Retirement – A Simple Word with Complex Layers

Retirement.

A word that seems so straightforward: the action or fact of leaving one's job and ceasing to work. Yet, the reality is far more complicated.

A few decades ago, life seemed simpler. People worked for 30-40 years, steadily saving with the help of pensions and guaranteed returns. By the time they retired, they had enough to sustain their lifestyle and even fulfill a few long-held dreams.

But times have changed.

Today, we often hear about early retirement, F.I.R.E., and the pursuit of financial independence. While building financial security is essential, I believe we’re missing the point. Let me explain with a personal story.

The Kirana Store: A Personal Story

My dad and uncle ran a Kirana store together for over 35 years. For them, it was more than just a business, it was their identity and purpose.

But as my brother and I chose different career paths, the demands of running the store began to take a toll on their health.

Eventually, we made a decision, one of the hardest of our lives. We handed over the thriving store to a relative in need and moved our family to a new locality.

But in doing so, we overlooked some crucial aspects:

• My dad and uncle, who were busy all the time, suddenly had too much free time.
• The financial dynamic flipped, I, who used to ask them for money, now had to provide for them.
• Their lives had been built around the store, its routines, relationships, and connections.

It was then that I realized something fundamental: The need to feel needed is one of the deepest human desires.

The Need for Significance

We all want to feel significant in someone’s life. To know that we play an important role, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities.

When this sense of significance is taken away, it creates a void, no matter how much money or "freedom" we have.

This is where the concept of Deep Work by Cal Newport comes in.

Insights from Deep Work

Newport explains that humans thrive when they focus deeply on challenging, meaningful tasks.

• Deep work isn’t just about productivity, it’s about finding satisfaction in work that stretches your abilities, sharpens your mind, and creates tangible results.
• When we give up work, whether through early retirement or financial independence, we risk losing this source of meaning and fulfillment.

Take Amitabh Bachchan, at 82 yrs young brings unmatched energy and charisma to Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). His passion for work and commitment to excellence show us how purpose can keep us energized and fulfilled, regardless of age.

Creating Purpose Post-Retirement

This isn’t to say we should never retire. But when we do, we need to replace the sense of purpose we lose with something equally meaningful and engaging.

Not just hobbies, but deep, intentional efforts that contribute value; whether to ourselves, our families, or our communities.

Multiple research have shown that retirement, if poorly planned, can increase health risks and even mortality due to inactivity, isolation, and loss of purpose. Staying engaged, mentally active and socially connected post-retirement is crucial for longevity and well-being.

As soon as I recognized this in my family’s situation, I made a few changes:

• I started asking my dad for money again, giving them the satisfaction of helping me, just as they had before.
• I ensured to involved them in tasks that gave them purpose and kept them busy.

The Takeaway

Early retirement, for most people, can be disastrous. Why? Because deep down, we love being busy.

It’s not just about keeping busy for the sake of it, it’s about finding a purpose to wake up to every day.

We should strive to create the financial choice to retire but don’t forget to create a purpose for ourselves too.

What’s your take on this? Do we talk enough about the emotional side of retirement? Let’s discuss in the comments.