SAYING SAYONARA

Blog: MUSINGS

By Ananya Mohapatra

One of our first lessons in life was to work hard and value the dignity of labour – do our best instead of hankering for results. Right from school, we learnt about countless greats who overcame extreme adversity and overwhelming odds stacked against them, only to emerge victorious in the end.

But what do you do when all your sweat, tears and blood comes to naught?

When, despite your best intentions, success continues to elude you?

Quit, did you say?

Easier said than done. And who is to say that success isn’t lurking in the next corner ? Giving up on something is never easy. Be it a job, a long-cherished dream or even your kid. Of course if you are no good at your job and hate it, chances are your boss will fire you before you can say ciao.

And if you dream of becoming one like your favourite popstar or musician, your neighbours’ reaction should be kosher enough to let you know when to stop. As for your kids, well, you know from experience that it’s best to let them figure it out themselves.

Depending on others’ opinion or reaction is not always feasible though.

Look at Sachin Tendulkar.The same people who cried for his retirement during his lean patches, shed copious tears and romanticized his last innings when he finally hung up his boots.

Hypocrisy is a wider epidemic than believed !

Getting the timing right could be trickier than the actual quitting itself.

In that sense, we mortals do have a demigod-like power – the power of choice. Taking your own sweet time and bidding adieu on your own terms can actually be liberating.

Ask Sachin.