Not ready to ride off into the sunset yet

C T and R P, both 63 and technicians from XXX company could have dusted and put away their work uniforms, setting off into the sunset of a comfortable retirement when they hit 62 last year.

However, with companies like XXX company heeding the government’s call to re-employ older staff before the re-employment legislation kicks in in 2012, older workers like C T and R P are still hanging around, burnishing the adage ‘old is gold’ by imparting their invaluable experience and knowledge to younger colleagues.

Since 2005, XXX company has re-employed 102 staff. For older employees to be eligible for re-employment, they must be medically fit and have attained at least two ‘Good’ and one ‘Satisfactory’ performance ratings in the last three years. Re-employment offers are also dependent on operational needs and availability of vacancies.

C T and R P are loyal servants of XXX company, having started their careers in 1962. The re-employment offers to them were recognition of their loyalty and good performance over the years. Most importantly, for both men who are the sole breadwinners, having their jobs secured for the next two years has helped to lighten their financial burden.

C T whose wife is a homemaker has to continue paying the housing loan on his four-room HDB flat for the next four years. He said that as long as he is in good health, he would not contemplate retirement.

Echoing C T is R P. He said: “My wife is not working and my son is still schooling. Both depend on my income. I’ve another daughter who’s married and has her own family commitments.

“By being employed, I can also keep physically and mentally active.”

Their supervisor, C K, recommended both men for re-employment because of their excellent work performances. The accolades and awards R P has picked up include the role model worker award in 2001, Service Excellence Award in 2006 and the Customer Good Service Award 2007. As for C T, he was a nominee for the role model worker in 2008.

“They are both outstanding and experienced workers. With their many years of experience, they can guide and mentor younger colleagues at work,” C K said.

Sixty six-year-old S H P, a technician, is currently serving the fourth year of his re-employment. He was re-employed for two years in 2005, which was subsequently extended by another year in 2007 and finally one more year in 2008. S H P aims to apply for another extension.

He said: “Since re-employment, I’ve not taken a single day of medical leave. If I retire, I will feel very bored staying at home. Although I’ve four children and one granddaughter, I can always spend time with them on weekends.

“I am fit and healthy, and I think I can contribute until 68.”

C T, R P and S H P are exemplary employees who epitomise the government’s call for the ‘silver hair generation’ to continue working longer so as to lead healthy and productive lives, as well as having enough savings for retirement.

Despite having a brood of children and grandchildren to spend their retirement with, the three men are not hanging up the towel for now. As long as their limbs and minds are healthy, they see themselves as being able to make a difference to the organisation.

If you are nudging 62 and retiring blissfully is not your cup of tea just yet, you might want to take a leaf from their examples and stay around for one last hurrah.


*This story did not get to see the light of the day.