I'm intending to retire! ?

I love my job too, but the Council's withdrawing the funding for the service I work for, and that's that.
No discussion or consideration for the dozens of elderly people referred to us every month, just a blanket letter
So, it's time to go in a different direction, and I can't wait ?

I'm still procrastinating. I wish I'd saved, done the house up. But I spent the extra on my children and grandchildren. It's such a life changing decision and there's probably no way back. I know I should be grateful my poor colleagues will have to struggle on past 65 and on top of that cope with an ever changing stressful job.

I'm 61, so have another 5 years to go in a fast changing job. Not what it used to be. I'd like to cut my hours from 5 to 4 days a week, but am worried about the effect it will have on my (very small) pension. Anyone have any info on this?

loopy, retirement is wonderful!

I was made redundant so suddenly I didn't have time to worry. I worked in education, so at first it was just like an extension of the Summer holidays, which was great. And it's continued like that DH retired a few months later and at 61 I can't get to my state pension for another 5 years , so our income has been slashed, but I wouldn't go back for a king's ransom. The joy of not having to crawl out of bed at 6am on a miserable morning, not trailing home tired and hungry in the dark, not having someone send you an email at 11pm telling you what they want from you by 9am the next day, just waking up after a stress-free night and deciding how you want to spend your day. You just can't put a price on that!

Enjoy!

I retired early 6 years ago and we moved to the coast at the same time. It's the best thing we ever did. We dropped 2 good
incomes and now just have my teachers pension but we manage. I had a shopping habit I had to lose but charity shops instead are great. We haven't had a holiday since, but we live by the sea. ? No more stressful jobs, we both volunteer instead. I rediscovered my love of sewing and it even brings in the odd few pennies. We had time to get DD through a divorce and the Gkids love the beach. Absolutely no regrets.

I retired at 55 so only have my work pension till I'm 66-67 or whatever age it'll be by then! We almost live off it but not quite. My husband has income from his pensions but he left them in his Danish banks. His money pays for the luxuries in life like holidays/home improvements etc.
I reckon I'll feel quite rich when my pension gets added to the fray!!!! ?

I retired at 56 partly as I was looking after my elderly Mum. She died three and a half weeks after I retired. My hubby retired a year later. We moved house and most of the time we love it. From being over busy it is lovely to have time to oneself and not to be ruled by the clock. We have joined U3 A activities. We live in a lovely area and lots of friends have come to stay. It is great to have the time to spend with them and cook nice meals. I am sure you will love retirement. We manage well on less money . Lots of things are free- lovely walks in the countryside, picnics etc. We try and avoid going out for meals too often as that just eats the money but instead will have tea and cake out after a walk. We aren't doing any voluntary work as yet but are seeing what is available and thinking carefully what we would like to do. Enjoy a new slower paced life Loopylou!

Thank you everyone, you're confirming that my decision is the right one ?
It feels like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders,

DS and DDIL have already said they're looking forward to seeing me more often (and I'll be able to see dgs and the new baby due in May without using my leave ??)

Haven't identified ANY negatives yet and will ignore them if I do!

Am new to Gransnet but with retirement approaching so rapidly this Easter it was very heartening to read so many positive and helpful messages - thank you everyone! It's been over a year in the planning but it hasn't made it any easier - after 20 years working at a wonderful place I guess it's not surprising!