Life of a Government Servant
Prepared by Dr. Ndunguru TH
25th June 2025
From Employment to Retirement
At the Time of Employment:
- Expectations are high and numerous.
- Many plans are made, but most are not SMART.
- Family life is peaceful.
Reality During Employment:
- Money is never enough.
- Work takes priority over family.
- Personal projects (even small income-generating ones) are neglected.
- Family conflicts arise (e.g., alcoholism, recklessness).
10–20 Years into Employment:
- Efforts to improve life begin.
- Plans start becoming SMART.
- Set clear TARGETS (farms, construction, family responsibilities).
- Marriage dynamics: No extreme peace or conflict, just tolerance.
10 Years Before Retirement:
- A critical period for adjustments.
- Remind yourself of your TARGET often.
- It’s still possible to correct mistakes, though late.
- Two paths emerge:
- Those who succeed in preparing well.
- Those who fail to prepare.
Retirement:
- The true test of financial wisdom.
- Key indicator of success: How pension money is used.
What Pension Money Should NOT Be Used For:
- Building a family home.
- Buying a car.
- Expanding marriages (more wives/husbands).
- Starting a business or large-scale farming.
- Frequent outings at bars.
Take Home Messages:
- Employment is short—don’t waste it.
- Balance work and family—don’t neglect the future.
- Use free time wisely (leave days, side projects).
- Start small income projects early (business, rentals, farming).
- Pension money should expand existing projects, not start new ones.
Good Side Projects for Extra Income:
- Goats – Low maintenance, profitable.
- Chickens – Easy to manage.
- Fish farming – Simple and sustainable.
- Pigs – Highly profitable.
- House construction – A valuable long-term asset.
Final Reminder:
- Plan from Day 1.
- Live below your means.
- Focus on your TARGET, even in hard times.
Thank you for listening!