#laagnitantong

Life After 40: Between Dreams and Deadlines I always imagined it this way—retired by 40, free from the grind of corporate life. No more clocking in, no more answering to bosses. Just me, working at my own pace, on my own terms, through consulting gigs. It felt cool. Liberating. But I never expected the quiet to be so loud. Without a routine, the days felt long. Without steady work, the financial uncertainty crept in. I found myself brainstorming ways to raise funds just to cover recurring expenses. Still, I’m grateful. This freedom allows me to care for my aging mother and my fast-growing niece—especially since we don’t have househelp. It’s been over three months since I’ve had a formal job. Thankfully, the last quarter of 2015 kept me busy. I conducted a series of trainings for the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), under the Department of Agriculture and funded by The World Bank. I worked on the I-REAP component, helping build the capacities of people’s organizations a...

Fortieth year... How did I fare? Midlife I crossed, How do I look? At 20, got a degree; At 25, built a decent home for mammy and pappy; At 30, been to countries other than Phi; At 35, bought an SUV; At 40, am a retiree. Crisanto, my registered name; At home, Loloy or Junjun is my nickname; Sant in HS, Cris in College, were my cognomen; At work, Crissy or Cring-cring rings supreme; Nazareno is my sacred name. Thank you, Lord! 40 years, a grace beyond good! Everything went dandy, And it kept dreamy. Thank you, God! 40 years more would be astounding, Pray, I would live it as you willed, in your love, And keep me counting your blessing.