ADVICE TO ALL EMPLOYEES :

Cost $34

1. Invest in Your Future Early
   Aim to build your home — whether in a rural or urban setting — sooner rather than later. A home built by 50 isn’t an achievement, but a smart investment in your well-being. Don’t get too comfortable relying on government-provided housing. It can become a dangerous habit. Let your family enjoy the comfort of your own home.
2. Prioritize Family Over Work
   Remember: Work is important, but it shouldn’t consume all your time. No one is irreplaceable, not even you. If you drop dead today, operations will continue. Make time for your family. They are your true support system.
3. Master Your Craft
   Focus on honing your skills and excelling at what you do. Promotions shouldn’t be your ultimate goal. If they come, great, but if not, stay positive and keep growing personally and professionally.
4. Avoid Office Gossip
   Stay clear of gossip and negative chatter. Avoid engaging in conversations that tarnish your reputation or harm relationships with colleagues and superiors. Remember, toxic environments are draining and can ultimately affect your career.
5. Know Your Boundaries
   Never compete with your boss. Such rivalries can harm your career. Similarly, don’t compare yourself with colleagues. The pursuit of constant competition only leads to burnout. Focus on your own growth instead.
6. Create Multiple Income Streams
   Don’t rely solely on your salary. Having a side business or investment is essential for long-term financial security.
7. Prioritize Savings
   Saving is crucial. Set up an automatic deduction from your paycheck to secure your financial future.
8. Invest Wisely
   If you need to take out a loan, let it be for investments that improve your situation, not for luxury purchases. Invest in your future first, then enjoy the fruits of your success.
9. Keep Personal Matters Private
   Maintain a clear separation between your personal life, marriage, and work. This helps you stay focused and avoid unnecessary distractions.
10. Loyalty Starts with You
    Be loyal to yourself first. Trust in your own work and abilities. Relying too much on your boss can alienate you from colleagues. If your boss moves on, you’ll be left in an awkward position.
11. Plan Your Retirement Early
    The best time to start planning for your retirement was when you first signed your employment contract. The second-best time is now. Aim to retire by 40 or 50. It’s never too early to start planning.
12. Join Employee Welfare Programs
    Being an active member of work welfare programs can offer great benefits, especially when unexpected situations arise.
13. Utilize Leave Days Wisely
    How you spend your leave reflects how you’ll live post-retirement. If your days off are spent mindlessly watching TV, don’t expect much different after retirement. Use this time to build your future.
14. Start a Side Project While You Work
    Start a side project while you’re still employed. Running a viable project during your working years sets you up for a smoother transition into retirement. Many fail after retirement because they wait too long to start their ventures.
15. Pension is for Your Well-being
    Your pension should not be spent on starting a new business or buying property. It’s for your upkeep — maintaining good health and living comfortably in retirement.
16. Be a Role Model After Retirement
    Aim to retire and live a fulfilling life, not just as a cautionary tale. Be the kind of person who shows colleagues that retiring early can be rewarding.
17. Retire While You’re Still Energized
    Don’t wait until you’re burned out or a burden to the company. Retire while you still have energy and passion for life. This way, you can enjoy your time, pursue personal interests, and spend time with family.
18. Retire in Your Own Home
    If possible, retire in your own home rather than in government accommodation. This will help you seamlessly transition back into the community that raised you, making it easier to adapt.
19. Don’t Rely on Employment Benefits for Comfort
    Employment benefits are meant to ease the journey, but don’t let them lull you into complacency. When you retire, you won’t be called “boss” if you haven’t built something sustainable on your own.
20. Embrace Retirement
    Don’t fear retirement. It’s inevitable, and it can be the beginning of a new chapter filled with personal fulfillment and growth.

Hope these insights help you look at life and work with a positive, proactive mindset.

Doleh Usman