The Tanner Hill - Smart Decisions

Sentiments towards retirement are invariably split down the middle: you either can't wait to be freed from work stress, or you're hit by a pang of loss, not sure about what to do with the extra time on hand.

For Kee Chi-hing, who retired at the relatively young age of 49 in 2006, retirement is not interpreted as complete termination of work: "Academically speaking, retirement is the time when you live on pension, not withdrawal from the work scene."

"There are six benefits of work – money, status, social network, difficult pleasure, sense of purpose, and structure of time. People are normally inclined to focus on preparing for their retirement finance, without giving much thought on the other five benefits."

Give Back to Society with Your Strengths

With 26 years of his life spent on the roles of Corporate Vice President of Hewlett-Packard and Managing Director of Hewlett-Packard Hong Kong, Kee went on to study theology after he retired. As his religion would have it, Kee found himself becoming the Honorary Board Director of Fullness Christian Vocation Training Centre, a non-profit limited company devoted to reintegrating deviant youths into society with vocational training, instead of just volunteering his consultation services for the centre. With his knowledge and experience in management, Kee was able to help turn around the centre's profitability in merely six months. "While retirement is the time one should truly enjoy his/her life, sheer indulgence doesn't yield lasting happiness in the long-run," said Kee. "In my case, I derive greatest satisfaction from helping other people and giving back to society with what I'm good at in my second career."

And there's reason Kee chose to devote to social enterprise. "Changes in the structure of time are the biggest challenge faced by retirees – without a fixed work schedule and deadlines, retirees would resort to procrastination. And a second career is the perfect solution."

"My social circle, back when I was part of the managerial staff at my previous company, consisted of mainly just my cohorts in the industry. It wasn't until I entered the social enterprise industry that I got to meet a great variety of personalities, such as staff members from different government departments and social welfare, social workers, and even people from the entertainment industry. It's fair to say that my second career has enriched my social life by folds and greatly broadened my social network."

Speaking from his experience, Kee believes it's important to decide on the job responsibilities that suit you before starting your second career. "People tend to deduce from my job title as Honorary Board Director of a social enterprise that I'm a counsellor. My strength lies in management, and I leave the task of youth counselling to the church."

Whether you've retired or you're preparing to, Kee's four tips could be helpful in your pursuit of your dream in retirement:

1. Plan Beforehand:
Start planning as early as you can and best utilise the social network you've accumulated through your career.

2. Find Your Dream:
Retirement is both an exit from work stress and an entry to the road to your dream. It's easily to fall victim to lethargy without a dream.

3. Spread the Words:
Tell your friends and family about your dream, as their suggestions, queries and assistance can help you reflect, and therefore devise the best way to realise your dream.

4. Plan with Your Family:
The changes brought by your retirement, however small they may be, can affect the harmony of your family. It's best to discuss and plan your retirement life with your partner and family beforehand.

Special Thanks:
Kee Chi-hing, Honorary Board Director of Fullness Christian Vocation Training Centre
www.fullness.org.hk