“If you were to retire today and placed on pension for the rest of your life, what would your life be like?“
Well, all know and can conclude that this is a hypothetical question. That's because, this young man is just getting started. Retirement is nowhere near part of my plans at this stage in life. It's about building for the future, one that hopefully would be well-sustainable. I look at this as the stage of growth, development and planning. You can't have a retirement without something you've laboured or invested in. Maybe that's why it's not really part of my conversation at this point.
However, it's very good to plan for the future. This isn't about some fantasies or so. If I'll certainly build that future I desire, either in the corporate or entrepreneurial world or from other systems, there would be some sort of retirement, even if not in the normal way widely known. This is a good conversation. And as mentioned, whatever the field and path in life, one would need to somehow retire from that work.
What then would my life be like if I retired today and were placed on a pension? I haven't really considered that but I'll say it would first mean a transition from labour to rest. For all the years I've been toiling, tirelessly and restlessly, in good and bad conditions, in productive and unproductive situations, yes it would first mean having that necessary rest. Even while I enjoy the dividends of my labour. This is one of the most fulfilling things in life, if well planned and well appreciated by the private or public corporation.
I won't joke with that rest. Mainly for the first few years. I must say that life won't feel the same. Well, I just left what I must have been doing for a good number of years to retire. It won't feel the same, but I'd have to adapt like with every other transition and progression in life I went through. Nonetheless, there's a factor of boredom, and also tiredness/weariness, not from work now, but from trying to acclimatise to a new way of life after many years of a repeated way. I wouldn't want to be caught in that situation.
My retirement days wouldn't be a burden or sympathy living, viewed by people. It's so sad that, that's what the system has made retirees and pensioners look like. I'd actively build a business or investment plan, that's if unfortunately, I don't have that already, and saved towards these days. And with me pretty much engaged with my investment and business, boredom or inactivity shouldn't be a thing. I'd keep in touch with my interests; through passions, skills, sports, reading and whatever. As much as strength suffices.
Out of work, and in this rewarding period of rest, I'd give my time to building my community and making humanity better. Whatever I must have started, which I'll do, I believe, I'd ensure it's sustained and making a meaningful impact on many lives. A profound duty I'd make of myself even as I no longer work would be giving myself to the mentoring of younger generations. For those who care at least, hoping to inspire them. And importantly, I'd spend quality time with family and friends. Well, it seems I have some sort of retirement plan already. Chuckles.