should i stay or should i go

I retired from teaching at 60, but did supply for the next 5 years. I was lucky to have regular one or two day a week jobs, as opposed to ad hoc last minute one off days. Everyone who says that you're not part of the team are right, but there are other compensations, as in it's not full time, and you will probably have less responsibility, and when all else fails - think of the money. Working can also give you a sense of purpose, and if you still give your commitment, it's likely to be more fulfilling. As most say, nothing to lose by trying it.

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I retired aged 63 from a nursing home. I was asked after 6 months to go back on their bank for shifts that needed covered at short notice. It worked out quite well at the time until l realised I was getting all the shifts that no one wanted to do, like late shifts every Saturday and Sunday. I gave it up when I got the opportunity to move north nearer my daughter and family.

Well, similar thoughts I think. I worked full time, then part time in my job in the NHS in an admin type role, different feeling each time. I retired and now do very part time hourly paid ad hoc project work in the same place. Generally love it, good to have a focus - haven't yet found enough hobbies to keep me busy, I think! Also like to keep my work skills and experience up to date.

It's good in many ways but as other people have said slightly odd at times - I don't get invited to team meetings etc, but am expected to know what's going on. Find I'm doing more, in some ways, than the permanent staff, but also good to be able to concentrate on one thing.

Give it a whirl but don't be upset if it's not what you expect. I've found reading the posts on this thread very helpful, had thought it was just me feeling a bit confused about the change of status at times, thank you everyone for your shared thoughts ?

Plusses and minuses .......on the one hand you know it's not full time anymore and can fit in around your own retirement. On the other hand will you still feel part of the original team and be valued in the same way as when you were. You might have something planned .....then a phone call ....can you cover. What if you can"t or had something else in mind on a particular day? How big is the workforce......you could be covering a lot of holidays/ sickness.....often at short notice. I personally would"nt go back in that situation...for me it would be an invitation for a lot of stress.

I retired from full time in 2014 and within weeks was called by a local surgery asking if I would be interested in working a few hours for six months or so . That was 2.5 years ago and I'm "retiring" again at the end of August ! I enjoyed working in a new place with different people but know it's time to go for good now.Not so sure it's so
good to go back to the original place of work though as it is never the same .

I'm with MOnica. Give it a go and leave if you don't like it. Don't let it take over your life however. I work for a charity shop on a voluntary basis 2 afternoons a week, which leaves me free to do whatever I want, when I want. I have been offered a paid position but that would lock me into having to request time off etc. Not prepared to do that at this stage of my life, I enjoy it too much.

Give it a go,because if you don't you will be always wondering if you missed out on an opportunity.

yes, give it a go.
I was asked back on 3 days, it's definitely not the same but then again I do think part timers loose out in general.

I worked for the LEA on a consultancy basis after I retired. I enjoyed the freedom it gave me to choose my own hours and workplace, usually from home.

I'd say, give it a go but on your own terms.

Just noticed, road not toad in case you hadn't guessed!

A yes and no from me too I was asked to continue working but as a self employed person.... I did as I didn't want to leave but I felt totally different not part of the team or the in jokes anymore because I was no longer invited to team meetings etc I did feel an outsider and learning to do online tax returns at 67 was a nightmare I wasn't there much more than a year before they had someone else to do my job and I felt very used and as if I was a fill in for them

Menopaws is right, give it a try, the ad hoc hours may suit you. Things will have changed but life moves on. Good luck.

But I feel you will regret not trying, just be prepared for things to be different and you may not like it, then if it works you will really enjoy it, let us know and good luck

I've done it and found it difficult because everyone was younger, I then had children and I felt so old and people didn't know how to deal with this older more worldly person. I was just over thirty at the time and they were 18/20 so wasnt old but the job was very physical and I felt they were trying to protect me and actually I felt sad I wasn't that 18 year old, they were very nice to me but I hated the feeling and only stayed three weeks. Much as I loved my new life I missed my wonderful job

Give it a go. If it doesn't work out, leave.

Yes - but when I was between having children. I had worked at a bank before having children, but didn't want to return. Went to my local jobcentre to look for p/t work and got offered a job there for six months. They wanted to make me permanent , but would have meant going away for a week and I wasn't prepared to leave my year old DD for that long. Left in March, the following February they rang and asked if I would return. First time around I had worked 20 hours a week, second time fifteen - my choice to do less. Lovely to be asked back and one of the most enjoyable jobs I ever had. Left again after 6 months as I was expecting DS1 and then we moved away, but always look back with fondness.

I returned to my payroll job after about 20 months away. The work was still the same but the office had changed almost beyond recognition. A few people had left, new ones joined and people did not seem to get on well together as before. The office was also moved 5 miles down the toad which caused upset. If it hadn't been for that I think it would have been ok. I was only doing 2 days a week and that was ideal. I hope it works out well for you, after all, if you don't enjoy it you don't have to be there forever.

Yes and no. Felt used and a convenience not really appreciated. The old feeling of being part of things had gone/changed. Could be very different for you though, different set up/people different.