So Far So Good

INTRODUCTION

Since my retirement in 2009, I have been writing my journal religiously on Facebook. I’m quite happy with the feedback and response I’ve been getting. Once in a while, my friends will call to find out how I’m getting along with my retirement. This spurred me to write even more.

While people have been concerned about my coping with retirement with no steady income to see me through old age, I believe that it’s still possible to do one’s best. This is certainly not the preferred lifestyle for those who are used to finding their identity through work. I’ve been there and have emerged unscathed so far.

Now for those who’ve been curious to know about my progress, here’s a book I’ve written for you.

There is a strong link between money and retirement. Even if you’re not retired, money will always be a necessity. Nothing is for free. How you embrace your lifestyle depends on how much you are worth monetarily.

While there are so many ways to plan your retirement, you may already have one or two things up your sleeve.

Dare yourself to see it through. Keep doing your thing. You must break free from the chorus in order to discover the sound of your own voice.

As I aim to lead a simple life, let me share with you some of my tips on generating income that’s sustainable enough to get by.

However, this book is not to educate or discuss the issue of the big F word—Finance. I’m focusing on only the positive aspects of retirement. My retirement, specifically.

If you’re able to learn something from this book, then you’ve made my sharing effort worthwhile.

As this is my first attempt at writing a book, I’ll be keeping it concise. I hope you’ll also like the sketches I included; they’ve always been a source of amusement for me.

And who knows perhaps there might be an alternative version of So Far So Good in the works that’s made up entirely of sketches.

SAYING GOODBYE IS NOT EASY

The following is an extract and part of my farewell email to my colleagues:

Soon I won’t have to ‘sleepwalk’ my way to the restrooms. I will miss rushing for the bus and the train. However I’m proud to say that amidst all the rushing, I’ve learned to perfect the technique of slithering my way in and out of the crowded train with ease!

And on the way home I will also miss being the polite lady who always looks down in the crowded train because of the wave of excruciating bodily aromas. You know my height is around armpit level so can’t help but to look down all the way home!

Wow. There are lots to talk about but only a few lines left. You must be wondering what my plans are. Well, I’m going to have a very long and deserving rest doing absolutely nothing and…

Thank you for the lovely cards, presents and also for the wonderful lunch and dinner treats.

I don’t believe in goodbyes. So see you around because we are, after all, in this little red dot. We will meet. No one grows old by living but grows old by losing interest in living.

My journey continues.

Now the candle is burning at both ends It will not last the night But my dear friends It has given me the loveliest & brightest of light

SO FAR SO GOOD

After three years into retirement, I’ve got into the groove of doing things in a leisurely pace without guilt.

Retirees who are used to having a busy lifestyle may feel that having too much time on their hands can lead to boredom. The best way to overcome this is to do something you love; be it going back to school, learning something new, vacations, volunteer work, writing a book, or spending quality time with old friends and relatives.

It’s time to reactivate those hobbies you’ve put aside for so many years. Who knows what good will come out of it?

By giving yourself the chance, you might be able to earn some income while doing something you truly love.

Don’t let your new-found freedom be boring and unfulfilling. You have all the time and opportunity to develop yourself in so many ways. Inspire yourself with some new insight.

Most importantly, let in some laughter in your life. Humour lets you see things from a different perspective. This book is sprinkled with light-hearted funnies in the form of sketches of my daily life.

So are you now looking forward to retiring? Perhaps you’re still looking around to see what’s in store for you.

EXPANDING MY HORIZON

Taking my hobbies to the next level is something that I am planning to do next. After honing my skills for the last three years, now is the time to explore the many possibilities.

Earning an income from your hobby is one of the many possibilities and a nice way to get paid for doing something that you would do with pleasure. At times, you may find that bringing your hobbies to the next level may cause the joy steaming out of it. There is a balance to achieve. If you can find it, you can have fun while earning money on the side.

In order to earn some income, you need customers. I am fortunate that people around me know what I’m good at doing. It is a first start to marketing. Marketing through the internet has also made it possible for me to gain a wider customer base.