60?

retirement is a topic which has gained the highlight in the newspapers these few days.

there is talk of the private sector extending the retirement age from 55. and i have also been told by a friend that the government might increase the civil service retirement age to 60. the retirement age for civil servant now is 58.

if they are really extending the retirement age, well, i will sign the form. after all, i can choose to leave whenever i want as i am not bound by the pension scheme. many are shock to hear that i did not sign the scheme when we were offered to change scheme. i have no special reason for not signing, i just don't feel like being bound by the contract.

some say i am foolish as i will miss out on the monthly pension. i will leave the service with a lumpsum and who knows, i might finish using it in a few years.

the newspaper features a few interviews on how savings run out as soon as retirement begins. well that is indeed scary. and with the average life expectancy rate of a woman being put at 76, one better save a lot for retirement age right?

at the moment, i think i will have only me alone to take care of. there is no children's education to think about. touch wood, let me stay hale and hearty. that is the invisible enemy in my opinion.

i work and i play at the same time. i am not going to wait till i retire to go travel the whole world. by that time, i think i will be too old to be adventurous to explore. aaah...the joy of seeing new places and experiencing life in another country. i am not going to wait till i walk as slow as a snail or with 3 legs to do that.

i take each year as if it was my last in the service. hence i will put in what i have in my work and also plan my holidays as i fear that i will not have the chance in the coming year. silly?

i think i will continue to work if i can. staying idle is not that good, well, i know it is not good for me. working will keep me active and nimble. when it is holidays, i will go for holidays. going for holidays the whole year and not work? i might lose my sense of purpose in life.