For those of us in a company payroll, there comes a day our records will be removed. This is the day we stopped working and likely we will stop any kind of day job. At the point, we want to retire and have some rest from active service. The question is: What will keep us engaged for the rest of our lives? Most employees fail to answer this question until it is almost too late.
So as an employee, I have thought deeply and researched about retirement and why it is one of the most difficult part of our lives. I would love to share a little piece of what I found out and give some advice on the above issue.
1. Always go for your annual leave.
Whatever you usually do during your leave, is what you will likely be doing when you retire. If all you do is to sleep or watch TV, then that’s what you will likely do in your retirement. Remember the book of Proverbs. A little sleep and a little slumber, so shall your poverty multiply.
Watching TV shows will not save you heartache in retirement. Learn a trade or a skill during your leave. It will come handy. Spend your after-office hours learning something. Don’t spend it sleeping, Gossiping, watching TV!! Same goes for your weekend. Make them productive. You will thank yourself for spending your time productively.
2. Invest for your retirement.
Your children are not retirement investment. Don’t bank on your children’s support or the support of friends or relations. That’s a BIG risk. It may not happen. Be ready to take care of yourself!! Everyone has his own responsibilities. They won’t be able to help you that much. You will also lose your dignity and respect if you adopt a life of begging.
4. Master your hobby.
Start a hobby early in your working days to take you along when you retire. Rearing chicken, farming or own a shop. Acquire marketable skills ( not useless paper certificates) Etc
5. Build a home.
Where will you retire. Build yourself a home. Don't retire and start to rent a house or refuse to vacate government house. You will be at the mercy of your landlord at a time when your cash flow is not only reduced but unpredictable!!
6. Plan to be independent.
Who will be your dependants. By the time you retire, your children should be above 18, and self reliant.
7. Do not stay in a big city.
Don't retire and stay in a big city unless you can TRULY afford it. You can't continue living in a big city after 60 with limited financial resources. The language and the hustle will be hard for you. Where possible, Relocate to a less expensive town where your reduced take home (pension) can go further.
8. Have assets.
Have property which can be rented or converted into cash. Have shares that pay good dividends. Plant cash trees. Rear goats, cultivate vegetables etc. these activities will not only give you income but will also keep you healthy.
9. Live a simple life.
If you never built a house at your rural home, dont use your retirement package to build. It is unwise unless you plan to live there on a permanent basis or you are super rich and therefore can afford the luxury. The choice is yours.
Note that many of retirees die early because of the following:
- They are Not mentally prepared to retire.
- Lack of finances
- They Lapse into Depression
- They develop Hypertension/ Diabetes because of worries, anxiety and uncertainty and "financial pressures."
YOUR DESK AT YOUR WORK PLACE IS NOT PERMANENT. PLAN FOR YOUR RETIREMENT