I recently retired from work after 33 years of gainful employment. It is a nice feeling to be able to look back and feel a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction and gratification.
Over the last 20 years, I had been an Ambassador's secretary. During this period, I served 4 Ambassadors, worked alongside 9 official Diplomatic Officers of various ranks. We had 3 Presidential visits (1996/1997/1998) from the former President Alberto Fujimori. Some embassies have never even had one Presidential visit and I count myself fortunate at having had three experiences. It was hard work but I learnt a lot more than what you find in secretarial books!
From day one, it was always challenging and interesting. There were dull moments but most of all, I remember the happy times and laughter. My memory is fresh with the days of long elaborate lunches, the jokes, chats, talks, gossips and heart-felt sharing with colleagues.
All of this shaped me into the person that I am today. Each Ambassador taught me something valuable. My colleagues always shared tips and tricks from their previous postings. All of them inspired me in one way or another. I embraced the culture of the Peruvian people and, likewise, they did the same for our Malaysian and Asian way of life.
Do I miss it all?
No.
Or maybe not yet.
Or maybe never.
It is funny that people found it difficult to understand why I would want to leave a prestigious job, with a good salary and a great team of colleagues. It wasn't an overnight decision. I had given this a lot of thought and the seed was planted last July. Just like a premature baby, it bore fruit at 7 months.
I hadn't realised that I was tired of the work. Stimulating and diverse as it was, I found myself repeating tasks for the fourth time around. Although it was easier, the joy or pleasure I used to feel wasn't there anymore.
Although I became efficient at my work, I found myself more tired at the end of the day. Age has a part to play in it but I suspect that when the heart is no longer in it, the energy is drained faster.
So it was a choice between "being employed and being tired" or "being unemployed and being retired".
My retirement has everything to do with having done all my duties, paying for my own way and, now, to finally live for what really makes me happy. A huge "thank you" to my husband for his support and love.
On 29 February 2012, I retired. It's been three months already.
Until now, I have to pinch myself to believe that I have retired.
Until now, I have to pinch myself to believe that I have retired.
Until now, I am loving every second of it.
