DISCLAIMER: AS USUAL, THE BLOG POST IS A RESULT OF TALKS WITH THE ‘BORDERLINERS’ SEEKING GUIDANCE AND REASSURANCES, IS STILL NOT EXHAUSTIVE. VIEWS ARE PERSONAL AND YOU ARE MOST WELCOME TO DISAGREE WITH PART(S) OR COMPLETE DOCUMENT ITSELF.
DO READ PART 1 FIRST.
The format is Q&A
Q1 : Did you try for getting a job? If yes, why didn’t you take up one? Will I get one? If yes, what type and by when?
A : Yes, I did try for one. I am a GD (General Duty) with BSc Degree from NDA, Non PSc and Non HC. I did not take up one, as during the interview process I realized that am not ready to make any more adjustments to my lifestyle and will not be able to meet the expectations of the employers whose offer meets my expectations. It’s a pure give and take and you have to compromise on a few things. If you prepare well before quitting, the chances of getting a job go that much higher, especially if you are on the left side of 45. But networking, up-gradation of your skill set and your own job search should go on simultaneously. When will you get a job, cant be answered that easily but give yourself about 6 to 8 months. Don’t sit idle, enjoy, network and upgrade during this period. Nature of job will be determined by what you are looking for. From generalists kinds to highly specialized ones, all are available. You need to keep your eyes, ears and most importantly your mind open. It may not be the ideal, but a start is a start and you will know it all in an years time. Specialized mentoring is available on Forces Network as well as outside.
Q2 : Is pension enough? Do you have other sources of income?
A : Pension alone will not be enough for long. You will need at least Rs 50k/ month plus some reserve up your sleeve to maintain the same lifestyle. I have survived on my mathematical model for almost 8 months now and if you plan your expenses, there will be hardly any financial surprises. Invest the lump sum and let it grow. An SWP from your portfolio should look after your needs till you find a job. My kids are still in school and spouse is a homemaker only. Other than the pension and the lump sum amount, I do not have any other source of income. I am doing freelance work but that is not assured income. As has been mentioned in the previous posts, leaving Armed Forces only to earn more money, is a bad idea.
Q3 : I want to leave but have my doubts about getting a job/ my family is not convinced etc. What should be my strategy?
A : Convince them. Before that, you should convince yourself. There are no ready-made solutions for anyone. One has to go through the struggles. You, with a decent pension and cushion amount, are not badly off. No one has told us that you will keep working only till the end of time. Most of the fears are only perceptions and if one goes to a small place and cuts down the extravagance, pension is more than adequate. In a small town, a family of four can live decently in less than 70K. You are quitting early, to make the best of your time, to live, to follow your passion and to have a stable(r) life. When you joined the army, you were the creamy layer of your lot, you still are. With financial security at hand, you can spend some time and money to upgrade your skill set and to select a job that meets your requirement. The situation, if not perfect pink, is not black too.
Q4 : What if I don’t like the job?
A : Quit and go for a new one. The decision promises you adventure. Do not have fixed ideas, be flexible and adaptable. Un-learning, re-learning should be a continuous process now. Whatever you will do, will add value to the organisation and will give you much more satisfaction. In the mean time do re-assess and plan for your venture. The game is tough, but rules are much simpler post retirement. If nothing works, a joint venture or a small start up of your own is always possible.
Q5 : As per the latest reports, the job market is down. My batchmates who have quit are not able to find suitable jobs. Isn’t it a wrong decision to quit?
A : The decision is entirely yours. Your batchmates’ data does not represent the actual situation. There are areas which require 100s of specialists, there are sectors which have peaked as far as vacancies are concerned. It’s a continuous process and dynamics keep changing. Adequate options are available if you are less than 45.
Yes Sir, I have been following my passion vigourously… my fourth collection of poems is in the final stages, am hosting a radio programme (THE COLONEL’S SHOW, will be on air soon) on the local FM at Jaipur (90.8FM), have done programmes on Defence Issues on National Channels and All India Radio, have been blogging & tweeting and have been working on my start up which will be operational by mid 2019. There is much peace and tranquility on all fronts as one gets quality time for walks, swim, club, movies, friends and KIDS. Have travelled extensively too.
OVERALL, NOT A BAD BARGAIN.
