Retirement blues or bliss: Getting through the golden years

The first day at work is something that we may vividly remember and cherish. Walking with a new-found confidence at having made it, a bounce in the step, ring in the voice usually characterises a first-dayer at work. If we were to fast forward straight away to the 'last-day' on the job, what are the emotions that this evokes?

Having seen dozens of colleagues and team members retire across all these years, I have witnessed a range of reactions from those that are on the verge of retiring. This ranges from eagerly looking forward to this milestone of relief and freedom to crossing this milestone with gratitude, and pride to bitterness in a few instances. As I saw many of these colleagues, some outstanding and accomplished, I would wonder if their life post retirement would be one of a sudden vacuum, without having the taxing engagements of work, which bugged them literally till the last hour. Perhaps, some reverse induction orientation for a life of retirement and self-sufficiency may be in order, too.

After having invested the entire life and emotions in an organisation, working diligently, the fruits ought to be sweet. Yet, the last few weeks preceding retirement are, sometimes, marred by an anonymous letter or complaints. Such an inquiry doesn't get settled almost till the last day at work. These harrowing experiences leave a very bad taste, unless of course the person concerned takes them in her stride with an enlightened view of life.

Several months ago, I was happily surprised to receive an invitation to a farewell ceremony of the principal of a simple government school located in Bhavnagar. Four years ago, I had visited the 156-year-old, AV School, a government primary school number 25 located in the heart of Bhavnagar, catering to the weaker and poorer sections, including slum dwellers, as a part of the 'Kanya Kelavani Abhiyaan'. The first interaction with the students was at the prayer assembly, where the divine 'Omkaar' recited by the students in complete unison gave me goose-pimples. Through the day, my interaction and academic assessment with the young students and teachers reinforced these imprints. I realised that the commitment, dedication and leadership of the frail, petite, soft-spoken principal Harshaben Gohel was the driving force. Earning the trust of parents from very weak socially and economically sections, engaging with them and getting the kids to attend school regularly and making students excel in their studies was no cake walk. With three sisters and two brothers, she chose to remain single. She has come to be the central fulcrum, inspiring and supporting her family and the extended community in so many, heartwarming ways.

Over these months and years, I have kept in touch with Harshaben and her students, making it a point to regularly visit the school. Last week, as I witnessed the outpouring of affection and gratitude of her colleagues, students, parents and community members, I felt this was a fitting tribute to a frail but tenacious, strong lady who had devoted her entire life for sculpting young minds and impacting society. Such celebrations and events, more than anything else, would inspire other teachers and many more to strive for excellence in anything they do.

For those that have worked selflessly for their entire life, can't there be a more continued connect post retirement? Some months ago, I saw just such an idea being practised at Pidilite Industries. The company that specialises in glues and bonding acknowledges the long years of 'bonding' of retired employees to the company through a special evening 'smriti milan' is organised every year. Families of retired employees, including those that have passed away are invited from across the country for dinner, entertainment and felicitation. The chairman, Sh Madhukar Mehta personally felicitates bereaved families with a memento, shawl, coconut and sweets. This thought of remembering those who have contributed to the organisation is inspiring. That way, the last day of the employee could have the same buoyancy, spring and twinkle in the eyes that the first day on the job brought.

The author is a Harvard-educated civil servant & writer, and has worked in the education sector