My name is Rajesh Sharma. I originally come from Rajasthan. I grew up in a modest household where hard work and responsibility were considered important. After completing secondary school, I decided to start working rather than continue studying. I wanted to earn my own income and contribute towards my family's needs.
I began my working life in a retail shop when I was around 19 years old. My initial responsibilities were simple. I helped customers, arranged goods, checked stock and assisted with the everyday running of the shop. The salary was not very high, but it gave me financial independence and taught me the value of earning and saving money.
Over time, I gained experience and took on more responsibilities. I became involved in managing stock, dealing with suppliers and helping with the organisation of the shop. My income increased gradually as I gained experience. Retail work taught me patience, discipline and the importance of maintaining good relationships with customers.
As the years passed, family responsibilities became an important part of my financial decisions. Household expenses and children's education required regular planning. My wife and I tried to manage our income carefully and make sure that our essential needs were met. There were times when saving was difficult because immediate expenses had to come first, but I understood the importance of preparing for the future.
During my later working years, I began thinking more seriously about retirement. I knew that I would eventually stop receiving a salary, and I would need another way to support myself. After spending many years in retail, I retired in 2018.
I now live with my wife in Jaipur. Our daily routine is different from the days when I was working. I have more time at home and can spend more time with my family. At the same time, managing money remains important because regular employment income is no longer available to me.
My pension helps me meet everyday expenses, including groceries, electricity, healthcare and other household needs. I try to plan our spending carefully so that we can manage our finances throughout the month. Unexpected expenses can be difficult to manage on a fixed income, which is why financial security matters so much in old age.
Looking back, my working life taught me that earning a living, supporting a family and preparing for retirement are closely connected. People often concentrate on their current responsibilities and may not think enough about what will happen when they stop working. I believe that saving what one can, maintaining stable employment and planning ahead can help make later life more secure.
Retirement has been a major change, but it is also a new stage of life. I value the time I now have with my wife and the opportunity to live at a different pace. My experience has made me realise that financial security in old age depends not only on how much a person earns during their working years, but also on how they prepare for the future.