Introduction
For so many people, retirement isn’t a word to think of until they are a few years or months to retirement. Retirement is one of those realities of life that everyone must be prepared for. Retirement is not something to be scared of because it is inevitable.
Even the Bible recognizes this and puts it this way: I must work the works of Him who sent me, while it is day; the night cometh when no man can work. John 9:4. In Deut 31:1-2, Moses said, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in. Also see Joshua 13:1 Whether you are a Pastor, banker, teacher, accountant, journalist, footballer, doctor or lawyer, someday, you’ll stop working. This may either be voluntary or compulsory: due to old age, ill-health, or disability. The elders say (the office will see the end of the worker)
Preparing for Retirement
Retirement cannot be wished away, because it is practically impossible to work all one’s life, even in self employment and in ministry.
Except that life is cut short early by death, if you live to an advanced age, there is that point where, biologically, your body will begin to give in to years of toil and the process of natural aging.
When one is a bit unlucky, that process of yielding to physical constraints could come prematurely due to physical incapacitation of one form or another.
What all these simply says is that, one way or another; a day will come when, even the strongest man will be unable to actively fend for himself. When that day comes, will you be ready?
REDEMPTION LIGHT
So, not only should you be interested in comfortable retirement, you should also work for timely retirement.
Retirement planning is a deliberate process to provide for that period when you could be out of steady income due to retirement from active work.
It’s all about thinking ahead, about seeing the inevitable future and moving early to position oneself for the challenges.
Average life expectancy of Nigerians hover in the early 50s, though a large number of Nigerians live well beyond 80. This means they have to make adequate plan for retirement and old age. Though no one wishes it, but even if you die on the job, there is need to make proper provisions for those you’ll leave behind.
The Starting Point
Your starting point to your retirement is when you get employed and start earning income.
The Need to Work:
Work is important, whether you work for yourself or for someone else. It engages you and removes idleness. It also helps you to develop your talent and attain self-actualization. In paid employment, salary package and time are important considerations. There is a guaranteed agreed income at the end of the period say monthly. Your background, contacts, status, experience, age, disposition has a lot to do with your job. Your job has a lot to do with your future or destiny
Self Employment:
Here, you have your own business from where you earn a living. You are likely to put in all that you have; spirit, soul and body to enable you succeed in the venture. Being on your own makes you free to actualize your vision. It gives you confidence and courage. It is the fastest way to becoming somebody in the society. It is your best bet, if you cherish independence, but you must have the strong will to succeed. Planning for retirement with determination is made simpler and quicker.
Hybrid Employment – Part time Employment
Between two spectrums, here you are engaged by somebody and you are also involved in some personal business. Do your work and mind your business
Things To Consider While Working.
The fragility of Life;
We are born to this life, grow up, go to school, get a job, make some mends, make some money, raise a few children, leave a small mark in some little niche; then we pass away and that’s it. Finished.
More than this, the unexpected may just show up. For instance, Boko Haram suicide bombings have sent many to untimely graves while some others have been seriously maimed.
Be focused:
It takes a focused driver to get to his destination safely. Life is full of challenges, but if you are focused, you can achieve a lot.
Keep your family intact:
Whether married before employment or not, recognize your family as the bedrock of your life. Your family is your life. It is a foundation you cannot ignore
Plan
It is important to start planning early in life and planning cuts across every area of life.
Financial Planning helps you to make efficient use of your money. Family Planning is to deliberately choose the number of children a couple wants to have and the spacing of the birth of one child to the other. (May be too late now).
Retirement planning is a conscious plan put in place while working to take care of one’s needs when one is out of work.
