A colleague left us after nearly three decades of dedicated service. At a farewell, she remarked:
"I was always busy, busy, busy...when I learned how to wear kimono, friends in the same class suggested us to go to Asakusa wearing kimono, but I always said 'I'm busy, next time!' Then I forgot how to wear kimono...Now I won't say 'next time' anymore; now is the time to do what I had missed."
People often ask those who retire a bit early what they would do, but I guess this colleague nicely summarized the point. Right now I'm lucky that I'm paid by thoroughly enjoying what I do, but I do understand what she had to say.
Work inevitably involves ups and downs; and earning money is a serious business. Then if you look at Hotel Okura, it is full of bourgeois ladies who wear nice dresses, chat and giggle over afternoon tea.
By contrast, we follow ever-changing regulations and policies; take all the trainings on cyber security; harassment awareness; and travel arrangement; receive complaints; field questions from people including a few nutsy ones.
I celebrate my colleague's decision and wish her luck with the "next time."
