Retirement is it what you thought it would be?

I retired 2 years ago,( I’m 70) from a part time hospital post, and think I am still adjusting and trying to find my way. I don’t miss rushing to get to work and back, the time juggling and the planning needed to continue to work - but I miss meeting people, the support from my colleagues, being a useful part of a team and the interest of work We have a disabled adult son who lives with us, and I worry about his future- especially as we age further. I was concerned that retirement from paid work would not suit me - but I enjoy the slower pace of life.

I could have retired last year but I couldn't think of anything worse than not having something to do. I work 1 full day and 2 half days a week. All my now adult kids have moved into their own homes. My husband passed in 2014, so there is just me at home. It is hard sometimes but I try to always have something to do, painting, crochet, sewing etc

I wouldn't want to go back to work, but I do sometimes get bored. My declining health means that most retirement occupations are impossible.

However, I enjoy my small garden, reading and watching programmes on my iPad. I also love seeing my granddaughter once a week, even though I'm exhausted afterwards.

Yes, I bloody love it, especially lying in bed till 10 am withouts a care in the world.

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Can't afford to retire!
Was a self employed live in carer in my 60s so I could more or less work when I wanted as I didn't get my pension till I was 66.
I was diagnosed with ADHD around the same time so much of my life then made sense - not being able to stick at one thing long enough to work my way up or get much pension.
My partner has a business which I help him with but several times a year it's hard physical work and each time it takes us longer to recover!
I have had issues with my back for years; he hurt his a few years back and now has nerve issues with his knee related to that and I have sciatica off and on as well as tennis elbow and arthritis in my fingers and trigger finger in 2 of them.
I had to give up the care work as there just doesn't seem to be time what with helping with the business, helping care for my 93 year old mother, doing up the old house we bought 3 years ago and cleaning, cleaning, cleaning - which I really resent! I always said I would never be a "housewife" and now I find I have fallen into this role and I hate it.
OH is not a chauvinist, he just doesn't think that most of what I do (vacuuming, ironing, wiping down surfaces etc) needs doing!
I wouldn't have had cats if I weren't with him - as well as just having that responsibility and being tied to when people can catsit for us you can see from the pictures how much hair they shed so not cleaning is not an option.(for me, at any rate. I am fed up of having to clean cat hair off my clothes.
So no, this is not what I imagined myself to be doing at 71.
And I can't help remembering that my father was only 6 years older than I am now when he had a fatal stroke!

I retired in 2022 at age 66. I loved my job but was burnt out after working through Covid. It took me 2 years to settle although did enjoy the rest and freedom. It took a while but eventually I carved out a new lifestyle. Joined a book club, help with a free Community Meal weekly, meet friends for lunch or coffee and enjoy having more time with them. I have kept in touch with ex colleagues and then completed some additional training which was challenging (trying to remember everything) but I got through and now self employed mentoring others new to my previous profession. I love having the freedom to pick up deployments (which are just 22 hours over a few weeks) or leave them and keep control of my own diary in doing so. It seems a waste to not use all that experience and training gained over 25 years. I love the balance now and make the most of everything as acutely aware that health problems can limit everything and can come unexpectedly. My DH and I have regular breaks and he enjoys some part time paid gardening and golf so we are thankful but making the most of everything while we can! We are fortunate to have savings and reasonable pension income. We love being with our grandchildren they bring so much joy!

For me , yes it is . I retired 4 years ago at 63 . DH is 4 years older and was due to retire, so we retired together as we wanted to travel whilst we still had our health . We were very much aware that you don’t know what’s around the corner .
I’m a planner and gave retirement a lot of thought and decided to use the time to try new things . I volunteer in a charity shop, joined a small yoga class , started outdoor swimming in a local lake , although I’m not hardcore enough to swim during the winter . I go to the gym , walk my dog and care for my mum who’s 90 and housebound . Last month my DH built me a raised bed vegetable bed, which I’m filling .
My DH didn’t give retirement much thought and struggled for the first year . His hobby is clay pigeon shooting , so that keeps him busy several days a week . He’s also got into carpentry and has turned a shed into a workshop.
We’re very lucky to have our health and fitness and are aware things can change very quickly.

ViceVersa

No. I suppose probably because it was pretty much forced upon me, rather than a conscious decision, but I hate it. I seem to have lost so much confidence and 'get up and go'. Now almost every day just seems the same - and unfortunately my deteriorating health means that finding another job or volunteering role isn't really an option.

I ran a Rainbow Guide group and a lady with serious lung problems volunteered. She came most weeks all through the summer, but was less available during the wetter and colder months. That suited us well as we needed extra hands when we could get out and about.
I handed it over, but am a supernumery filling in for holidays, work committments and sickness. Works well, and I have joined the local trefoil guild, going when it fits in.
I volunteer at the school sitting and listening to the children read aloud - lots of demand for that.

Boadicea - do get some financial advice. If you are a carer, then your mother could potentially claim an allowance and you should get your NI paid.
Pension is payable to everyone, and you can ask for pension credits to make it up to minimum level even without "stamps"

MrsMatt

I could have retired last year but I couldn't think of anything worse than not having something to do. I work 1 full day and 2 half days a week. All my now adult kids have moved into their own homes. My husband passed in 2014, so there is just me at home. It is hard sometimes but I try to always have something to do, painting, crochet, sewing etc

I always thought that I would not be busy. LOL

A colleague gave me a gift and some advice passed on by her mother - a box with a crime book, a huge box of chocolates, face mask, bath soak and a smelly candle - the advice was to take a week or two to do nothing but enjoy stepping off the rat race and use the contents to unwind. She was right, SO right.

I took a casual job invigilating exams which is seasonal and does not pay much, but a great community and you get a DBS, and some training to help with volunteering. I also do the elections which obviously is very sporadic and just one long day. We have a volunteer register that offers other opportunities. Then there is the U3A which can keep you out every day if you let it; the WI and trefoil guilds are full of activities, outings and group holidays. I help slower readers at the school.
My DH does see me from time to time

I was having lunch with a friend today and she told me her husband was retiring at the end of the year and wants to go on a world tour to celebrate. He is 84 years old. Good for him ! Only thing is, she doesn’t want to travel that far and be away from home that long.