I'm scared to retire

I agree with you, bagforlife. I too love my job and am concerned that if I decide to retire, I may live to regret it. I reduced my hours, and am happy doing that, which gives me the best of both worlds. My sister reduced her hours and worked into her 70s! I enjoy a couple of hobbies, photography and craft, but they don't fulfil me the same as my job.

Grands, I really like your post! Especially the part about one's identity existing before work/_careers , during, and after. I didn't know that about marks on graves signifying ones job.

I think the best thing for those who retired is to start a business. You needn't a fortune to organize a start-up. An internet-shop is the easiest way. What do you think?

Think it's all been said bagsforlife, I had a job which was very fulfilling and almost took over my life. I got the opportunity of early retirement and took it. Moved to France, have lots of animals and do some voluntary work, completely different life. I appreciate drastic change is not for everyone so the idea of part time work is a good one. Don't offer to do too much at once for others, child care or voluntary work, it's easier to increase your help rather than retract it. U3A is a good starting point too. Try not to overthink this, it's your time to enjoy life now so go for it.

Reading through the replies it's interesting that many highlight 'the moment' they retire as one that conjures angst and worry but in the end is broadly positive. I wonder if over time we'll see more well trodden path or accepted route people take in retirement, maybe even a state sponsored one that would act as a fall back for those unsure of what to do.

I certainly see the gradual move to retirement becoming more popular, rather than working 40hours a week for 30+ years to then suddenly go to nothing - it's easy to see how that creates anxiety

bagforlife - one answer is to keep your eyes and ears open for new opportunities once you've retired.
I loved my work too, and retired at 55. I was lucky enough to find a few small part-time jobs, in a similar line. I went down to working about 8 hours a week. Instead of 38.