TFS Gulf 
- Deloitte India’s ‘Golden Handshake’ incentive, which is an early retirement proposal to its senior partners has raised many eyebrows.
- While everyone was arguing whether “55” might be the new age of retirement, Aseem Dhru, HDFC Senior Banker turned Founder & CEO at SBFC Finance shared a great perspective on LinkedIn.
- His post resonated with thousands of people.
1. Relevance is key
Aseem Dhru begins the post by addressing the ‘Golden Handshake’ Program; “They are removing those who have their past behind them… And adding those who have their future ahead of them.”
He then goes on to state how one’s seniority was measured earlier – Grey hair used to command respect, credibility, and deference, but the rules have changed.
Now seniors are concealing their age with cosmetic procedures and learning trendy vocabulary to keep up with the younger generation.
Aseem lets out an eye-opening truth… Retirees often miss the routines of work more than the money. As humans, we inherently “struggle for relevance” and meaning.
2. 50s are the new 20s
There are different attitudes people adopt in their 50s, Aseem observes.
Some feel disappointed at not achieving enough, others realize the futility of chasing shallow status symbols like fancy cars.
The healthiest perspective is acceptance and avoiding regret, he believes.
Aseem advocates building a “Version 2” in your 50s, finding your passion, and seizing opportunities.
The pain of having regrets is stronger than the pain of failure.
Your 50s can be a time for renewal, not resignation.
3. You can’t have it all
The sooner you understand it the more peaceful your life will become.
Success may come with failed relationships, children growing up without you, or parents ageing in your absence.
4. Cultivating wisdom
Aseem has stopped buying tickets to other people’s dramas, adopting the attitude of “Not my circus, not my monkeys.”
He explains that aging well is about the transition “from being a noisy mountain stream in your teens to a deep, calm ocean” in later years.
If I were to give one piece of advice to my 30-year-old self, it would be, ‘We are all very differently wired and need to do what floats our boat. Would say Nike+Johnny Walker is great life advise……Just do it and Keep Walking.’ – Aseem Dhru.
5. Advice to people in their 20s and 30s
Aseem ends the post by quoting the wisdom of Buddha, “Time is a thief, slipping away,” denoting that the trouble lies in thinking one has ample time!
Closing…
In short, Deloitte’s decision highlights the new reality – adaptability trumps longevity.
You can counter irrelevance through lifelong learning, embracing new perspectives, and recognizing that experience is more valuable than age.
The antidote to forced retirement is continuing curiosity, graceful acceptance, and staying engaged on our terms.
Each word is true!
Thank You Divesh sir for the comment.
Change is constant…..keep changing with the present times……take efforts…as time will leave you….. one can pause… one can rest….. but move slowly ahead…..let the E …GO from ego….love thyself
I totally relate to what you have said…building a “Version 2” in my 50s, finding my passion, and seizing the right opportunities.
Being irrelevant is magical. No stress, no time management issues, no deadlines to accomplish, no driving others boats. Enjoy irrelevance to its hilt.
For me 55 plus is — from Sri Ram avatara take incarnation like Paramatma Krishna, but don’t retire use experience & work on own terms – ofcourse deliverence is must !
There is no retirement in life as such. Plan your retirement in such a way that we will not think what to do after retirement. May be you will succeed may be not . But as rightly said pain of regret is stronger than more pain of failure. To some retirement from corporate life is following his her passion , spending time with family, working on his own terms and principles etc.
Resonate well with the article and several insightful comments. Being engaged at ones own pace seems to be the seasons flavour
Teaching, dissemination and sharing lessons learned seem to be popular.
Revisiting ones learnings, keeping abreast of emerging trends and learning the new vocabulary of the Gen x, y and z will position us well.
Very refreshing article! In learning, everyone is same. Maturity is defined not by age , but damage
While you navigate dont lose the big picture …ie to merge with the Supreme Consciousness and getting rid of materialistic desires and the ego. The Bhagavad Gita has the answer to a long, happy and meaningful life .