As ages improve, individuals take their retirement just as a milestone and restart new careers. From venturing into entrepreneurship and re-entering professions to cultivating passions and embracing technology, these people re-tyre their bodies and re-fire themselves redefining ageing, reports Babra Wani
Having dedicated most of his life to the power department, Abdul Ahad, 70, retired in 2014. Unaccustomed to idleness, this Sopore resident, during the initial two years of his retirement, actively contributed to household chores and grocery shopping.
After this brief hiatus, he made a decision that even surprised his family. He embarked on establishing his wholesale grocery shop in his hometown. Initially assisted by his son, Ahad gradually took the reins, managing the business independently with the support of a salesman, he hired.
“Alhamdulillah, the business is doing well,” a close family member commented on the success of his initiative. Undeterred by his age and health challenges, he faced significant setbacks at one point but persevered through.
Abdul Ahad now envisions opening a restaurant in Hyderabad and concurrently planning his children’s weddings. His journey, though marked by difficulties, is a testament to individuals who, like him, have embraced a renewed purpose post-retirement.
Retirement, often considered a career milestone, signals the end of one professional chapter. Usually, most people tend to spend time taking a rest, meeting people, and bringing up grandchildren. Off late, however, certain individuals like Abdul Ahad use superannuation as a transformative phase, providing an opportunity to delve into new ventures and acquire fresh skills.
Commencing a new profession after retirement can be a fulfilling and enlightening experience, driven by a desire to stay active, ensure financial stability, or pursue a passion in a different field. It underscores the notion that it is never too late to embark on a new adventure and explore the next chapter in life.
Ahad’s story resonates with many others who, post-retirement, continue to lead purposeful lives. Some pursue long-nurtured passions, while others venture into entirely new occupations. Nazir Ahmed, Ahad’s brother, who served in the postal department, also retired in 2015, following a similar trajectory of exploration and reinvention.
A Renaissance
In Kashmir, people retiring from services are experiencing a renaissance. Equipped with lifelong skills, experience and, in most cases life-long savings, they are rediscovering themselves. Earlier they used to say, ‘We are tired, not retired’. Now they are proving that they are not tired at all. They re-fire their lives. In life’s grammar, they see superannuation as a semi-colon and not a full-stop.
They assert that their late adulthood years are still productive years, where stability, talent, and maturity meld with newfound time. For them, retirement is not a full stop but a semicolon, signifying a continuation of purpose and contribution.
These seasoned individuals demonstrate that life’s second act can also be industrious and fruitful. Armed with financial stability and a wealth of experience, they view retirement not as an endpoint but as an opportunity for reinvention. Instead of merely relying on pension checks, they perceive their savings as a well-tended garden, meant to bloom for decades. With sneakers donned, they re-enter the race, actively participating in the creation of livelihoods.
Jammu and Kashmir, right now, has 414300, employees on its rolls on which the government is spending Rs 29,412 crore for 2024-25. Besides, 2.38 lakh people have retired from services and the government is spending Rs 14,058 crore on their pensions.
What is remarkable is that the life expectancy has improved. According to a recent survey carried out by the finance department, Jammu and Kashmir has 126 pensions who are 100 or have crossed the century. There are 24400 pensioners aged between 80 and 90 years and 2500 pensioners aged between 90 and 100 years. With better facilities around, the life expectancy in Jammu and Kashmir has improved over the years. As of 2014–2018, Jammu and Kashmir had a life expectancy at birth of 74 years, surpassing the national average of 69.4 years and ranking third in India.
Given the fact that the employees get a substantial amount at the time of their superannuation, it is less challenging for some of them to hunt for the resources for building a business. In comparison to the younger lot, they have experience, a better understanding of the workings of the system and an assured source of sustenance. This is precisely why they are rediscovering themselves. There are countless stores of people launching their ventures after retirement, at 58 or 60 years of age.
From Letters to Apples
Transitioning from sorting letters to cultivating apples, Nazir, with over three decades of service in a post office, discovered a passion for gardening and fruit cultivation. Following his retirement in 2015, he spent more than three years at home before venturing into the apple cultivation business in 2018.
“Initially, our business was modest, but later we expanded it, and Alhamdulillah, our current status is quite prosperous,” Nazir shared. Collaborating with his younger son and a team of six others, the father-son duo oversees the apple cultivation business on an expansive eight-Kanal orchard.
However, Nazir faced a significant setback a few months into the venture when a fall from a second-storey building left him bedridden for nearly six months.
Tahir, Nazir’s elder son, reflected on the challenging period, stating, “My younger brother, at that time, lacked the expertise to manage the business.”
Expressing his aversion to idleness, Nazir remarked, “I started my business, and by the grace of Allah, expanded it.” With aspirations to establish their store, Nazir and his family actively contribute to the growth of their business.
Their journey is not unique; several retirees leverage their skills and expertise from past occupations to create new opportunities for themselves post-retirement. Abdul Rahman Dar stands as an example, utilising his skills to generate a steady income despite his advanced age.
Source of Healing
Abdul Rahman Paddar, a 70-year-old resident of Mattan in Anantnag, found his decades-long career in the medical field to be a continued blessing after retirement in March 2011. He followed in his father’s footsteps.
Despite the cessation of formal employment, Rahman’s acquired experience and expertise compelled him to remain active. His proficiency in treating various infections especially boils, drew a significant number of people to his home seeking his assistance.
“It is a blessing that I have shifa in my hands, and people come to me to seek that,” Rahman said. “I am known for treating abscesses and other boils. Alhamdulillah, people come to me.”
For Rahman, the concept of “retirement from work” has never materialised; he continues to serve as he has always done. Reflecting on his father’s post-retirement service, Rahman noted the distinction, saying, “My father helped people for free after retirement. However, given the current cost of treatments and the expenses involved, I charge a nominal fee from those who seek my assistance.”
While retirement marks a new career phase for some, for others like Ashraf, it signifies a return to their roots and the application of their academic knowledge. Despite studying law, Ashraf, in his later years, found himself unable to practice what he had learned during his prime youth.
The Return to Law
Mohammad Ashraf Tak, a 62-year-old individual, retired as the Chief Editor of the Cultural Academy after a distinguished career of over three decades. Originally from Shopian, he relocated to Srinagar with his late father, pursuing his education in the city.
Ashraf holds an MA, and LLB and became a registered advocate in 1987. Furthering his academic pursuits, he earned additional master’s degrees in Urdu, Persian, and Kashmiri languages. “Back then, there was not much work, given the prevailing circumstances.”
Having served in the Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, Ashraf retired in 2022. Upon retirement in 2022, Ashraf decided to re-enter the legal profession. “I had a personal desire, and some friends suggested I should rejoin the law. So, I renewed my advocate’s license and decided to re-enter the High Court.”
Balancing his legal practice with literary projects from the Cultural Academy, Ashraf expressed his commitment to applying his knowledge. “I want to work and put into practice what I have learned.” He also plans to document his experiences in writing.
Currently associated with a law firm in Bemina, Ashraf engages in various legal tasks, including drafting. , “I cannot become an enterprising lawyer at this stage of life,” recognising the constraints of his age, he explained. “I have associated myself with this firm, where there are other lawyers, and we are working collaboratively.”
Ashraf believes in an active post-retirement life. “I believe that after retirement, one should keep oneself busy, putting experiences and lessons into practice,” he said. “Sixty is not the end but a new beginning. People should stay active.”
Echoing the advice of a teacher, Ashraf emphasised, “Retire is re-tyre, fix a new tyre and keep moving.” Many of his classmates have similarly returned to law after working in various fields, aiming to apply their expertise gained over the years.
Acknowledging the challenges of starting anew, Ashraf stated, “The beginning of innings is always a struggle, but later in life, one wants to revive the memories shared during our studies.”
Satisfied with his second innings, Ashraf expressed plans to become more self-sufficient to reduce dependency. In the contemporary times dominated by the internet and social media, individuals like Shafi have ventured into marketing, learning new skills, and registering themselves for this new phase of their careers.
A Transition
Mohammad Shafi Khan, an erstwhile employee in the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC), shifted gears to the marketing field a few months ago. A resident of Srinagar’s Batamaloo, the 63-year-old retired from his position as a material manager in the AOC in 2020, concluding a thirty-eight-year career.
Post-retirement, Shafi discovered a direct selling company, registering himself to work collaboratively in a team. “We sell various products and engage in marketing. The success of this job relies on networking; a robust network correlates with a higher income,” Shafi explained.
Having also contributed to Kashmiri handicrafts, Shafi chose an active post-retirement lifestyle to maintain physical fitness and generate supplementary income. “My second innings is enjoyable, keeping me physically fit. I feel young and thriving,” he added.
An Employment Generator
In Ratnipora, Pulwama, 62-year-old Andrabi, a retired veterinarian, sought purpose after leaving his service. A friend with experience in sales and marketing suggested Andrabi explore a new venture.
Subsequently, Andrabi invested his savings and GP Funds to start a business involving electric scooters in his area. “I aimed to keep my mind and body active, maintaining a semblance of the previous office environment,” he said.
Currently, Andrabi not only secures income for himself but also employs two individuals under his business. With plans to expand operations to other areas through more productive means, Andrabi exemplifies how retirees can contribute significantly to economic activities beyond their pursuits.
Another 62-year-old individual from South Kashmir, who prefers to remain anonymous, served as a supervisor cum vice principal at an industrial training institute before his retirement in April 2022. Having dedicated 33 years to his profession, the retiree, driven by a desire to stay active and generate income, embarked on a cloth business leveraging his expertise.
The transition from a career in education to entrepreneurship allowed him to apply his skills in a new domain. Despite potential challenges inherent in such a shift, the experience gained from his prior role likely contributed to the success of his cloth business. Currently engaged in the venture, he expresses contentment with his post-retirement pursuit.
Plans include the expansion of the business and exploration of opportunities within the textile industry. Notably, the individual utilised his post-retirement gratuity as the initial investment for the venture. Collaborating with his daughter, he initially faced challenges in understanding the intricacies of the business, such as sourcing stock. However, with dedication and effort, he gradually became proficient, acquiring the necessary information and knowledge. At present, the business employs two salesmen, reflecting the retiree’s commitment to not only creating job opportunities for himself but also for others.
Another Transition
Following his retirement from the education department, Mohammad Amin embarked on a new journey as a businessman in the realm of Kashmiri handicrafts. Establishing a shop in the heart of Gojwara, Srinagar, Amin not only sought personal engagement but also aimed to provide livelihoods for others.
A former teacher, Amin, feeling the onset of boredom post-retirement, decided to invest his savings from his service days into the handicraft business. The venture, located in the bustling Old Srinagar City, involves two salesmen and numerous craftsmen working under Amin’s guidance. His motivation was not just personal fulfilment but also the creation of job opportunities for others.
However, not all retirees find satisfaction in their second innings.
Challenges
Fida Hussain Sofi, a former Works Supervisor in the Rural Development Department, residing in Fateh Kadal, Srinagar, felt the common inclination among government employees to pursue new endeavours post-retirement.
In 2020, Fida invested around Rs 15 lakh, along with his savings, to start a wholesale business.
However, unlike others, he is not as content in his second innings as he was in his service. Expressing his preference for his previous role, Fida mentioned, “The first one was much better as I used to enjoy that more. I do not like sitting in the shop that much.”
Facing challenges in the new venture, Fida admitted to the difficulties associated with unfamiliarity. “It was challenging as it was new to me. I did not know any dealers and other things I never had any experience regarding this work.” Customer interaction proved daunting for him.
Fida’s future aspirations revolve around the dreams and success of his children. “I want to get my children married and see them succeed in their lives. That way I can live peacefully without any worries.”
These retirees, beyond creating new avenues for themselves, contribute to income generation for others as well.
Post-retirement, individuals in Jammu and Kashmir have diverse opportunities for commencing new careers or securing employment. Various job portals present viable options for retirees seeking work in the region as well.
A Surging Market
Though a good number of people in different services rejoining a different work after superannuation is a new trend, the fact is that there were certain specialisations which were always in demand in the private sector. This has improved over the years.
People working in the industries and allied departments have always found better post-retirement placements in the private sector because manufacturing companies need skilled hands and people who already know the ecosystem. Most of these employees, willing to play a second inning, are getting adjusted overnight. “I know several people who joined the new service the same day they retired from the government,” a medium-scale factory owner said. “They work faster and better because they know the eco-system. They will always remain a priority for the industry sector.”
The same is the case with the bankers. For most of their lives, they work with businesses and this builds a lifelong bridge. In several cases, the companies pick some of them up for better managerial positions post-retirement.
Professionals who manage the taxing desk in government offices were always in demand but post-GST, people look for them. “If I retire today, I think I will earn more from the private sector because there is a lot of dearth in the market of professionals who understand the tax laws and the system that they are required to follow,” a central government employee, waiting for his retirement, said. “Over the last few years, GST and Income Tax compliances have been vital for almost everything so the businesses are keen that they do not default. This has opened a huge window for a small group of people.”
Over the years hundreds of young professionals have joined this area that was dominated by Chartered Accountants, and the professionals retiring are emerging as a valuable addition. Since they draw pensions, they have the flexibility of offering concessions, which the younger cannot afford.
