From Work to Home: A Heart Full of Gratitude

@rsa101 (38458)
Philippines
April 28, 2025 9:45pm CST
Yesterday marked a major milestone in my journey — my last day physically reporting to the office. Although I officially retired last year, I was blessed with the opportunity to continue serving as a consultant. Now, with just two more days until April 30, my consultancy work will also come to a close. It was a day filled with mixed emotions. On one hand, there was excitement — the feeling of finally coming home permanently, closing a chapter that has been such a big part of my life. On the other hand, there was a quiet sadness. Saying goodbye to familiar faces — people who had become like family over the past 25 years — was not easy. Each handshake, each hug, each word of farewell carried memories of a journey rich with challenges, laughter, lessons, and growth. As I walked away for the last time, my heart was full — deeply grateful for the friendships, experiences, and moments that shaped the past two and a half decades. Grateful beyond words to all who made these years truly meaningful. Here’s to new beginnings — and to bonds that distance and time can never break.
6 people like this
5 responses
@DaddyEvil (146686)
• United States
29 Apr
What will you do with your time now that you're officially retired from working?
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (38458)
• Philippines
29 Apr
In the meantime, I'll be spending the next month on vacation with my cousins abroad. We’ve planned a reunion to catch up after so many years, and we'll also be celebrating our auntie's birthday together — it’s going to be a special time! After the reunion, my sister and I are planning to do a few side trips to other places before heading back home. Then by July, we're hoping to squeeze in another quick getaway to a nearby country for a short vacation. After that... I’m not entirely sure yet. But I have a feeling I'll eventually jump back into the workforce — not as a full-time employee though. Most likely, I'll explore freelancing so I can keep earning, stay active, and (most importantly) avoid getting bored! ??
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@DaddyEvil (146686)
• United States
29 Apr
@rsa101 Oh, nice! A vacation abroad does sound like a lot of fun! Another short vacation with your sister also sounds like fun, too. I understand... I tried to go back to work when I got bored at home but, since I can't guarantee that I'll be able to see from day to day, nobody was interested in hiring me. I've slowly found interesting things to fill my time with. myLot is only one of those interesting things.
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@rsa101 (38458)
• Philippines
29 Apr
@DaddyEvil I am not expecting a big comeback on the workforce just looking for some chill job that would not require me to be too involve in many things. It is not me anymore it is not retirement if I do that.
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@allknowing (144679)
• India
22h
You now have memories that you can happily reminisce on.
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@rsa101 (38458)
• Philippines
6h
In many ways, my last actual day at work felt more meaningful than the day I was officially retired. That was the moment it truly sank in—I wouldn’t be coming back. There was a quiet sadness in knowing I wouldn’t see the familiar faces I had grown so used to interacting with day in and day out. Leaving the workplace that day felt entirely different from all the other times I walked in and out. This time, it wasn’t just the end of a workday—it was the end of a chapter.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (144679)
• India
6h
@rsa101 It is naturala to be emotional and sentimental specially at a place where you have created great memories.
@kaylachan (77269)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
29 Apr
Hopefully you have a long happy and healthy retirement.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (38458)
• Philippines
6h
Looking forward to that too.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (77269)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
6h
@rsa101 Well, it should be good.
@JudyEv (351793)
• Rockingham, Australia
21h
I can well imagine the mix of feelings you would have had now that retirement is absolute, as it were.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (38458)
• Philippines
6h
Every second feels meaningful now. Today marks the very last day of my work-from-home setup—and with it, the end of my working life. Tomorrow begins a new chapter: my first day of full retirement. The transition is now complete, and I’m embracing this new season wholeheartedly, looking ahead to the adventures that lie ahead, including my upcoming trip. Interestingly, I realized that my hiring date with the company was May 2—and now, I end my tenure with them almost on the very same date. It feels like a full circle, and there’s something deeply fulfilling about that. While I will truly miss the friendships and connections I’ve built over the years, I know that there comes a time when we must say our goodbyes and make space for new beginnings. This is that moment for me.
@arunima25 (90048)
• Bangalore, India
29 Apr
Well, that would be a big change and you would take some time to settle with the new phase. I hope that you have planned well to spend the free time that you have earned after so many years of work. Wishing you a happy retired life
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (38458)
• Philippines
6h
It’s true—my habit of waking up early every day is slowly shifting. These days, I find myself sleeping in a bit more and actually enjoying the free time (lol). But I still often wake up around 4 or 5 in the morning out of routine, only to realize—oops, there’s no work waiting for me anymore—then happily drift back to sleep.
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@arunima25 (90048)
• Bangalore, India
Just now
@rsa101 That's the transition phase. My mom retired two years back and it took her some time to adjust. Though she has made other changes, her waking up time remains the same at 5 in the morning. She loves to relax, say her prayer, take care of her plants and read at that time.