At a crossroads re continuing in work

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

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.

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.

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 🌻

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

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.

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.

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?

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

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.

Need another blood test

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?

Doodle and Dizzy,
This is probably another thread however I can’t change my mind. Cleaning shelf filling, dog walking, envelope stuffing. Cake baking. On line selling with Etsy.
There really are always options for everyone not just youngsters.
You have to have a positive mindset and until you are fit and healthy it’s NOT simple. After that it really is.

pascal30

I bet real police would be spluttering in their tea if they ever watched this ridiculous stuff.

sorry.. wrong thread .. meant to be the Midsummer Murders!!

I bet real police would be spluttering in their tea if they ever watched this ridiculous stuff.

I don't believe that everyone who is entitled to pension credits does apply for them, it might increase your income to a level where you felt you could afford to retire completely?

www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator

We rent out our tiny flat to a man in his nineties who claims pension credit and says that it's made a significant difference to being able to manage on his income.

Low B12 really does make you feel tired - real fatigue like that is awful. If you think that might be the case, don't take supplements, but ask for a blood test when your levels are in their natural state, not made artificially high.

Also, be aware that B12 needs folate, iron and magnesium to work, so if your level are low, ask for these to be checked too. I have pernicious anaemia, and have been suffering from breathlessness for years now. I found out about the co-factors mentioned above, asked for bloods to be taken, and am now supplementing with them all. I think my breathing is improving (I hope so). I still have to have more tests to rule out other possibilities, but please don't underestimate the effects of low vitamin levels - they can be serious.

Hi, there is no point in trying to make a decision when you're not feeling well. As has been suggested, go and see your GP. He/She, will know what to look for if you have a blood test. One step at a time is the best way to proceed. Then hopefully, you can at least put your mind to rest before you make such an important decision. I do hope you feel better soon.

At the moment you sound so tired you can’t think straight. So off to the Drs as others have said- your health is too important to ignore.

Then, have a good think about what you want to do in the coming years- and how work fits into that.
To help you plan, here is a link to the government’s benefits calculator. Try putting your details in with and without your salary and see just how much you would have. It’s not an application form, just a calculator.
You may also be entitled to reduced council tax if you are single and/or on a low income.

www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

I retired from a job that I loved because I was literally coming back from work and going to bed.Initially treated for depression, but it turned out to be an under active thyroid - certainly worth getting it checked. Never returned to employment, I just sponge off my husband ( joke). I’m of the WASPI group, so feel shortchanged anyway.

I would give job up. Join U3A stretch and other enjoyable classes. You are getting older and will get tired. Learn to adjust without salary. Good luck

I worked full time till I was 73, even with a very bad back injury when I fell and fractured two lumbar in my spine at 71. I just powered through it.

Secondly, (and I do not know what British law is when it comes to pensions) I started taking my Social Security (in US) when I was 65 yrs old. So that monthly (pension) added on to my full time salary allowed me to SAVE extra every month towards retirement.

Can you draw on your pension at your age and keep working? That will give you a lift. But if you are medically incapable of working (only 16 hrs a week!) you need to go see your Doctor first.
Thinking of you 🙂
USA Gundy

@Dogsmother Unfortunately I have to agree with @Doodedog about jobs available to us once you are over 60. Not looking for aspirational jobs, just something maybe part time, local to bring in a little (needed) income and be of use to society maybe using skills honed over a lifetime of work.
Our competitors are students and younger fitter people wanting to combine a career with home responsibilities. Recruiters don’t want to consider older workers. I don’t know anyone who has got beyond the application stage. The exception is care work, where there’s a major shortage- and that involves heavy work (often lifting people) poor conditions, long hours very poor pay.

Hello Bea. I am the same age as you and have experienced similar situations. Recovering from surgery/accidents then returning to work does take its toll, especially when we are older. I would say that 2 months post your fall is not very long to recover. I would recommend a check up with your GP before you return to work and then start this gradually if you are able to. Maybe initially working the 16hrs over 5 days and starting at 10.00. You could do this for a few weeks then reassess the situation. Perhaps you could give yourself 3 months or so to feel more like yourself before you make any major decisions. All the best.

I think you need to go to the GP too but I think working at 67 IS depressing if you don;t want to do it (fair enough if you do but being unmotivated about your job at 67 I would guess isn;t unusual) I have nothing to suggest sadly