Ms. Phuong Giang, 55 years old, former official of a department in former Hoa Binh province, now Phu Tho, retired under Decree 178 from 2025.
After leaving work, Ms. Giang returned to Hanoi to look after her grandchildren. Each month, she receives about 10 million VND in pension. According to her, this amount basically meets living needs.
A new rhythm of life helps her have more time for her family. However, after many years of being attached to social activities, Ms. Giang does not want to completely leave community work.
She plans to return to her hometown when her grandchild grows up. If her health and conditions are suitable, she wants to join an association or union in the locality.
Having time for family is good. But if I still have health, I still want to do useful things for the community" - Ms. Giang shared.
For her, retirement does not mean closing activities she has been attached to for many years. It is a time to balance between family, herself and the community.
While Mrs. Giang spends time taking care of her grandchild, Mr. Vu Van Tung, a retired soldier who is not yet 50 years old, chooses to continue working part-time.
Mr. Tung currently receives about 12 million VND in pension each month according to Decree 178. This income helps him ensure his life after leaving the army.
Early retirement also gives him more time. He can play chess, fish, meet friends and spend time with his family.
However, he does not want to rest completely. With many years of experience in the military, he is looking for a job that suits his expertise.
He currently teaches national defense education at a high school.
Knowledge that was once used in training now becomes teaching content for students. He focuses on basic knowledge of national defense and security, while paying attention to cultivating organizational awareness, discipline and responsibility.
In each lesson, he often brings situations close to life for students to easily visualize and exchange.
According to Mr. Tung, early retirement opens a new phase. Workers, if they are still healthy, can find suitable jobs instead of stopping all activities.
The new job does not necessarily have to be the same as the old job. The important thing is to be suitable for each person's capacity, time and conditions" - Mr. Tung said.
According to the Phu Tho Department of Home Affairs, the whole province has about 3,199 officials, civil servants, and public employees taking leave under Decree 178/2024/ND-CP and Decree 67/2025/ND-CP.
Among these, about 2,427 people retired early and 772 people resigned immediately.
Hoa Binh used to have 1,244 cases. Phu Tho used to have 1,217 cases. Vinh Phuc used to have 738 cases.
