I am from Pune, but for the past 3-4 months I have been living in my hometown along with my family(wife,2 kids and parents).

Currently I am working from home but for the past 2-3 weeks I am feeling unmotivated to do any work.

I have been thinking of quitting my job for the past several years but not able to do it because I am the sole earner in the family.

The last couple of projects I worked on did not turn out to be successful and a lot of the responsibility of the failure was on me as I have lost focus on my work.

I don't know the reason for that but I feel my unwillingness to work in my current field, along with this lockdown period has added to my stress.

I feel like quitting my job today and start looking for a new job but the fear of not getting a job at all stops me from doing so.

I have some savings on which I can survive for a few months. I have also discussed this with my wife, she is willing to support me in every decision I make.

Lot of negative thoughts come to my mind these days. Can you help me make the right decision?

Ans: Dear S, surely, this pandemic has put many at inconvenience in different ways for each of us across the planet.

What we can do is make the best of what is at this point in time. It indeed is hard to be away from family at a time like this.

I know parents in some families do find it hard adjusting to a new city at their age and having your wife care for them as logical as the decision was has begun to take a toll on the family as a whole.

It is an amazing feeling to come back home to a family after a hard day’s work where they wait with love, care and support.

Either a job in Mumbai or moving your family to Delhi are the options as it is evident that family and their love is important for you to have the security and stability.

Having said this, Lockdown 5.0 begins soon, I think fearlessly take a call, visit your family.

If you think you want to isolate yourself in the fear of COVID-10, do so…but more that all of this, do sit down as a family, COMMUNICATE, talk to your parents about how this is affecting you and obviously they care and love you enough to hear your side of the story.

And finally, do what needs to be done to make sure that your parents understand and are taken care of and your wife and children are with you as a family.

Happy decision making and be happy!

Ans: Dear K,
Give yourself a break from the monotony. Paulo Coelho said: If you think Adventure is dangerous, then try Routine, it's lethal!
You have been doing little to infuse your life with joy and excitement. How much of the mind would have broadened by working in the same place for 32 years?
Your mind is just asking for a break...go ahead, travel...seek the company of new people and live through a few adventures. You will come back feeling refreshed and also work better. Go challenge yourself...

All the best!

Ans: Dear K
It sounds like you may be experiencing a deeper sense of disengagement and possibly even symptoms of depression or anxiety. It's important to address these feelings and seek support from professionals if needed. Consider reaching out to a therapist or counselor who can provide you with support and guidance. They can help you explore the underlying causes of your feelings and develop coping strategies to manage them. Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, spending time outdoors, and engaging in hobbies that bring you joy. Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is crucial for managing stress and improving your mood.Even if you don't feel like socializing, try to stay connected with friends and loved ones. Having a support system can provide comfort and perspective during difficult times.Reflect on what gives your life meaning and purpose beyond work. Consider volunteering, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in activities that align with your values and interests. Be gentle with yourself and recognize that it's okay to have periods of low motivation or energy. Set realistic expectations for yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.If you're experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, such as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worry, consider speaking with a psychiatrist. They can assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.Establishing a daily routine can provide structure and stability, which can be especially helpful if you're feeling aimless or unmotivated. Try to incorporate activities that bring you a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.Practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on past regrets or worrying about the future. Mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help calm your mind and reduce stress.
Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and you don't have to navigate these feelings alone. There are resources and support available to help you work through this challenging time and rediscover a sense of purpose and fulfillment in your life.

Ans: Hello;

With the corpus that you have (5 Cr) you may buy an immediate annuity from a life insurance company and can expect to receive monthly payout of 2.5 L (pre tax)from the very next month. 6% annuity rate considered, if you shop around and negotiate you may get a better rate.

You can opt for increasing annuity to account for inflation and return of purchase price to your nominee, after you.

Ensure good health insurance policy to cover yourself and your parents.

Think about some vocation which you would like to pursue passionately after retirement.

You are seeking retirement from regular 9 to 5 job not from pursuit of your passion/goals.

It could be in the role of an consultant, counselor or educator.

You should take the decision which you feel is appropriate for you irrespective of what people comment because they will comment in any case.

Learn to ignore such people.

Happy Retirement!!