As individuals of my age are still actively engaged in government, non-government, agricultural, or business sectors, I am the only one who, once a former worker, is now not actively working but engaged in various activities more than ever. Despite my past identity as a former worker, my current introduction to society is primarily centered around my retired life. While I have a personal work identity, let me describe a clear aspect before delving into my personal work history.
Suppose you have experienced separation from your spouse due to various reasons, such as starting a new relationship. In such cases, it’s essential not to dwell on the past, but rather, keep the past in its place, embrace the new, and spend time with the present partner to find joy and peace.
Regardless, I write almost every day from 6 AM to 10 AM, covering various topics in Bengali, Swedish, and English. Afterwards, I prepare myself, manage household chores, attend to external work if needed, indulge in hobbies like walking or singing, spend time in the city or meet someone if I feel like, and occasionally engage in sports with my son. I cook upon returning home, handle household tasks, spend time with my wife Maria, and before going to bed, edit the morning’s writings. Throughout the day, I work on resolving financial and personal issues for myself and some individuals in my and others’ families.
Above all, I make a conscious effort to maintain a good relationship with the Creator throughout the day, aiming for a harmonious connection. Despite my extensive activities, the day feels fulfilling, and there’s a sense of contentment, as I’ve transitioned into retirement, utilizing my abundant time for various tasks.
One day, a senior brother called unexpectedly, a former senior bureaucrat from Bangladesh, who shared some insights into his retired life. He emphasized the significant changes during job transitions between ministries and districts, illustrating the smooth process of relocation. After such transitions, working in the office is part of my routine. If the driver of the new office informs me that the car is ready, I can use it if I wish. This flexibility adds to the ease of adjusting to the new office.
Taking a step back, my first farewell from a job occurred in 2015 after working for two years in a contractual position in the Cabinet Division. Earlier, in 2010, during an informal conversation, a dear person made me contemplate taking retirement. However, I never seriously considered it until now. Deep inside, I might have considered myself a young professional. Conscious retirement has shifted that perception.
As I took the step into retirement, I felt fortunate, being able to retire before everyone else and live life on my terms. Although financial constraints exist, the modest resources and my frugal lifestyle allow for a comfortable living. With a sum of around 4.1 million Bangladeshi Taka accumulated from the President’s Fund and selling my pension, I embarked on my retirement journey.
This particular experience of retirement has been different each time. It was 2005 when I bid farewell to the Cabinet Division. Five years later, the anticipation of taking retirement has become a reality. While some social workers in the country are supporting friends in need, not everyone is well-off. In a fortunate turn of events, a freedom fighter friend needed help, and I was able to arrange for his treatment promptly.
The contrast between the realities of financial scarcity and the perception of leading a peaceful retirement unsettles many. Yet, I am content despite not having a car or a spacious house. Sometimes, I feel I am doing better than many, and I consider myself blessed. This time, I write to share the reasons behind my contentment. Some of my friends and well-wishers in Sweden have shared their experiences, struggling with uncertainties about life after retirement. They wonder about financial stability, joblessness, and how to spend their time.
Since I am the first former worker in their midst, they are keen to hear my thoughts and learn from my experiences.
Afterwards, I shared personal experiences related to leisure time, preparation, managing time, spending time with children, and enjoying life with love and companionship. It emphasizes assisting newcomers through personal experiences and perspectives to help them in various aspects of life.
Senior brother expressed many things, but I received a distress call on my phone. A freedom fighter, whose kidney has stones, needs help. Some social service friends in the country think about ordinary people in their work. So, I informed Dr. Brigadier General about the incident. The friend quickly arranged medical treatment for the freedom fighter. Despite not having much, I feel blessed to be content and better than many. Shared the concept of fair value from my leisure life’s experience, considering the uncertainties that friends in Sweden face after leaving jobs. As a former official, they seek insights from me. This share reflects my value concept, a memento from my leisure life. The real leisure day will be the one when I can sleep in eternal slumber. Until then, my “leisure” life is enjoying life, for life.
Rahman Mridha, Former Director, Pfizer, Sweden. Email: [email protected]
