equipment manufacturer Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL), he held the position of Chief Corporate Communication and Public Relations.
