Wednesday @ Work Poem: Retirement – First Tired of Working Than Tired of Not
The Golden Watch
He knew his number:
9 years -> 3 months -> 1 week -> 2 days.
…
With a Sisyphus-like countdown
He watched his watch
In a hypnotic passage of working days
He longed to retire and escape daze
filled with lethargy and loathing.
…
The day came
He got the parting golden watch, a good pension, and false freedom.
Imagine his dismay when nothing changed.
He made his number
But learned too late that
The 30-year golden watch had actually filled his days.
The countdown ended without liftoff.
Retirement was much like working.
…
We can’t go back in time.
We can only move forward
Into the time we have.
…
Our days our truly numbered
If we believe
We will live better in a future time or place.
…
Work/Life balance is not 30 years of working
Followed by 30 years of not.
Work/Life balance is to fully
Infuse work into our life and
Life into our work.
…
Do you know what time it is?
—–
Poem by David Zinger - David Zinger is a leading expert on employee engagement. He is committed to creating authentic and sustained employee engagement for the benefit of all. Contact David at (204) 254-2130 or Email dzinger@shaw.ca.
Photo: Old Gold Watch by http://www.flickr.com/photos/wheatfields/3487679351/
David has a 20/20 vision, even though he is also color blind. He is dedicated to fostering a 20% global increase in employee engagement by the year 2020. Join him in this quest as low levels of engagement are bad for employees, organizations, customers, and the economy.
Hi David,
Love the poem! It’s so telling as to living in the now. And something about this poem really drives that point home – well said!
Thanks Lance.
I am glad something caught for you in the poem. It was based on a specific individual I knew years ago. I love the Jungle of Life I share some mutual admiration for your work.
David
Hello David- just discovered you on twitter. You have some interesting insights on employee engagement. I enjoy reading your posts. We are in the recognition business and we understand the value of an engaged employee. We believe recognition is key. Do you have articles/research that I can post on our blog or RT on twitter re: employee engagement as it relates to recognition or lack thereof? Always looking for new resources.
Thanks, Donna
Hi Donna,
I believe there are very strong links between appreciation, recognition, and engagement. I am working on some of this during the summer. I will email you a poem I did on this topic.
David