He was at the pinnacle of his career, exceling at all he did. People spoke about him in awe and predicted that he will further go places, blazing a trail of successes and reaping laurels, that’s when he dropped the bombshell - he was going in for an early retirement. He was only in his mid-fifties.
Why? Even the people who barely knew him joined in the chorus, seeking reasons.
He neither owed an explanation nor did he give one, he didn’t seek validation for his decision but simply walked away from the industry that he was part of and that was a part of him all these years.
What does he do now? Lives a life of freedom, of free will, a life not dictated by alarms and diktats, deadlines and targets. He catches up on all the books he had left untended in the steep climb up the corporate ladder.
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He reads at leisure and for pleasure, watches the classic movies and the latest blockbusters as it suits him. He travels untethered, unbound, by the chains of time and duties…..He lives, nay flies as free as a bird, beyond the borders set by human greed and fallacies!
‘If I don’t do it now, I may never be able to do it’, he says.
At the other end of the spectrum is a man well into his seventies. He says his work is his life and the daily juggle with numbers makes him feel alive and important.
He had tried to retire but found that life had suddenly become dry. He felt there were no people to interact and communicate with, no mails to reply to, no messages demanding his attention, just nothing to do! His job and workplace were where his happiness lay. So he returned to work and was happy again. To each his own, who are we to judge!
Extreme diversity all around
We notice this kind of extreme diversity all around us and in all aspects of life. It adds variety and spice to existence, makes each one of unique!
I know of a couple who are at extreme poles when it comes to brands. The wife prefers locally made, durable stuff that can encourage small cottage industries while her better half adorns himself only with expensive brands.
They decided early in their marriage not to let this difference in choice create major upheavals in their lives. There’s the occasional argument and disagreements but life is more or less sailing on smooth waters, brand or no brand.
Imagine the scenario when an extrovert and an introvert end up being together! Will they perfectly complement each other or their traits will rub off on each other? Whatever happens, we must know that there’s space and acceptance for all kinds of people in our vast world.
Among a large group of friends, extreme diversities in likes and dislikes often make plans fall flat. Simple decisions like going out for some fun and food may materialise only after long winding discussions and discourses. Some may prefer malls while others may suggest beaches and some might just like to sit put at home!
Once the spot is decided the next would be food….since options are too many, something to cater to everybody’s choice would be hard to find, and the discussions begin again….only to finally decide to have it one’s own way!
Many a time the build up and the preparations are more fun than the actual event.
As family too, some of these decisions are hard to arrive at….as each member will have his/her own preference and that’s how children learn conflict resolution and to take turns to decide.
I remember planning a surprise party for the matriarch of the family for her seventy fifth birthday, a few years ago. In our excitement to make it a big event we didn’t pay attention to the fact that she was someone who never preferred the lime light or that she never was a fan of parties.
As the surprise unfolded on the eventful day, she expressed her displeasure in no uncertain terms and the party had to be called off. No doubt, we were disappointed to say the least, but now looking back I realise that none of us had showed the maturity to think from her perspective at the time! For her the joy was having a quiet birthday with family at home. Different strokes for different folks!
We are all alike in some way, but different in many ways. We become tolerant when we learn to accept people the way they are. We may incorporate what we like and refrain from commenting on what we don’t.
Whatever floats your boat shouldn’t be bothering me. We progress better as a society when we practice this doctrine.
Annie Mathew is a noted educator and writer based in Dubai
