Retirement

Have you ever noticed how retired men lose that urgency that goes with working? Work, by it's very nature, has a relationship with time, and it's time that creates the urgency.

Not being a slave to the clock men tend to do things that impede others. They will stand in a small huddle on the threshold of the supermarket door and hold a little meeting, oblivious to the annoyance of shoppers. They will visit the recycle centre to get rid of a car full of rubbish, right in the middle of the morning or evening peak period.

It's a gift they have got and it comes with retirement. The ladies don't do it, but then they hardly retire, even if there's no income. The home would look like that recycle centre if the ladies fully retired.

Think I'll go on working, I like having a tidy home.

I retired almost five years ago, my DH retired at the same time - I was hoping to have at least a couple of years of 'me' time but not to be. Still waiting for me time, have been looking after elderly relatives and a DH with deteriorating health issues since I retired. Glad not to have the pressures of running a business now but still waiting for my retirement to start before it is too late!

Yes, I think it is completely normal to worry both about whether you will be able to manage money-wise on your pension and about what you will find to do.

Most of us find plenty to do.

I find it enjoyable to really have time to do housework, which I have always liked, bake, make jam etc.

I also volunteer at the local museum, have time to go for walks and DH and I go out on our bikes.

When you retire, take up a hobby, or take up one of the ones you haven't had time for while you worked.

Do the things you didn't have time for generally speaking.

You will come to enjoy have plenty of time, I should think, but if you don't there are plenty of voluntary jobs to consider.

Dear Haweral. I get the odd flare ups but it is under control. Before I had my knees and ankle fixed I limped for years now Im limp free!! I do get very tired and I think my hip is playing up a bit but my R A is managable. I was diagnosed about 20 years ago. Im sorry your R A is not good I know im quite lucky with my ops the NHS was great for me and my tablets I take Methotrixate works wonders. People say im very strong to keep working but it is out of necessity rather than wanting to work.
It is time for me to retire I know that I dont really like my job anymore as well and to be honest apart from the social part I will not miss it at all. ?

Jillybird, that makes two of us. My first retirement came when I was 61, it lasted 18 months. At 64 I tried again, it didn't even last a year second time. Now I'm 74, still working, all through lockdown, (part of the economy deemed essential,) work is like having a hobby, it's just that I happen to get paid for it. Each to their own, am I sad? Probably, am I happy? Definitely.

Im amazed you can work with your Ra. I couldn't. I retired at 63 but because I've been sick I have got very bored.

I took early retirement at 53 because my H then 73 and beginning to have health problems. Having worked all my life from the age of 18 which I had thoroughly enjoyed, I did worry about retirement being right for me. Money was not really an issue because I had prepared throughout my working life. What I discovered to my joy at the end of the first week, every day was a holiday and I had no regrets whatsoever. Go for it and make the most of your freedom to do the things you enjoy. It is a lovely time of life!

I have mixed feelings about retirement, I should explain although I am 68 I had to take ill health retirement 20 years ago. I liked my job but it was that which caused my ill health (rsi). Unfortunately this has gone on and I have advanced OA.

At first I was angry and very depressed spending too much time home alone. Did some counselling courses and eventually led to voluntary work at my local hospice which I loved.

After 9 years when DH had retired we moved out of the immediate area to be semi rural. I now devoted my time to us and doing more things for myself. That was 9 years ago.

While the OA has become very debilitating, I/we wouldn't change a thing except for maybe a little more pension money! So there is hope and voluntary work aplenty to fill retirement, just go for it would be my advice

I also love being retired. I am never bored and there are always lots of things to do (luckily I live in London and there are a lot of free things to do). As you have RA you might not be as active as you used to but my cousin is disabled, lives in Holland, and has found lots of interesting things to do and join on line. I would suggest looking at everything that is available in your area and try whatever is on offer. The few times I have to go into Central London during rush hour I clap my hands in glee that I am no longer a slave to a job.

It's only natural to worry about changing circumstances but if you feel the time is right Amy then go for it. Think of all the better things you can do with your time. On a cold, wet winter morning you can lie in and plan your day to your own satisfaction instead of dragging yourself off to a horrible commute.
You can be your own boss, the household chores don't have to be rushed anymore and you'll be less stressed. Prepare yourself now with practical stuff - does anything expensive need repair or replacement while your wage is still coming in? Then take a deep breath and relax.

Just go for it Amy. I had to take early retirement for health reasons. It'd got to the stage where I felt the rest of the small office were carrying me and it wasn't fair. Even so, it was a huge decision. However, it really wasn't long before I wondered how I'd ever found time to work!
Use your few years 'on your own' to do things YOU want to do. Be who you want to be. Be excited about your future and look forward to sharing it with your husband in a few years. Just live. Have fun and stop worrying! Good luck!

After teaching and working fir 40 years I took early retirement aged 58. I went down to 3 days a week in my final year! I did the maths , was debt free and realised there was more to life than working.
You have choices; you need less to live on than you think. No commuting, no work clothes, time to eat better, go to the library, go swimming etc. Work out your finances to see what you need. My partner is 4 years younger so he continued to work but we have always shared expenses. I am now 70, live my life to the full despite Covid! All I can say is weigh up the pros and cons, make a list of your running costs, what you need. Then go fir it and enjoy all aspects

I planned my retirement for over 7 years before it actually happened - with a detailed plan to outline all major expenses (like fund the children's university places etc) and all major actions (like downsize the home). So was able to retire at the end of April despite the lockdown with all the essential/expensive tasks completed in advance. I would suggest that planning is key - and thinking long and hard about what motivates you, such as family, friends, exercise, hobbies, holidays etc, and what expenses you expect to have.

As I started work when 15, I felt it was the right time to enjoy the freedom of each day. May I wish you the best of happiness when you join the retirement gang

I was. Due to retire next July, I'm a childminder, looking after 1 girl who was going to go into year 6, I got told yesterday that the girl got accepted into a school near them, as they moved last year. And so that's me finished as from yesterday. Yes it was a shock, but I can have lie ins, and not have to watch the clock for 3 pm. I'm sure I'll get used to it.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

I retired but still self employed - it’s the best of both worlds

I retired at 62 at the same time my old age pension kicked in. I don't regret it for a moment as I'd ceased to enjoy my work for a local council. My DH is also 8 years younger than me and he's gone to 4 days a week which is perfect for us. We want to do more travelling while we're still fit enough, however I don't think we'll go long haul again. I have plenty to keep me occupied and it's certainly a treat not to have to get out of bed until I want to.

You say the time is right for health reasons, so it is, and you really won't regret it. We know when it's the right time and you'll be able to fill your time easily and not miss DH. After all, he'll have holidays and days off - you might find you miss your peace and quiet when he does! I retired a few years before DH and tbh I'm missing time to myself now he's at home too. Your expenses will go down by not going to work, and you'll have time to look for bargains in shopping, eating out etc, and you should have a pension to help. Retire with the thought in mind that you can apply for a p-t job if you get bored/short of money but it's unlikely you'll ever take up that option. As others said plan finances and a few thing for the first few months but in winter you'll probably be glad not having to go out in the bad weather! Congratulations!

AMY - I retired at 54 because I was offered a good deal. It was right for me as I had RA and subsequently had two new knees. If you financial position is ok go for it. I discovered on two occasions when I worried about money it turned out fine. You spend less when at home. Think it through. It is you decision. Good Luck.

I am not retired but I don’t work many hours. I prefer time over money. I love the challenge of seeing how much I can do on so little ! I love buying Brand New With Tags clothes on EBay and looking for bargains for other things. I live in 3 countries, eat like a king, run an old Mercedes, and live on a fraction of what most people have. I had to save up for things like my kitchenaid and iMac but that’s not difficult for me. Meanwhile I love having time to learn , read , relax ! I am learning two languages, embarking on a phd , writing a book, grinding almond flour, growing avocados, making picture frames, I would hate being tied down. I hope you do whatever is right for you and if it’s to give your knees a break, enjoy the luxury of time , you’ve earned it!

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

I can retire January 2022 and had been planning for that. However best laid plans I am now a carer for my husband and the lockdown has been a godsend as I have been working full time from home which has enabled me to be on hand for him.

Working from home has meant no commute I do do little jobs during the day even something simple such as hanging the washing out or getting it in if it rains has helped.

I guess what I am saying is no matter how you plan life has a habit of rearranging your life for you. So do what makes you happy and what you can afford to do, not everyone has a decent pension or savings. Good luck

I retired before my DH and I loved the freedom it gave me to do what I wanted. Learned some new skills, sewing, beading and swimming. Yes everyone worries about finances at the beginning but you'll be amazed by how much money you save not going to work, popping into the shops ect...
Go for it and enjoy a new chapter in your life.

Before I retired from teaching a few years ago I started an online business and it fitted around phased retirement which was definitely a good idea. I love being free of all the work commitments, not least of all the travelling and parking but I did miss working with children. I now spend happy times being creative with my small business. I have found that time goes very quickly and creatively as well as having time to spend quality time with family and friends. Go for it!

I retired...it was strange at first...financially and socially ...my advice as someone else has said- If possible go part time or if already part time do less days/hours. Gradually ease yourself into it.
I know have a small part part time little job. 8 hours-perfect