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MacBook Pro, white ceramic mug,and black smartphone on table

How do you want to retire?

Retirement often conjures images of leisurely days, free from the demands of work. For some, it’s a dream fueled by pensions or vast wealth. But for many of usthose who aren’t government officials with cushy benefits or billionaires with endless resourcesretirement isn’t a practical option. Instead of chasing an elusive finish line, I’ve been thinking about what makes work meaningful as I approach the later stages of my career. Here’s my vision for the ideal workplace, one that keeps me engaged and eliminates the need to retire. A workplace should be a space where you can thrive, not just survive. A non-toxic environment is essentialfree from unnecessary stress, cliques, or unfair treatment. It’s a place where collaboration trumps competition, and everyone’s voice is valued. When negativity is absent, work becomes a source of energy rather than exhaustion. The ideal workplace doesn’t discriminate based on race, gender, religion, or any other… How do you want to retire?

old godrej steel cupboard

What’s the oldest thing you own that you still use daily?

After five decades of life, you inevitably amass a collection of artifacts, each a silent keeper of memories. These objects, tied to moments long past, hold stories that resurface with a glance. Today, I’m sharing the oldest treasures in my possessionand the bittersweet tug-of-war they spark. The star of my collection is a hulking steel cupboard, crafted by Godrej, a trusted Indian brand. This wasn’t a giftit was a forceful addition to my home, courtesy of my father-in-law. I’m notoriously stubborn about accepting presents, even from family, but in 2008, when I bought a flat in Mumbai, this cupboard arrived unannounced. No time to protestjust a loud crack as it chipped my marble doorstep. Six workers wrestled the beast inside. Already 20 years old then, it’s now pushing 40. This cupboard, one of a pair from my in-laws’ Mumbai home, carries decades of their history. Yet, despite its sturdiness, I’m… What’s the oldest thing you own that you still use daily?

Me and my son

Describe one of your favorite moments.

Over the decades, I’ve lived through countless unforgettable experiences, but none compare to the moment when the hospital nurses announced the birth of my son. In that fleeting instant, I transformed from a carefree child into a responsible adult. A whirlwind of emotionsjoy, responsibility, and nervous excitementswept over me. Holding my newborn son for the first time was both exhilarating and terrifying, his tiny form feeling so fragile in my arms. In the months that followed, I honed the art of cradling babies, evolving from a nervous novice to a confident expert. To my father-in-law’s playful envy, I became the go-to person for soothing our little one to sleep. The photo attached to this post captures one of those proud moments when I had mastered the skill of carrying my son with ease. Looking back, I cherish those early days of fatherhood. They were filled with love, learning, and a… Describe one of your favorite moments.