After 28 years in the workforce, I’ve finally stepped into retirement at the age of 54. Interestingly, I didn’t feel a big emotional release on the day I left, which surprised me at first. But looking back, I realize it’s because this decision had been in the works for some time. I think back to almost 30 years ago when I graduated from university. That moment felt like a huge release from the pressure of exams and academic stress, even though I was always involved in extracurricular activities while staying in the university hostel. I still remember having nightmares for years after, dreaming that I was late for exams, only to wake up relieved to find myself in the working world. Retirement feels different. It’s not just an ending but also a beginning. I’ve spent the last five years, largely due to COVID, building up buffers to ensure a robust retirement and family...