What Next?

India
October 15, 2009 4:40am CST
I am a 35 year old guy who has almost accomplished everything that the society expects a member to do in life. i.e. being a man, I was expected to find a good job, settle down somewhere, find stability and then get married, buy a house for the family, buy a car etc etc. Which is perfectly fine. Some people take a long time to do all these things some people do it at the right time and some do it in early years as soon as they finish their education. Some rich guys have it all ready for them. I was a bit late but I arrived at the right station :) My question is, what next!!! What after I clear all the debts? what after my son grows up and is on his own? What after I get tired of going to office everyday? what after I have no major responsibilities and have a lot of free time? I know that by the time I am through with all these responsibilities I will be at least 55 years old man :) but still then, I would like to think about it now and plan accordingly. Do you ever think of these things or I am a little the odd man out? If you have ever thought about it please let me know your thoughts. Thanks for reading :)
3 people like this
16 responses
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
15 Oct 09
Well, you know what, don't worry about the 'what's next' because life will show you waht's next. You can't really plan out your life because there will be unexpected things that would happen, both good and bad. So therefore my friend, don't worry about what to do next, just live your life day-to-day and soon when you're about to finish your responsibilities, there will be something else to come your way, perhaps a new project or a new idea might come along. I could remember when my dad, just recently last year or so, was complaining of how bored he is with life. It seemed to him that he was ready to die because he has achieved so much already and has gone past through the hurdles of life. We would just laugh and nod at his complaints and while he reminds us of his glorious triumph against his problems and kept on saying 'I'm bored'. Now, after 2 years, he's facing a new problem. He owes around 5M in wrong investments and failed businesses. As he complained about his new struggles, we kept on reminding him "That's what you get for saying you're bored". Be careful of what you wish for, you'd regret when life shows you a thing or two.
2 people like this
• India
15 Oct 09
I understand what you mean. I also completely agree with you. Living in "today" is what one should do, ideally! I am trying to retire early from 'work'. may be i should work toward that goal and once it is achieved, life will have something new for me ;) good or bad...it will keep me occupied, lol. Thanks for the response! I'll give it a plus (+)...for now
• United States
16 Oct 09
Write a list of all the things you want to do before you die. Do you want to visit all the natural wonders of the world? Or, do you want to swim with the sharks. Make a plan of all the things you want to do and do them. Once you are done with your responsibilities live for yourself!
1 person likes this
• India
16 Oct 09
most of these sound ambitious, but I will have a list of mine for sure, hehe...thanks +
• India
21 Oct 09
Sure I will, :) Thanks!
• United States
19 Oct 09
We all want different things in life for sure. I hope you are coming up with some great ideas!
1 person likes this
@Jennlk84 (4206)
• United States
15 Oct 09
This is interesting to think about :-) Two thumbs up for this discussion definitely!! I honestly haven't thought too much about my future that far ahead. But I am a planner, so It will probably happen here in my near future. I say retire and ENJOY IT! Travel! A lot of retired people find hobbies they never could have had the time for while working or buy a retirement home somewhere exotic or warm, etc. I'd love to some day own a retirement home in the south. I live in the north now where we see all 4 seasons. I'd love to be somewhere year round that is warm!
1 person likes this
• India
16 Oct 09
Thanks! I liked the idea of a "Retirement Home" may be start building one right away.
• India
16 Oct 09
+
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
17 Oct 09
Yes, It's time to think! How will you be remembered??? Isn't it time to change the world as we know it???? What can you do to shape the world, teach others your wisdom, leave a legacy that they will never forget? The possibilities are endless. Look out into this world that needs you. THINK!!!! What will you do next????? I can see that you are very capable!
1 person likes this
• India
21 Oct 09
Thats a nice though! - "how will you be remembered!?!" Thanks for the response (+)
@Tuanshun (138)
• China
16 Oct 09
hi, bazzmaker, you've lautched a really meaningful and practical topic. I admire what you've achieved in your 35, and as for me, i still got nothing in my 27, no my own house, no good job, but i'm really very happy i got an engagement a couple of months back. And we are going to get married this year end. I think you should be very satisfied for the life bringing to you. So be grateful to life and treat other people struggling for living better, and you'll find these things are really meaningful for ones' entire lives. What do you think? Another advice is earning as much money as possible, and it'll allow you to live better life when you got retired and possibly help others out.
1 person likes this
• India
16 Oct 09
I am very much happy with the way it has been going. I consider myself the happiest man, at least for now ;) Of course I would continue doing what I am doing and make sure I have left enough money for myself in the old age. Thanks for the response, its a plus (+)
@sophia10 (86)
• China
16 Oct 09
Yes I ever thought about it,about what job I should take,where I should go to develop myself,whether to choose a life what others hope me to be or just to live in the way that I like,etc.But there is no answer,so I choose to enjoy my life,enjoy my everyday.
1 person likes this
• India
16 Oct 09
Thats a good thing to do. Take a day at a time. I have done it in the past. I think that is what I will do in the future :) Thanks for your thoughts (+)
@cortjo73 (6498)
• United States
15 Oct 09
When it comes time for you to retire, then it will be time to enjoy free time. Wake up when you want, go to bed when you want, go on vacation whenever you want. Just relax and enjoy the fruits of all of your years of labor.
1 person likes this
• India
16 Oct 09
Enjoy +
@anu0002 (214)
• India
16 Oct 09
Most of the people living in a same way like you said finding a job, love, settle down somewhere, marriage, family and goes in that flow. Sometimes I cannot accept this kind of life..
1 person likes this
• India
16 Oct 09
Very true. It is difficult to accept some things in the young age, which is okay. I also had a similar tenancy. But then down the line I realized that what my elders said was correct. Thanks (+)
@zjK98mim (20)
• Malaysia
15 Oct 09
Well, that is life isn't it? I am over 10 years younger than you, even though I have not achieved half of what you described, I am feeling tired and demotivated like you sometimes, thinking what lies ahead and whether we should just enjoy life as it is or take certain steps in preparation for the future (i.e. saving money for rainy days). I would say you should bring new fresh thing into your life. Here are some suggestions to break out of the dull ordinary routine life of yours: 1) join a dancing class, salsa, cha-cha, etc. 2) meet new people, join a club, participate in the activities 3) take up a new interest, learn piano, guitar, foreign language 4) go on an adventure and take risk (bungee jumping, skydiving, etc.) 5) do more charity 6) contribute to the society, every small thing counts, cheer them up, put a funny poster up on your car. 7) do something meaningful for your loved ones.
1 person likes this
• India
16 Oct 09
I think it gave you a wrong impression. I am not at all bored with life, no way! I consider myself the happiest man!! I also am not worried of how boring life would be once I retire, i was just thinking about 'what to do' with all the free time in the world?! Though you have listed a few options correctly. I would prepare a list of 'to do things' too. Thanks for the response, its a plus (+)
@junmae (1586)
• Philippines
16 Oct 09
You are very lucky to accomplished those things at the very young age. I guess the next step would be about the future of your children.
1 person likes this
• India
16 Oct 09
yes, doing everything for the children :) What after that is the question..lol..nevermind, doing things for children never ends :) +
@leahsmom (337)
• United States
15 Oct 09
when its all done then focus on you travel,find a hobby,or go back to school
1 person likes this
• India
16 Oct 09
back to schooll..lol...no way...but yes, travelling is a good one. +
• Canada
16 Oct 09
you've accomplished everything society expects from you so now its time to accomplish everything you want to do. you have reached a greater level of freedom and you should start pursuing the dreams you felt you couldn't pursue before.
1 person likes this
• India
16 Oct 09
Very well said. Achieving "greater levels of freedom" is the way...thanks!! (+)
@borhan (1338)
• United States
15 Oct 09
dont think much on this issue. it will make you pointed to a specific situation, and you are also not sure whether that situation will appear or not. Rather the life style you are leading, maintain it. Your statement says that you are a successful man, so just go ahead. Do that only, where you get support from your soul. Rest will be set by God, at the end you will find he made everything as per your dream. Even after these if you still think, what next? dear brother, this is an never ending question. Thank you.
1 person likes this
• India
16 Oct 09
"go ahead" for sure! +
• China
16 Oct 09
Hi BUZZ! I'm just leaving college, and 21 years of age. What next means a lot to me.I suppose you were the same at that time.We often go crazy to do things which others might not understand at all. Who I will be after 30 or 40 years? I dreamt of leading a solitary life close to nature,or just a health resort.But that's only happen in literature.Btw,traveling is good. Good luck for your NEXT!
• India
16 Oct 09
Thanks a lot +
@katsalot1 (1618)
15 Oct 09
I agree completely with laydee. You never know what life has in store for you, and thinking 20 years ahead is pointless, because so much can change at any time. Enjoy the now.
• India
15 Oct 09
Thanks for the response!!! +
15 Oct 09
Buzzmaker, you have certainly achieved a lot. Good for you. My husband and I keep discussing this issue as well. What will we do once he retires? I am a homemaker so in effect, this question is basically directed at him. Will he still continue to work on a part-time basis or completely retire? Retiring just like that can be an abrupt move. My mother for example who is 76, still works 4 days a week. I think working keeps her on her toes and gives her a chance to be around people. No brooding at home. Following this example, my husband, therefore,is convinced that he should do short-term consultancies like 3 months a year for not losing touch with his professional life. It will also help support our retirement plans because jointly, we decided that we want to live in a tropical country and continue to travel. I would then like to establish a spice farm. From time to time, we know we have to visit the kids wherever they are.
1 person likes this
• India
16 Oct 09
Thats a good idea. Doing consultation and using my years of experience to benefit others! Also earn a living too!! I working a couple of hours a day would work great then!! Thanks for your response (+)