Life after retirement: Media veteran Joy Chakraborthy reflects on his new chapter

Turning 58 is often seen as a milestone, particularly in a country where it is closely linked with the official retirement age. But for Joy Chakraborthy, the decision to step away from his high-powered media career came 18 months earlier—one that left many industry insiders convinced he would be back in action within a month. After all, he had built a reputation as a relentless workaholic. Yet, against all expectations, he not only embraced retirement but also found a new rhythm that brought structure, fulfillment, and a renewed sense of purpose.

In a candid reflection, Chakraborthy, former Chief Business Officer of Zee Media, has shared how the transition wasn’t about financial security—something he had carefully planned—but about filling the free hours that came with stepping away from an industry he had known for decades. How does a leader who thrived on action, accountability, and high-stakes decision-making adapt to a life without boardrooms and deadlines?

For him, the answer lay in discipline, passion, and conscious reinvention. He channeled his energy into his love for fitness, making gym and cycling the focal point of his daily routine. Maintaining a structured schedule, just as he did during his corporate life, gave him a sense of purpose. Where once early mornings were reserved for workouts squeezed between meetings, he now enjoyed a well-balanced routine, ensuring adequate rest, home-cooked meals, and a healthier lifestyle.

But retirement also brought deeper realizations. He consciously distanced himself from industry acquaintances, choosing instead to build a new social circle with shared interests—fitness, cycling, and stock markets. “I realized that media is an opportunistic world. Loyalty is often to the chair, not the person,” he reflected. A small but meaningful shift in his relationships brought a fresh perspective on friendships and priorities.

While his career was shaped by industry mentors and leaders, he now found joy in giving back—mentoring young professionals and sharing his expertise as an honorary lecturer at business colleges. Retirement also allowed him to fully explore his long-standing interest in stock markets, delving into market trends and making independent investment decisions. “Now, I can’t blame anyone for my losses and can take full credit for my gains,” he quipped.

But perhaps the most unexpected joy of this phase came from his Golden Retriever. “A pet adds so much positive quality to mental health. You don’t get time to brood when you’re busy attending to its demands,” he said. From planning pet-friendly getaways to hands-on care, the four-legged family member became an integral part of his daily life.

Chakraborthy also took time to reconnect with his family, making up for lost moments from his children’s growing years. The ability to maintain the same lifestyle post-retirement, without financial strain, gave him the confidence to fully embrace and enjoy this new chapter.

Of course, not every post-retirement experiment was a success. “I tried helping my wife with household chores and quickly realized that running a corporate is easier than running a home,” he joked, recounting his struggles with getting a plumber or fixing a washing machine.

Ultimately, he believes that any life transition must first be embraced mentally before it can be successful. “Once we are convinced, the ‘how’ falls into place,” he concluded. And for him, the biggest lesson of retired life has been simple—having a passion that keeps him engaged, disciplined, and content.