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Retirement! A dreaded word for those ill-prepared for it, especially if they are still in the thick of financial commitments.
For others, it is a refreshing change from hectic routines and spells freedom from traffic jams, deadlines, appointments and working overtime.
Whatever our sentiments about the “double five” syndrome, we cannot deny entry to the uninvited guest standing at our aging doors. Shedding precious tears will not solve the problem. There needs to be a tangible solution to this dilemma.
Fortunately, part-time work is a welcome solution for retirees, especially now that employers are increasingly aware of senior workers’ contributions.
Although this practice is not as widespread in Malaysia compared to overseas, there are local companies that re-employ retirees on a yearly basis.
The reasons why retirees want to re-enter the job market may vary from meeting financial commitments and earning extra pocket money to combating boredom or preventing their brains from rusting away. “I was at a loss upon retirement.
My children were working so I was home alone the whole day. Out of sheer frustration, I answered an advertisement for a part-time telemarketer just to kill time,” says Shirene, a retiree who once held a highlevel management post. She did so well that her employer refused to let her resign.
Thiru, a former senior manager with an envious basket of retirement serve God with my secretarial skills, I am also able to continue adding to my savings from my salary even though it is peanuts compared to what I used to earn,” says Swee Cheng.
Whether it is for the money or to stay mentally active, most retirees prefer jobs that offer flexible working hours so that they have a chance to catch up with family and friends, play golf, take up line dancing or deepen their spiritual lives.
After all, doesn’t the Parable of the Talents apply to retirees too? PART-TIME TIPS
Planning
• Chart your post-retirement career before you retire
• Know your reasons for working part-time — whether money, mental stimulation or to occupy time
• Decide whether you want to work as a volunteer or paid staff
• Look for options that suit your personality and experience.
Attitude
• It is a privilege to be able to experience the dignity of work.
• Be prepared to report to someone half your age and more tech-savvy than you
• Be committed to your part-time job as your employer has a business to run
Resume
• Prepare a resume with basic information and past experiences and update it when necessary
Teachability
• Be prepared to learn, as humility is a virtue at this age.
Technology
• Familiarise yourself with office technology and update your IT skills Interviews
• Find out the business the company is involved in
• Do not boast or oversell yourself but negotiate for the most suitable working hours and renumeration
• Ask for the job description to ensure it is within your capability
• Project a professional image even though you may have been out of the job market for some time
Motivation
• Take pride in your work and enjoy it
• Blend in with the office culture and befriend colleagues of different ages
• Develop a sense of humour and laugh with your colleagues
Evaluation
• Are you happy with your part-time job and work atmosphere? RETIREMENT- by Christine Ang Dedicated to those who have retired and devoted
their best years to society Many dread the arrival of an age
That is used as a measure or gauge
To announce the end of a life-long career
“Retirement” is what many silently fear.
Many approach it with much delight
Appointments and deadlines are now out of sight
Some will not welcome it, feel awkwardly dejected
Drowned in worthlessness and feeling unwanted.
Retirement is a time for rest, an unhurried pace
For the years of labour and the career chase
Working hard to provide well for your family
You have discharged your duties most gallantly.
Your children have now all grown up
And coming home only occasionally to sup
You had raised them well, shaped their lives
With your absolute love and great sacrifice.
The house seems empty, not a sound
Only your faithful wife is around
Daily toiling for you as she has always done
Now is the time to enjoy with her and have some fun.
Take time to walk in a leisurely manner
The rat race for you is definitely over
Work on the projects that you had laid aside
Time is in your hands, only you can decide.
Retirement is not the end of life’s story
It is another phase, a continuing journey
Wrapped with experience, bursting with tales of yester years
A life full of adventure for the young ones’ ears.
Count your blessings, cherish your achievements
No one can rob you of these memorable moments
Enjoy your retirement with pride, live it well
Before you say your last “farewell”.
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