A year away from Office

 I realize,  a year has rolled after I separated from official life 'for a while'. In sports they say, 'hanging the boot or glove'- what is it for official life - 'shut down' or 'log off' . In fact, it is worth analyzing this cliché for other professions too - will take it up later.

Strolling back, the retirement thought process evolved over a period of time, compounded by so many desires and finally the last step was compelled by circumstances. There were  genuine well wishers , who have been with me for decades really appreciated and encouraged me to press ahead , while there were those who supported me with the thoughts of the days ahead, after stepping down.

As already posted elsewhere in this blog, I spent enough time, many mornings  on this and decided that if I could evaluate satisfactorily - the need, repercussions and the path  ahead, in that order, then I should be driven in the best possible direction. I consulted many, browsed extensively and consolidated finally my POA which had the wholehearted approval of the immediate victims- my family !

As in life, some of our acts were instantaneous , though the paths to the decisions were elaborate and consume much time. But, the act of communicating to my immediate superiors were derived on a cloudy September evening. Surprisingly, I was greatly relieved after shooting off that mail, not because of a decision arrived at, more so I don't need to think about it anymore and could focus on other matters of my interest.

Three months flew by and after a moving farewell, I suddenly found myself alone at home with an empty home and a head full of thoughts. I glanced through the TO DO spreadsheet and found it difficult to focus on them, as I was yet to be mentally relieved from my desk. Whatever it be  I wanted to be clear that no new habits inculcated, normal personal routines and preferences to remain undisturbed and as for new acts, I was trying to recall my ambitions & aspirations for years- it could be as trivial as walking down the Marina on a cold morning before daybreak to extensive India tour.

Looking back, I realize that I have fairly met my ambitions, aspirations and my own expectations. The first few months were spent in sitting with my immediate elder brother, who required attention - one of the major reasons for my quest for extra hours personally for me . I could also make some trips down South, chill out for a few days at Kodai, make walking a habit and could spend lots of time on my literary thirst. I would have atleast read about a dozen books in English and Tamil and my blog posts increased like the Chennai temperature in summer. Most importantly, I could spend a lot of time with my family and lend my hand at domestic chores too- a hitherto unknown terrain ! When my health beeped for service, the normally third dimension of office- pending jobs- leave etc., was blissfully absent. I could also tick off an enormous backlog of postponed jobs from carpentry to realignment of finances. For some time,  I was working at a feverish pitch to clear my activities list, but soon realized that this list will be perennially augmented and there is no point in trying to clear it off - one of the big lessons.

But then, what are the other lessons of an year away from office.

o   One can keep oneself busy- there are umpteen avenues.

o   Keep planning for the day on the eve so that you are well organized and it also helps to beat the ennui.

o   Internet is a treasure and years back what one had to do by walking miles, could now be done by sitting at home-  read, get information, write, purchase etc.,

o   Early morning becomes more enjoyable with reading than on the laptop.

I am happy I did not :

o   feel bored on any day, the biggest fear of people around rather than me.

o   imbibe the siesta -  the most feared habit; could be overcome, if desired.

o   look for any job over the year, a definite sign of a wrong decision. Though I am looking for more activities suitable to my thoughts and likes

 Happy that I could listen periodically to music and FM news from the dusted  music system,  go for occasional matinee shows in theatres ( after many many years) read & experiment with  books of my choice by keeping my daughter's library membership active , browse extensively, regularize health related activities, make more posts in my blog, extend my hand for some differently abled students, move around Mylapore streets and enjoy the Margazhi better. Well, almost all the short term goals have been reached and let me now shoot for the longer ones.

Life still holds a lot of promises and I have my own expectations from it!. 2012, here I come !!