Slice of Life: ‘It is important to remain independent, it liberates you’

I have been a security guard all my life. I have moved 16 jobs, all of them have been security roles. Even now, at an age where I should have retired, I continue to work in the same job. It is not because I love the job; I just believe that one should work as long as one is able to. By God’s grace, I am healthy and able to walk and talk as if I am a youngster. So why should I remain idle? I might as well work. I moved to Chennai from Pattalam. My wife is a homemaker, while my four children have all moved on to their own families and have a journey of their own. 

Now that they have reached a certain age, and are settled with partners and children, it is not right for me to ask them for help in any way. Their families would require the money they earn. Because of that, my wife and I have decided to fend for ourselves instead of burdening them. Also, I think it is important to remain independent – earning your own daily bread liberates you. There was a point of time in my life when I had no job, income or purpose. But I felt completely free. However, my family and people around me forced me to get a job them. Now, look at me - I am as occupied as one can be at this age.