Benefits of early retirement

Are you thinking of retiring from your job soon? Do you have a retirement plan? What are the benefits of early retirement?

If you have been working your whole life and suddenly, things change in your workplace. The job you dearly loved turns sour and bitter. It has become confusing, demanding, and stressful most of the time then thinking of leaving your work is not a bad idea.

People in the past used to enjoy their job despite meager incomes because of the passion and inspiration to work. Today, when the system fails due to circumstances beyond one's control to retire is an option one has to take, no matter how painful and sad.

However, it is not the end of the world. Remember to be happy because retirement is a new stage with an opportunity to stop and smell the roses. One deserves to enjoy the remaining days of his life and the fruit of his labor after decades of dedication and hard work.

On the other hand, fear is normal for people not ready for it. If you have no plans after retirement, don't make a hasty, untimely decision you regret. One should consider the family's economic and educational needs rather than your interest.

If done with your responsibility to your family, these are the benefits of early retirement:

1.) Health benefits- If you are in a stressful working environment retiring soon is good for your health. Sound mental health is an essential factor in better job performance. If you are not happy with the demands of your job, there's no reason to stay. A graceful exit is more honorable than becoming a liability and over-critical in the company with habitual tardiness and leave of absence.

2.) Opportunities to travel. The earlier you retire, the more years to spend and places you can go. With unlimited time, you can travel and see the world of your dreams. It is more fun to visit places if you are still healthy and without mobility issues. Travel can unwind, broaden one's perspective, and acquire beautiful experiences.

3.) New career and business opportunities. Retirement is high time to switch fields of interest and start your own business. With your vast experience, you are a good candidate for many employers for the managerial and supervisory job that suits you.

The optional retirement age in the Philippines is 60, while the compulsory retirement age is 65. Under the new proposed HB No. 206 that passed on Congress for Third Reading, the government worker-GSIS member; would be entitled to retirement benefits if he is at least 56 years of age at the time of retirement, has rendered service for a least 15 years, and not receiving a monthly pension for permanent total disability.

According to Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, the bill gives the more than one million workers in the bureaucracy a choice to retire early, receive their benefits, do other activities, and enjoy life with their loved ones free of stress-related work.

Now choose carefully and wisely. When the benefits of retirement outweigh the risk don’t hesitate to a graceful exit because you deserve something better in life!