Retirement

I'm in that club too, loopylou. Fortunately I've a small local government pension, so when I was made redundant earlier this year that clicked in. I realise how lucky I am in that respect, but am furious that I have to wait at least 6 years until I'm 66 for the state pension I've worked for and expected since I was 19. Sometimes I think HM Government just floated this as an outrageous idea they weren't expecting to get away with, and rubbed their hands with glee when we rolled over and accepted it.

And what probably gets to me even more is that we in England (unlike the rest of the UK) don't even have the free bus pass as some small compensation until the ever receding retirement date arrives (I should expect it'll be long gone by then anyway). My husband is 65 and has had his for 5 years.

Sorry, rant over!

Hear, hear Laurajane1955...... My retirement age seems to be going further away the longer I work....currently March 2018 but not banking on it! Wrecked any plans I made to retire at 60 after working full time all my life, especially as now health suffering. Obviously Government would love us to pop our clogs and save them money! Sorry if sounds bitter but am struggling somewhat!

Like numberplease I was catapulted into retirement in my early 50s when I opted for voluntary redundancy aka early retirement. I tried to get back to work but women, at any level, were a drug on the market in 1996 (I do not think much has changed) and apart from doing six months maternity cover for a charity where I was a volunteer I haven't been in paid employment since.

However, since then I have volunteered with several charities and volunteer groups and last week found myself needing to attend meetings every day for one group or another. The meetings ranged from routine committee meetings, to site meetings with architects, to interviewing new volunteers - and I love every minute of it.

4 years since I retired, welcome to the club Jane10. I retired a couple of years earlier than I'd planned, due to health problems. Ive been lucky as good medication keeps the worst of the health problems at bay and I'm enjoying everything about retirement.

It took a very brief time before I found myself wondering how I'd ever had the time to go to work

I retired at 57, great decision. I was able to do what i wanted to do. If I wanted some responsibility there were plenty of jobs going ( I worked in an Age Concern Day Centre) If I wanted time out, I could take it. Had time to pursue hobbies etc. Also I was financially OK on my pension and did not have to worry about being made redundant etc.

Retirement is wonderful! I do lots of things, but I don't have to - it's my choice.

Even though I have spent the last year being reconstructed (knee, hip, cataracts) I have had time to recover, with no pressure to get back and get on with work. I had breast cancer when I was working and taking off the time necessary for chemo etc was stressful in itself.

I can read well into the night, take time thinking about getting up, and say sod it no thank you to cooking if I don't feel like it.

Jane - I have been retired nearly five years now and just love it. I am lucky because i am relatively healthy and able to participate in most of the activities that I am interested in. It does take a while to get used to - I still woke up at 5.30 every morning for about six months - not any more.

Take the time to learn new things and meet new people and your retirement will be enriched.

I retired 3 years ago and I love it.
After so many years of selling my time it still feels odd to get money for doing nothing.....yes I did pay in I know.
The joy of being in bed with a cuppa and radio four at 9 o clock is priceless...no whistle ,no bell, no kids, no targets......bliss.
I spend my days doing what I want when I want, although with two dogs and a horse it's usually what they want.
Enjoy every minute..

For those who have had their retirement pushed back, as I have, TWICE, please sign and share with others this petition. Thanks!
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/let-men-and-women-retire-at-60-with-a-state-pension

There are times Jane10, when after nearly seventeen years of retirement I wonder whether or not I have enjoyed it. But on balance I have and still do. Like all things there are upsides and downsides. One upside is having he freedom to do what you choose. A downside can be the perception not to have an active role in life. Some folk just miss their work and the companionship of it. Motivation can be a problem and, of course, health, strength and financial freedom are vital. However, it takes some time to adjust to the new role, perhaps even a year or two, so give yourself time, at least you have GN with whom to exchange views. Good luck!

Congratulations Jane10! I've just worked out that I retired 10 years ago! I did go back to cover holidays and sickness for a while so it was more a petering out.

I still find it worrying that money pops into my bank account periodically without my having worked to get it. I know, I know I paid in over my working life and all that, but it doesn't equate in my sub-conscious and I fully expect a governmental letter any day telling it's got to stop!

I couldn't find anything at U3A either, but don't diss the gym, I joined a local one on off peak membership for about £6 per week and I can swim, go to any daytime class, and there are loads, I do Pilates, yoga and Zumba as well as using the gym. Fantastic value. I go to college and do couture dressmaking one day a week. The best thing about retirement is being able to go on holiday last minute and at off peak times( I am writing this in Cyprus where I am in a beautiful hotel ands its 25degrees)

Enjoy finding out all the interesting things there are to do !! I officially retired a few years ago just as I turned 60. Gradually I was asked back to do bits of work until the work commitments were nearly full time again. I decided to cut back (again!) and I do a bit less now than last year and I plan to stop altogether in July. I have built up other interests/activities and feel ready now to be work free.

I retired from full time 20 years ago. Because I'm sedentary as im disabled and widowed there's not much I can do.
GN is a godsend!
U3A in our area don't do anything that appeals.

Anyone want to briefly explain a U3A. I have googled a little, but dont quite understand them.
[I am probably not old enough to join yet]
And have never heard of them where I live.

I've become a member of my local council leisure centre; for £19 a month I can use the gym [which has just been refurbished with very good equipment], the pool and the sauna. I love going there. On ladies only mornings I do a workout and then have a sauna; we all sit around chatting as we dry off. They also have walking groups that meet up once a week to do either short of long walks.

How very exciting - enjoy this wonderful new phase of your life!

Congrats Jane10 I retired almost five years ago and the shine hasn't started to wear off for me. I loved my job, but I love retirement more. Three more grandchildren born since I stopped work and there's always plenty to do if I want to - sometimes, I just fancy doing zilch! Great to have all that choice!

I'd agree about the walking. There's always the Gransnet 10,000 steps club on this site, which I'm in, and there's lots of support on there, though I must admit I rarely reach the daily target! Also, I've taken up yogalates - at home, so on the cheap. I have invested in a couple of Louise Solomon dvds, around £3 each on Amazon, and since I retired I've done a half hour work out at least 4 mornings a week as soon as I get up. It really gets you in the mood for the day and is a great way to tone up.

Save the gym money Jane10 and go walking instead. I expect your U3A has a walking group and as well as it being a very cheap form of exercise it gets you out in the fresh air and you will have friends to chat with. And not a square inch of lycra in sight ! Have you tried swimming ? I only learnt to swim 2 years ago at an 'Over 50's' learn to swim class and as well as the excercise have made another set of friends.
A very warm welcome to our 'elite' club !!

You all sound like you`re having a great time. I`ve already got stuff organised to do two days a week (but no early starts!). The U3A locally sent their brochure and its like a box of chocs. I don't know which to go for. On a gloomier note I`ll have to join a gym. I`ll have to get this flab moving. Anyway thanks everyone for your motivating comments I feel like I`m joining an elite!

I don't know how I would have time for work! Look after my baby grandson 2 days a week and another during school hols (the other 2 are teenagers but I see them regularly), walk the dog as much as possible hoping we both stay fit. I can read till late, write my book (an eternal project). Money is tight but enough, and my (London) freedom pass enables me to go wherever I want. Got a few health problems and spend a bit of time keeping hospital appointments, but hopefully they will eventually get sorted. I want to start some voluntary work on top of babysitting, but will have to wait. But life is great. Enjoy!

I haven`t been entirely idle, over the years, I`ve looked after 5 of my grandchildren whilst their parents worked.

I'm busier now I've retired than I was at work! I've set up projects and am really enjoying the challenges they bring. Have fun Jane10 its a whole new wonderful ball game

I retired when I was 59, after 40 years at work. I, like you Jane10 faced the winter and although I enjoyed staying in bed instead of scraping ice of my car, I needed something else. I was approached by somebody sitting at another dinner table who heard a few of us talking and before I knew it I had an interview the following Monday!

I was also approached by 2 people at my ex work and I started to do ad hoc reports for them, getting out and about. I may still be doing it if I had not broken my ankle and that stopped me gadding around. I was able to save money which came in useful because my house needed a fair bit doing to it.

Now I love being my own boss and can do zilch if I fancy. Unbelievably I rarely have time to read newspapers nowadays.

Good luck, you will not be disappointed.