Changing Tires

By: Danny S. Villanueva

In a few days, I have to “change tires,” so to speak. This is how I see my approaching retirement from my work in IEWP after 10 years of service. Or if you count the number of years from the time I served putting up the wire and cable business in IWSP in 1991 then to IEWP in 1997, this would be a total of 16 years of productive service.

Time flies fast, indeed. With “worn out tires” after these long years, I need to refit my self with new set of good tires and face a new set of challenges in life. Though, I will be the same person- personality wise, mind and spirit, except from the constant growing pains, like the weakening of my knees due to aging process, I would say- working longer could be better for me, to keep me busy for some small livelihood, if any, and continue to do my civic and religious apostolate voluntary work.

This coming retirement, would provide me more time now with my family who directly benefited from the fruits of my continued employment through the years. My children’s full education was my only true investment in life. All of my 4 daughters are now working professionals and the youngest, is a son, is in his senior year in an Engineering course. I thank God for this fruitful outcome.

As I approach my retirement towards this end of the year, I am studying how my very limited savings program will prepare me for this. Certainly I would look into ways to practically extend and grow the available funds, with God’s gracious providence. At the same time, I would also look into worthwhile hobbies I can do and grow my voluntary work with deeper spiritual focus.

With positive outlook on retirement, this can be an opportunity to change the rhythm of my life to the better. I will surely look back with joy the job routines for the past 39 years- the19 years with General Electric, the16 years with Sumitomo companies, and the 4 years of small work stints in my college days and in Tarlac. Those were certainly great days of creating, building up, sharing, solving and fulfilling. My experience and training with GE and my MBA studies helped me to venture and work effectively in IWSP and IEWP. I have seen the beginning and growth of these companies where I have somehow contributed to what they are now- progressive and growing multinational companies.

I certainly would miss the IEWP’s smiling and friendly Filipino and Japanese staff, the work deadlines, development/implementation of new systems, the active interactions of people, the dynamics of working towards goals/objectives/targets, and empowering and motivating people.

And to all of you who provided me support and friendship, thank you very much for all your kindness and generosity. I will continue to keep you in my prayers and wish that IEWP will continue to grow and prosper in the coming years. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all! God bless. #