The 'Waiting' Syndrome

After years of private practice as a doctor, Uncle Zac saved some money, bought a property in the countryside. One day, he and his wife announced they were moving away from the city.

However after six months of silence, Uncle Zac was back in the city again. He invited his friends and neighbours to the opening of his new practice. All his friends were surprised and wondered what made him decide to come back to the city.

“Well, I got bored just after a month of golfing and fishing. There was really nothing to do. I couldn't do any farming, not even gardening. I hated the outdoors, but I was bored inside the house. You know, when you are without a job, you always have that helpless feeling inside you. Very soon I have that 'waiting' syndrome people talk about ….” Uncle Zac explained.

“What 'waiting' syndrome is that? Some sort of disease?” His friends asked, puzzled.

“First, you wait for your meals. After meals, you wait for some pals to chat. Then, you wait for the day to end. I had enough of this type of waiting. It's like I'm in a prison and I didn't get to control my own life at all. It wasn't me then because I felt so helpless. Now, I want to live a normal life! I want to be helpful and useful!”

Never look down on any job. If you think having a job is just to earn money to pay bills, then think again. Working is not just for money, it helps you to find your true self, the only time you can really commit your time and bring out some meaning of your life.

Without a job, one never knows what is going to happen. Although many people say they are tired, and want to quit from what they are doing, they could not really do that. They know the 'waiting' syndrome well enough to know once they stop working, they lost everything … money and self esteem including.