Have you retired or left the workforce early or are you considering it? We’d like to hear about your experience

I also took early retirement some years ago, at 54. The financial disadvantages were offset by the fact that we downsized to a house at half the value of our previous home and I have no regrets.
I am in the cohort of female pensioners who received their pension later than expected and I appreciate that for many people early retirement would not have been financially possible. However for me it was such a relief to leave my exhausting job that I would have done it anyway.

I was fortunate to retire in Sept age 63. I wouldn’t go back for all the tea in China. I didn’t realise how hard my job was when I was doing it. I’ve had two major operations since then so don’t feel like my retirement has really started yet.

I was just about to add a comment but this thread is over 3 years old.

I retired 8 years ago at 59 from a job in education for the local authority. Long story short, I was moved back to my substantive role after a 4 year secondment and in the process lost several thousands a year in salary. My substantive role had changed significantly in the time I was away because of government legislation and the job no longer suited my long held principles. I took my pension a year early and supplemented my income through library work, election support and exam invigilation. I was lucky I didn't have a mortgage or dependents so I could get by on a much reduced income. I had enough and once I reached 60 there were some financial perks. Then I met my (now) husband and we shared expenses. That made a huge difference and now that I have my state pension I have more than enough money to live on, meet bills, run a car and have lovely holidays. I'm 67 now - what a lucky generation I was born into - I was even able to donate my winter fuel payment to AgeUK. The other thing I would say is if retiring early, make sure that you have plenty to occupy your time. Apart from my husband's 6 kids and 5 grandkids we play badminton, volunteer with 2 charities, act in local amdram, and are active in several U3A groups. It's a busy and rewarding life with a lot of new friends.