My New Job—Chosen Without an Interview

Post Retirement Life

I retired from the Army in February 2021 and took a conscious call not to take up a formal assignment. Instead, I chose to work as a freelancer, enjoying everything I loved—travelling, writing on leadership and security issues, social work, speaking assignments, stock markets, golf, and many more activities, with absolutely no order of priority. This absence of structure kept me busy throughout the day and, more importantly, kept me happy.

During these four years, many of my friends, ex-colleagues, and people in general kept asking me, “So, what are you doing these days?” The more undiplomatic among them went a step further and bluntly asked, “Are you doing something?” My answer was always the same: “I have done enough. No more jobs for me.”

The Job Hunt Begins

Fed up with these jibes about my supposed inability to do anything useful after retirement, I finally decided to apply for a job. My wife, Radhika—who, according to popular opinion, was “doing much more than me”—also decided to join me as a co-applicant.

In the meantime, in 2023, we got an opportunity to travel to the US to meet our daughter Priyanka and son-in-law Ayush. Sheepishly, both of us asked them to help us find a job. Priyanka, being my daughter that she is, flatly refused. Even Ayush—normally very amenable and helpful—diplomatically avoided the discussion altogether. Our requirements, after all, were somewhat specific: flexible hours, an amenable boss, minimal accountability, and unlimited leave. Clearly, we were asking for too much.

Once we returned to India, we resolutely pursued our quest. Finally, we got lucky when our son and daughter-in-law, Deeksha, agreed to help us. Even with their help, we had to wait for almost two years to receive the appointment letter. Patience, as I was about to learn, is an essential job skill.

First Meeting with the New Boss

While we got early hints in February 2025, the much-awaited confirmation finally came on 11 October 2025, when our new boss summoned us to Sir Gangaram Hospital’s maternity ward to hand over the appointment letter.

Both of us rushed to the hospital, where we encountered our future boss’s executive assistants, Deeksha and Parikshit, fussing and fretting over a very cute but rather reserved individual. This gentleman was quietly observing everyone with a look of calm authority and mild amusement. We were instantly relieved. He appeared composed, confident, and very much in control—clear signs of strong leadership potential.

Learning to Cope

Five years of lazying around had made me a little careless. I had almost become a “marzi ka maalik”—or, as they say, a “do-as-I-pleaser.” I had trained myself to stay away from “regular assignments”, especially those handed out at odd hours.

The new boss, however, did not approve of this work ethic. He wanted everyone to work strictly according to his routine, style, and temperament. If he wanted something done in a particular way, it had to be done exactly that way—and immediately. Flexibility, I realised, was expected only from the employees, not from the employer.

Total Control

He has gradually gained complete control over the lives of his employees, including his executive assistants Deeksha and Parikshit, Radhika and me, as well as part-time consultants like Nana, Nani, Bua, cousins, and various relatives.

The lives of the four of us—his regular employees—now revolve entirely around him from morning to night. Our routines have become remarkably flexible, adjusting seamlessly to his daily schedule. We talk softly and walk softly; our phones are always on silent mode, and we plan carefully. Holidays, hobbies, and even sleep are now carefully worked out activities.

A Demanding Yet Rewarding Boss We All Love

But he is an extremely simple boss. He does not believe in annual appraisals or performance reports. His rewards are instantaneous and priceless—beautiful moments, fleeting smiles, little chirps, and sounds that make your heart sing and instantly erase all fatigue.

So yes, I finally have a job—one with no salary, no fixed hours, and absolute accountability. It is demanding, relentless, and completely non-negotiable. Yet, it is also the most fulfilling assignment I have ever taken up. Retirement, I have learnt, does not mean the end of service; it simply means reporting to a much smaller, younger, and far more powerful boss—our grandson, Vidhyut.