Person at the verge of Retirement- A Case Study approach MADHUSUDANAN.

S I-Year, Masters in Social Work Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Ettimadai (P.O) Coimbatore- 641 105 Mail id: madhusudanan18@gmail.com Mobile: +91 94421 32324 Introduction Oxford dictionary defines retirement as The act of stopping working permanently. According to the Sages retirement period is related to Vanaprasta. Erik Eriksons eight stage theory classifies this period of age (greater than 55 years) as Integrity versus Despair. In the closing decades of life, individuals ask themselves whether their lives had any meaning. If they can answer yes, they attain a sense of integrity. If they answer no, they experience despair (Baron, 2001). The short time period before retirement is crucial as the incumbent has to fulfill certain left out duties in official spheres and have or have to plan a lot for social, economical and psychological life after retirement. The incumbent may undergo anxiety while visualizing how the future would or should be. The researcher interested in this aspect used a case study approach on a person who is at the verge of retirement, with self prepared interview schedule. The self prepared interview schedule dwelled in the domains of health, family, friends circle, retirement plans, any special task or ambitions to fulfill, pilgrimage, joining of any clubs/forums and also on re-employment. Even though case study method of data collection is debated on its conclusiveness and doubted on its generalization by fellow researchers, the author has presented the paper based on case study approach with single sample. Case Study The respondent born on February 23, 1953 and has nine siblings and his filial order is eight. He had his schooling in his native town Cuddalore district. After PUC, he completed Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Mathematics stream, followed by Bachelor in Education (B.Ed). Later he completed post graduation in English literature. During the year 1990 when he was in service, he secured Bachelor of Law from Salem Law College, evening batch. He completed double degree in Master of Law, in Contract & Mercantile Law and other in Labor Law stream.

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The respondent occupies a high profile position in State Government, Tamil Nadu. His date of joining in service was September 06, 1973. The incumbent retirement is slated on February 28, 2011. During the interview, the respondent said he wished to make his career in Teaching but destiny made him in to State Government service. But he doesnt repent for it, as he took classes in Short courses on office Proceedings and Pilot course on disciplinary proceedings for department personnels and also guided people to obtain Post graduate degree in Sociology, Philosophy, Public Administration both in and out of official spheres. The respondents marriage was held in the year 1985 and his spouse is working in a Quasi-Government sector and his son is pursuing Post graduation in a reputed institution. On enquired about his service and employment he said his total service year punctuates to 37 years and firstly joined as Junior Assistant and posted in Vellore, Thiruvannamalai district. When Villupuram district was bifurcated, respondent preferred to stay in Cuddalore district as it was his native town. Presently he is serving in Villupuram and was transferred a year ago on the basis of promotion. The respondent has few plans on his retirement benefits; he said the amount would be divided in to three parts, first part to his wife, second to his son and third part for philanthropic purposes. Respondent also has keen interest in starting an Astrological service unit. So far till in service the incumbent has never opted for single pie for his service. After retirement if the beneficiary offers anything, he said it would be used for charity purpose only. He also said that money will not be demanded for his service as it is a divine science and no expectation what so ever. The researcher asked whether he is happy about retiring. He said person would not like to retire because of the benefits reaped and will be desperate and in despondent mood as he/she has to lose power, position, money, respect and so on because of retirement, but He is happy about retiring from service. Respondent pointed that; he would like to retire without any blemish and will retire. He said no charge has been filed against him in this long tenure. He has acquired good reputation not only in professional life but also in social life by serving the society socially, physically, psychologically and philosophically. The respondent has bagged many meritorious awards, certificates and appreciation from his seniors and counterparts. On his opinion about the philosophical outlook of retirement, respondent said service to humanity is nothing but service to divinity. He wants his retirement in peace and tranquility.
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On his significant contribution, he has supported the suppressed and depressed with his vested powers without any expectation only thinking that he is extending service to the downtrodden. He has issued all kinds of certificates viz Nativity certificate, Income, Legal heir and solvency certificates on merit. Once he thought of giving VRS but revoked the plans as his son wanted to pursue his Post Graduation and also added When God is in his heaven, destiny should never be affected. He has never buckled down on account of any official pressures during his tenure. The respondent is residing in his own house and not having any plans of re-location and also has no plans of re-employment as he plans to open up a Legal support system and Astrological Service. The respondent has concentrated on spouses health during his service period quite considerably and He is diabetic. On questioned about his exercise pattern he said, he walks regularly and spend one hour per day. The researcher asked whether he would devote more time for exercise after retirement respondent said No! He admitted that the high profile job is an impediment for not taking regular health check-up. Chess, playing piano, interacting and chatting with intellectual people, reading spiritual books were his hobbies. He reads lot of spiritual books, epics and other magazines during night. He has great reverence for Kanchi seer Paramacharya but do not follow any spiritual leader. He also engages in debates, gives lectures in many forums and functions organized by local heads in the district. He is not willing to join any clubs or forums or committees after the retirement as it would affect his future plans. He said It is better to give meaning to life rather than find meaning in life. The respondent strongly believes in karma theory and accepts rebirth according to ones own duties performed in this birth (Janma). He added, if a person does the job (karma) as a service to society, even if any flaw crops up inadvertently it would not distress the person who is doing that job. During his life time he had not gone for any pilgrimage owing to official constraints and has not planned yet for any pilgrimage soon after retirement. Conclusion The person interviewed falls under The Mature individual i.e. Respondent is adaptable and realistic. He has a positive attitude. He takes a constructive view of the situation and rides on top of it. He plans well in advance and then implements the plan he has for a contented life in retirement (Vieira, 2001)
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It is evident from the interview held that; respondent has clear plans after retirement and has no anxiety or remorse of retiring. He wants the knowledge acquired through education and service to be used for societal service. His service mindedness is seen by the way of not expecting any penny for his Astrological guidance during in service and his will of not demanding even after retirement. His dedication towards service has fetched him greater reputation. The respondent said that, He also taught Astrological science to his son who is pursuing post graduation and said the service firm to be opened after his retirement would be taken over by his son at later point of time. Reference 1. Baron, Robert. A, (2001), Psychology- 3rd Edition, New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India 2. Vieira, Walter, (2001), A Second Career (What After Retirement?), Mumbai: Jaico Publishing House

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