A few years ago, colleague of mine made a song and dance about his retirement. Those of us who still have to work went about in the same manner that Louisa stated: "...if someone has worked hard all their life and planned for their retirement and are able to retire, they have earned the right to talk about it freely. It's a privilege they have earned."

However, on his last day as he kissed his big fat cheque from the firm, he remarked: "I will be thinking of you all slaving away while I loll about in sunny Spain with my big fat cheque." Thereafter, we made him pick up the tab for our lunches on his last day. When he drops into the firm because he does not have anything to do, we still make him pick up the tab sometimes.