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| THE WEAR AND TEAR IN LIFE |
version 1: Retiring too late or never
One of my previous bosses once confessed that he wanted to die in his office. As he put it, he wanted to end “with the tie on, the shoes on, at the desk”. He said this while sitting behind the mentioned office desk, with mountains of paperwork around him. He looked lovingly at the piles of papers … Dying at age of 85+, he did work until the last day of his life. At the very end, “home” was an assisted facility and he needed a car ride from home to work and back. As far as I know, he died alone, probably without the tie and the shoes.
Consider the following: my boss was a rich man, he did not have to work for a living, he even donated money to various causes. However, he became an institutionalized cogwheel. Maybe his reason to work till death was his duty to the country: he had mentioned that the country had paid for his education, and he had to give back. In my opinion, behind the screen of duty was the fear that he did not have anything to do outside the Institution. At his high career level, he enjoyed reasonable freedom in what to do and how to do it, and the Institution became more than just a job.
Some people never retire, and others wait too long to retire. In fact, it is so late for them to transition to a life of retirement that they do not know how to do it, and have no courage to try it. It is sad to hear stories like this of my former boss since it is rare that a long work life leads to extraordinary and great accomplishments.
Even in creative occupations, a focused, long-lasting dedication to one cause/profession brings wear and tear, and not only physical one. The mental wear and tear and one-sidedness of mind and interests are equally frightening and damaging.
I have no attachment to my current job. I could see myself doing many other things for a living. Of course, the pay will be less, but I might be much happier, as I will not be scrutinized under a magnifying lens by everyone and every second of my work hours.
version 2: Retiring too early
I have not met in person anyone who has done this, but I have read a fair share of blogs of 30+ - old retirees. I have not been impressed by the activities with which these young people fill their retired days.
However, some of the early retirees dedicate their time to raising children, and in my eyes such dedication surpasses any white or blue collar job and its potential impact on society. Children deserve to have more time with their parents and less time with institutionalized, encrusted in idiocy schools.
For a small fraction of people with clear vision, and a mind prone to exploration, early retirement is the path to self-development and optimization of their capabilities. I am curious to follow the life path of such individuals in anticipation of greatness. Greatness in my mind is measured by the level at which one influences the society and the world in a positive way.
What about me? I cannot be an early retiree: I started my job at age of 30+, after decades of schooling and obtaining the degree of PhD. However, my hope is that I will not end up like my former boss. I refuse to become a part of any institution, even if I were to be a glorified cogwheel. I would love to taste the freedom from financial constraints long before the age of 67.
Follies II
Follies IV
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