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You are here: Home / Employee Engagement / Wednesday @ Work Poem: Retirement – First Tired of Working Than Tired of Not

Wednesday @ Work Poem: Retirement – First Tired of Working Than Tired of Not

July 15, 2009 by David Zinger 4 Comments

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/

Filed Under: Employee Engagement, Working Poems - Zingers

Comments

  1. Lance says

    July 15, 2009 at 10:11 am

    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!

  2. David Zinger says

    July 15, 2009 at 10:57 am

    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

  3. Donna says

    July 15, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    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

  4. David Zinger says

    July 15, 2009 at 12:37 pm

    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

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David Zinger

Email: david@davidzinger.com
Phone 204 254 2130

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