26 April 2010
Retirement is Depressing
At my company, I was offered the opportunity to attend a retirment party for a co-worker. I wasn’t really close to this person, but in my defense… free lunch. After the meal and a short presentation by the CEO, they asked the retiree to go up to the front and they presented her with a cash amount that was given by employees, a gift certificate for an airline flight and a crystal mantle clock. Twenty years of service and this is what it comes down to. After all, this is an employee that is of no further benefit to the company, so what’s the point of a big reward anyway.
I agree that retirement in this scenario is a time for celebration. The employee has finally broken free from the chains of the corporate cubicle and can now live the rest of their lives in comfort, though it will likely be a meager comfort financially. I also know that this is more than many other will receive when it comes time to call it quits. This retiree recounted a story of her neighbor who was laid off at 61 years of age. What is their chance of getting another similar career at that age? Unfortunately, this is the reality for a large portion of the U.S. population. A lack of direction in life, a lack of living within means and the comfort of “security” has brought many people to this same situation. Don’t get me wrong, I know that there are many people who love their jobs and are somewhat forced into retirement, but that is the minority.
As the one-hour lunch ended and people lined up for a slice of sheetcake, I sat in my chair and stared, my mood darkening. “What if this was me in 30 years?” It made me almost want to cry thinking about it (I’m an emotional person, don’t laugh). Sure there would be a sense of relief, but I would hope, for my sake, that there would also be a sense of shame and regret, that this is how I spent my life.
Honestly, I don’t know if retirement even exists anymore for most people. I’m talking about retirement that used to be described as “Work forty years for a big company, retire in your sixties with your company pension and spend the next 20 years golfing and fishing.” I can see how that would seem desirable, but I don’t see that for myself. I would love to travel internationally in retirement if that’s an option, but I would hope that I was still beneficial to society. I see myself possibly as a business owner in “retirement”. Whether this is a traditional business or just a form of investments, such as real estate, I really don’t see myself ever quitting. I have fond visions of being able to take something of value and turn it over to my children if they choose.
To sum up this post… umm. Well, I don’t really have a specific point. Apparently I failed blogging 101.
To my readers, though you be few: May you pursue your passion with all of your strength. May you not be held back by perceived security. May your funeral be your retirement party. Then there will truly be cause for celebration.
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