While talking to Gnat one day about how the costs of living these days are very high, a thought struck me. As we approach our mid-thirties (oh my, I never thought I’d ever say that!), we have to take better care of our health. Though we have medical insurances, still..we don’t know for sure if we are sufficiently covered – the insurance premium calculations are based on approximate figures.

In the conversation, I started to compare our situation with our parents’. You see, both our parents were civil servants. They worked for the government. Not as high ranking officers but staffs. And even during those early days of their lives they got by. Although, working in the private sector would’ve offered more luxuries..or so I thought.

Back a few years, I was naive enough to think that my parents made the wrong choice by deciding to work as civil servants. Pay was low, benefits were little : Without realising that the benefits would actually come AFTER retirement. My parents get a life-time pension amounting to half their last drawn pay-check. And this comes with yearly increments. Also, all medical expenses are covered including hospital bills etc…Do you know how much a blood pressure monitor costs these days?

Basically, like my mom would say “You won’t get rich but you won’t go hungry either”. I feel that in my old age or retiring age, I think, that would be adequate for me to live. I mean, I am a fairly simple person ; I don’t need fancy gadgets or nice expensive clothes to make me feel good. I am very comfortable walking around town with my worn out shorts and T and cheap flip-flops ; and I know some people would gawk but I’m ok.

So, I’ve re-assessed my thoughts on my parents’ choice of working industry and come to the conclusion that, perhaps, it was the best for them then and now. I honestly do.