Retiring at 55—Too Soon for a Professional Accountant?
Some may feel it’s a pity that I ended my career as an accountant at 55. But I don’t see it as early “retirement”—rather, I’m redefining what retirement means, allowing God to shape and equip me anew. Though I’ve stepped back from my profession, I’m far from idle; life now feels even more fulfilling, marked by deeper learning and richer growth.
In 1996, I joined my church’s first short-term mission team to London and Manchester, England, where we ministered to the local Chinese community through gospel drama. That experience deeply moved me. I later joined short-term mission trips to the Netherlands and Hungary. Through the introduction of Rev. Dick Kaan (簡戴德牧師), I became involved in Chinese ministries in both France and the Netherlands.These experiences planted in me a lasting burden for the people of Europe.
After graduation, I earned my professional accounting designation and worked in the back office of a bank. Though my busy schedule kept me from joining mission trips regularly, I remained actively supportive of the church’s missions ministry. Throughout my two-decade career, I often felt out of place in the banking world—especially when asked to help frontline staff promote various financial products. I struggled internally, as the values of consumerism and borrowing conflicted with my faith and personal convictions.
With my husband’s full support, I took a year off. During that time, memories of my short-term mission trips resurfaced, and I realized that my passion for missions had never truly faded. Since my husband already had a clear calling in pastoral ministry, we didn’t plan to become missionaries ourselves. Still, I felt that if I had this stirring in my heart, I should begin preparing—especially by learning a new language. So in 2018, I began studying French and have continued ever since, hoping one day to build deeper connections with people in Europe.
Since 2015, war and conflict have driven large numbers of Syrian and Muslim refugees into countries like Germany and France—and even to Canada. In the past, it was difficult for us to enter those nations to share the gospel, but now, they’ve come to us. This shift reminded me of the burden I once felt for the people of Europe, which has now become a new opportunity for mission.
• Oasis Café This café has been running for over twenty years, offering free lunch and dinner each week to those in need. Instead of handing out boxed meals in a queue, guests are invited to sit down and enjoy their food in a comfortable, dignified setting. Volunteers share meals at the same tables, fostering relationships built on equality and mutual respect.• Community Food Market In recent years, rising prices have made it difficult for many people to consistently afford the food they need. In response, we launched a community food market within the church—purchasing food at regular prices and offering it at a reduced cost. We also provide essential daily items free of charge to those in need. Unlike traditional food banks, this approach helps preserve the dignity of those receiving assistance.
• Missions Accounting Support Leveraging my professional background to assist the church with various accounting tasks.
When I first began serving at Tenth Church, I simply wanted to serve the Lord and help others. But through volunteering, I came to realize that the one who truly benefited was me. I learned what it means to genuinely “help” someone—not from a place of superiority, but with humility and respect. I also came to see that those I served are equally precious creations of God. Among them are former professors, doctors, and scholars—individuals who once made significant contributions to society and achieved remarkable things, but who have now lost the ability to work due to illness or aging. The more I got to know them, the smaller I felt in comparison, and the more I learned to be humble and grateful.
Pictured with her husband
As someone who used to be shy and introverted, I could never have imagined standing on stage and speaking to dozens, even hundreds of people. But by God’s grace, I’ve been able to do just that.
Looking back, five years ago I worked part-time as an accountant for a Christian organization that promotes Creation Care. Earlier this year, I decided to resign from that role and devote myself fully to volunteer work. Some might think it’s a pity to set aside my professional accounting career, but I don’t see myself as truly “retired.” Rather, I believe God is reshaping and equipping me anew, and I continue to wait in faith for His guidance and use.
I’m grateful that through serving, God has taught me how to connect with strangers and care for them—whether through environmental workshops, Oasis Café, or the Community Food Market. I truly believe these are all part of the equipping God has given me.
You don’t have to wait until retirement to share the gospel—it can begin at any time. And you don’t have to travel far to do it; as long as there’s opportunity around you, the gospel can be shared anytime, anywhere.
Rebecca Chiu
