At a crossroads re continuing in work

Had elevated CRP levels according to hospital notes -finally got a GP call.. GP said receptionist will arrange and to wait for another call… as I understand it CRP is either infection or inflammation?

Need another blood test

I hope they find something that can easily be sorted, Bea.

FWIW, I have a lot of blood tests, and there is very often an inflammation marker. I then have another test, and the original marker is normal, but something else is out of kilter. If you have an auto-immune condition (eg pernicious anaemia or a thyroid problem) this is par for the course. Both cause tiredness, but can be treated.

Thank you and ALL GNs on here for sharing your experiences and insights helps to get reassurance when no medical advice is promptly available 🙏

And yes, know I’m not in the right headspace to make such a decision on whether to remain in work or retire- don’t know why I’m so scared/terrified to say I’m going to retire/be retired.. does anyone have these same thoughts?

When your job is important to you it’s entirely understandable. My job as a solicitor defined me for decades - people always ask what work you do, and I enjoyed sorting out difficult situations but other aspects less so. I looked forward to retirement because I worked very long hours and had no time for myself but being able to work from home 16 hours a week sounds a great compromise to me, once you’re feeling better. One thing about retirement which is difficult to get to grips with is there is no longer a monthly pay cheque. Living within your means is a reality. That can be a terrifying realisation. Personally I would stick with it and enjoy the best of both worlds as long as you can.

Bea65

And yes, know I’m not in the right headspace to make such a decision on whether to remain in work or retire- don’t know why I’m so scared/terrified to say I’m going to retire/be retired.. does anyone have these same thoughts?

It took me ages to decide to retire, largely because I knew there would be no real going back. Anyone on a pay scale that rewards experience will understand that employers want older people to leave so that they can get in cheaper ones, often on inferior contracts when it comes to pensions etc. they won't take you back when you go .

It is a big decision, and being Bea the [whatever you do] instead of Bea the pensioner is a big step, too - I completely understand that. In my case, I also had to fund myself for 8 years before my SPA. I do have an occupational pension, but obviously that was reduced by drawing it early, and it was already low because of historical discrimination against women.

As it turned out, a couple of weeks after I made the decision and left, I was approached by a rival institution who had heard I'd gone, and was asked to do some work for them over the summer. I am still doing that (just over the summer) 6 years later. It's not a lot, but it's (for me) the perfect balance, as I am 'semi-retired', and get a little bit of income to supplement my occupational pension, but it is a wfh role that I can fit around whatever else I am doing. Obviously there are no guarantees, but you never know what will happen. Update your LinkedIn profile if you have one, and make it clear that you are available for consultancy or whatever you can offer.

Having said that, as I mentioned upthread, my sister has had a very different experience, so you need to know that you can manage (physically and financially) whatever you decide.

Again, I can only speak for myself, but I don't regret giving up work. Going to bed and not setting an alarm never gets boring, and I love being able to decide what to do with my day depending on the weather, my mood, etc. Also, depending on what your work involves, you may well find that you save a lot of money by not going. I spent a lot on fares, and needed work clothes that cost money (I now wear leggings and long tops most of the time). Things like coffees, and drinks/food after work add up too, and if you work somewhere where the culture is to chip in for birthdays/new babies/leaving presents, that can also be an expense. Your tax will plummet, and you will probably find free or very cheap things to do with your days. Maybe look into that before you leave? I know everyone suggests the U3A, but things like that, and the NWR are good ways to get out and about, and cost very little. Local groups for things like hobbies or causes are another option. Remember that if there is nothing you fancy, you can start your own groups - I have started two. I won't say what, as they are quite specific, but they both work well and cost little or nothing (room hire split between members if necessary and providing snacks when it's your turn to host if you hold meetings in your houses).

Good luck, whatever you decide, and keep posting and asking questions while making your mind up.

Thank you GSH for your comments-will ponder awhile and recover fully 🤞

Doodledog thank you for sharing your experiences… am pleased for you that you found other avenues to semi retirement and ongoing income. Have chronic health conditions so am trying to be realistic about what I can mentally do - with the physical limitations… and Yes will keep posing questions as appreciate all the insightful responses 🌻

There may be plenty of job vacancies but they are mainly for rubbish money and require one to be physically active (retail/hospitality/warehousing, etc). There is also rampant ageism among many employers.

My advice would be to hang onto your 16 hours, especially if you can do the work at home. It may not be as fulfilling as you would wish but it will help pay the bills. Also if you increase your hours you will get hammered by tax because your wage will get added to your pension for tax purposes.

People keep mentioning that her pension will be added to her salary and that she will be hammered for tax. She will have to pay 20% of any income that exceeds the personal allowance. Surely 80% of something is better than nothing? Having reached the state pension age she will not have to pay NIC.

You don’t have to take your pension just because it’s due. It will keep growing, albeit very slowly!