Some Discoveries and Some realisations
Now that I am almost retired [almost, because technically I am on leave till end of the month], some discoveries and some ‘re-discoveries’ have been made. Here are some to illustrate:
Like I enjoyed travelling by BEST bus from Mulund to Thane. And I was surprised that this city provides such a low cost travel to its people.
Like I always travelled by BEST bus to my school and college; I used to wonder then how nice it would be to travel in cars. And after travelling by car for over twenty years I feel it would be a good idea to travel by bus, it would save me cost and the trouble of finding a parking place for my car.
Like I found out where Telephone Exchange was located in Thane when I had to pay an overdue bill. And along with it I also discovered where Ganesh Cinema was located; I had heard about it but never knew its location.
Like I found the shortest route from the Telephone Exchange to my residence! Having walked most of it [I found it difficult to resist the temptation of getting into an autoriksha], and talked about it repeatedly, Sulabha my wife, remarked that I have the same feeling that Columbus had on discovering America!
Like I realise that I am fast becoming a well known person in the vegetables market at Thane. Vegetable vendors are all smiles when they spot me. I suspect that they have realised my ignorance of the real prices.
Like I have now realised that there are quite a few HDFC Bank ATMs in the city besides, of course, the one in my office.
Like these discoveries have made me think how outdated I became by not looking at the world beyond my office.
Like I felt that the job of a housewife is the most unenviable job in the world. On the other hand, managing household activities is no less important or a low skill job. My respect for my wife is increasing every day.
Like I feel that I have neglected both, my responsibilities to run home and my wife too. And I have expressed it to her too. [There was no response!].
Like your action of sitting in front of your laptop brings diametrically opposite reactions from the Boss in office and your wife at home. The Boss thinks you are working while the wife thinks you are whiling away your time!
Like I feel that wives start treating husbands like a child when they approach sixty. I shudder to think what will happen when [and if] I turn seventy.
Like handing over the baton to the next generation is not easy. Allowing them to make decisions is easy, but you find it difficult to get over the [sometimes unjustified] feeling of not being an important member of the family.
Like when you have free time you tend to think of your health, and discover that you are neither fit nor young. [And it hurts!]
And finally the biggest benefit an office offers is the air-conditioned atmosphere. [I miss it!] You do not have to pay for it. Spending time at home in Mumbai’s humidity and heat without air conditioning is not something I enjoy doing. But if you switch on AC, you pay for it.
Loved reading about your discoveries & rediscoveries.
Each & every one of them…..wonderful blend of humour & reality..
Great observations from a HR manager type who is suddenly now managing himself, and sometimes, , I suppose, being managed ….
Some further benefits of BEST after retirement. You can enter the bus officially through the front entrance, without having to wage war . The passport office has a separate line for you, once inside.
The Bhajiwalaahs of Thane will probably report briliiant 2nd quarter gains in business, even in these recessionary times.
At the end of a long and distinguished HR career, your real best friends are probably less that 3 years of age…
And finally, you must have realized by now who the real boss is. 🙂
Wishing you a great and happy productive retired life …..
One of the best posts that I have read, Sir. I was overwhelmed by your observations, but all of them are so true. Each example had its merit and that too very well written. Thanks Sir for such real life observations.
Enjoyed this post very much!
Insightful observations you have made-
Best wishes for a smooth transition from working life into retirement!
Hi Vivek,
Great post, I think a lot of the points you made covered most of our thoughts at this stage in life. I’m sure you (and your wife) will make the transfer safely and happily and will enjoy your retirement in due time. You have had the sense to think about it beforehand and prepare so ‘all will fall into place’..
Cheers Kate.
p.s. Suranga has the right idea, you will now know who the boss is .. Best wishes to your wife who will have a bigger transition on her hands…
one of the best posts ever..thoroughly njoied.
Hoping u have a great time disovering and sharing some more fun filled moments!!
Nice Post Sir.
I almost stopped reading when I read that the Boss will be thinking that I am working (as I read it at work).
It must be something to retire and not to go to work. I am not married, but I think once I get stamped (married) then probably I will enjoy my work even more. I have seen my work colleague just waiting for work trips, tours after every now and then. Its like they want to be home but not all the time.
Sir, I am sure you have done your best and now is the time to just enjoy all of it.
All the Best
Hi SGD, UK [Ugich Konitari]
Thanks for your encouagement. I enjoyed your comments, UK.
@ NSI and Manju: Thanks for your encouragement.
@Kate: I alwasy like to read your comments, written with empathy, they make me think.
@Rush: Thanks a ton for your encouragement.
@Ankit: Reading blogs on duty is hazardous to health! 🙂
Vivek
Loved the self-directed humour of your discoveries. May your journey of exploration and exasperation (vis-a-vis the family) continue in a similar vein from June onwards…
left a thankyou note for you on my blog 🙂
Sir.. your honesty in the above post is truly great!! The post is really a amazing…
Hello Sir,
You are not aware, but I too enjoy your blog quite a lot.
Coming the extracts of life honestly from an experienced person to the younger generation , I feel, is really cool. May be – that is the Vanprastha Ashram all about !!
Reagrds
Chakra
Mumbai
This is you. Loved reading it.