Friday, March 27, 2009
Emotions in Phase 2
So, what are the driving emotions for Phase 2 - ie what made us choose the career, profession or work that we do? I can think of the following: Calling, profession, owners, no choice.
For calling - examples of such will be religious in nature, or a noble profession like teaching.
For profession - examples of such will be doctors, accountants, IT, engineers, nurses, architects. Sometimes they are part of an chartered or organized code of conduct. Professional managers can be clustered under this category.
For "owners" - entrepreneurs or business people who create and build businesses of their own. They don't work for people but themselves.
For "work" - technician, laborers, maids etc.
Other than a special calling of priests, or religious teachers, none of these stay forever in Phase 2. They typically served until they reached a particular retirement age and leave. The only problem is when the retirement age moves further and further out. This predefined retirement age becomes the reason for staying on. However, why should one be subjected to a predefined age to retirement. Who says that we should retire only at a particular age? Isn't that a matter of choice?
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Phase 2 of life
During Phase 2, we worked day in and out. I recalled approaching this phase with anxiety and hope. I applied for several open jobs while I was still in National Service. Before my run-out-date, I accepted a job with the Port of Singapore Authority. I was going to be a trainee. I looked forward and prepared for it - at least mentally.
Then, I got married and bought an apartment. Then, a car. I got committed and more committed. So, need to work and work harder to earn more to feed my material needs. Of course, while working, I met lots of people locally and overseas. I got to travel a lot. Soon, flying was no fun...it is just a means of transportation.
I led projects, teams, and then more projects and more teams. Sometimes, I am so focus that I have to remind myself about work balance between family and work. Again, all this to acquire and retain material and social needs. It is also to keep the mind and body busy. If you look at many working adults, how many really shows the body was fit and trim? Beer tummies and fat bodies say it all.
I can understand the material and social needs. But do we need to work to keep the mind and body busy. Phase 2 is only a means to an end. It is not the end. We need to be financially independent so we can enjoy Phase 3. If not, you continue in Phase 2.
There is sufficient activities to fill the mind.
Then, I got married and bought an apartment. Then, a car. I got committed and more committed. So, need to work and work harder to earn more to feed my material needs. Of course, while working, I met lots of people locally and overseas. I got to travel a lot. Soon, flying was no fun...it is just a means of transportation.
I led projects, teams, and then more projects and more teams. Sometimes, I am so focus that I have to remind myself about work balance between family and work. Again, all this to acquire and retain material and social needs. It is also to keep the mind and body busy. If you look at many working adults, how many really shows the body was fit and trim? Beer tummies and fat bodies say it all.
I can understand the material and social needs. But do we need to work to keep the mind and body busy. Phase 2 is only a means to an end. It is not the end. We need to be financially independent so we can enjoy Phase 3. If not, you continue in Phase 2.
There is sufficient activities to fill the mind.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Retirement - begins here
Today, I announced my retirement from work life. I have been working for the last 34 years. I am currently 55. It was not easy announcing my retirement. I am with mixed emotions.
I see life in 3 phases:
- Phase 1: Preparing for Work
- Phase 2: Work, Work, Work
- Phase 3: Golden Age - Retirement
Going from Phase 1 to 2 was expected. After school, you are supposed to just look for a job or create your own company. Then you work hard to earn enough money for all the materials goods - cars, cards, condo, clubs, spouse and children. Work becomes a habit and many think work is the only end of life.
Is it? I don't think so. From Phase 2, we need to move on to Phase 3. We don't want to work till we drop dead in the office. That's not the purpose. What then is the purpose of Phase 2? We work in order to enjoy the golden age of retirement. Somewhere along the way, we forget about this mission. Get to Phase 3. What age? Can we afford it? What would we do upon retirement?
Questions, Questions, Questions. We asked the same questions when we move to Phase 2. So, how do we handle Phase 3?
I see life in 3 phases:
- Phase 1: Preparing for Work
- Phase 2: Work, Work, Work
- Phase 3: Golden Age - Retirement
Going from Phase 1 to 2 was expected. After school, you are supposed to just look for a job or create your own company. Then you work hard to earn enough money for all the materials goods - cars, cards, condo, clubs, spouse and children. Work becomes a habit and many think work is the only end of life.
Is it? I don't think so. From Phase 2, we need to move on to Phase 3. We don't want to work till we drop dead in the office. That's not the purpose. What then is the purpose of Phase 2? We work in order to enjoy the golden age of retirement. Somewhere along the way, we forget about this mission. Get to Phase 3. What age? Can we afford it? What would we do upon retirement?
Questions, Questions, Questions. We asked the same questions when we move to Phase 2. So, how do we handle Phase 3?
Labels: -
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
