Worried about retirement

Sounds like you need to do the sums carefully and perhaps take financial advice? I don't know what your job in the NHS is, but I know two people - one a nurse and another who did admin in her local hospital for 30+ years. both retired but weren't allowed to return to part-time or temp jobs in the NHS, so they've both opted for part-time jobs in the private sector to boost their "retirement" income. the nurse works in a nursing home, and the other works in a private hospital who can use her years of admin experience. (Not ideal as both would have preferred to work for the NHS but can't). It's good that you're thinking about it so far in advance - which gives you lots of time to work out what's best for you. As well as the finances, I wonder if there's anything-else that's worrying you - company, a sense of purpose, a routine? Do you have a clear vision of what you'd like your life to be after retirement (the people I know who have stumbled as pensioners haven't done this). Good luck.

Is there any option of flexible retirement. A close friend of mine still works 3 days and receives part of her pension for her 'retired days. Still contributing to her pension pot and pre Covid, had helped build up interests and networks outside work to ease the transition to full retirement when she is ready.

Retirement is great! Pre Covid-19 I filled my time with volunteering and many things that I’ve always wanted to do and learn. I wondered how ever I had time to go to work. I’m sure post COVID that you will find the same.

I found I had to plan how to manage on a lot less money but a expenses went once I was retired. My whole lifestyle changed but in a really good way which made less finances easier to live with and I adore my days of freedom too.

It's 2 yrs in the future. Hopefully things will be functioning as in 2019.
Is there a financial pre-retirement course you can do through work?
Do a bit of planning. Have you had hobbies in the past that you drifted away from? Are there things that you've always wanted to try?
Having mentored a few over this transition period, the worst thing is having no plans and ending up on the sofa 24/7.
The 4 most common retired occupations seem to be
Voluntary work
Getting a dog
Taking up art and/or crafts
Joining U3A

Yes, leave your job. Get your state pension. And any private pension. Then start to apply for a part time job which is what my husband did. Or even ask your employer if you can work for him/them part time, by signing up to a fresh new contract with the firm. But beware as my husband found out to his cost he can only work for 12 hours a week as it was affecting the tax he was paying on his private pension money. What a world. Government give with the one hand + take it away another. .

I totally feel for you Banna. I’m your age and work for the NHS but I don’t have to leave. Sign up for Bank Partners at your nearest trust, I’m sure you’ll get a few shifts ?

I didn't retire until I was 67. would have stayed on but felt my body was starting to let me down. As for being bored, I now understand my father saying he never knew when he had time to work - I'm still busy in Lockdown.
Banna you don't say whether you live with a partner, which can make a difference, or alone
I live with my DH who always finds things for me to do (not so good at finding things for him to do!!)

I retired 13 1/2 months ago. Yes I regret it. I am bored. Covid has made it impossible to get a part time job as I had hoped.

I think many people get ‘cold feet’ before retirement. It seems such a huge step, which it is.
I had looked forward to leaving my bank job years before, but as retirement approached, I thought what if I miss the money, I won’t be able to ask for my job back.

Once I had finished, my doubts disappeared. Money is important, but as long as you can manage, retirement is a blessing.

Thanks Cadson!
I had forgotten about deferring State pension as well - even though both DH & I did.
Martin Lewis MSE website is very useful, with a special section on pensions.

I wonder if OP has found this helpful?

My husband retired 10 years ago aged 57 and in retired 7 years ago aged 56. We love it and haven’t really noticed the drop in income apart from the year immediately before my husband got his state pension. It was a little more of a challenge for that year, but now that he has that and I have my occupational pension, we are probably better off. I am still waiting for my state pension. I realise we are more fortunate than many, but as far as time is concerned I don’t regret it at all. We are not bored, and in non COVID times do lots of volunteering. We even helped to found a charity for the elderly .

I retired age 68. A few months into retirement and after I had some major surgery I decided I had a little time and applied to WVS to do voluntary work.I loved being involved with to Ladies and gentlemen I took to various places in town. Sometimes to clinics and hospital visits and my favourite taking a 92 year old lady for her weekly shopping. I found it very fulfilling and certainly now don't have time to be bored. Please think about volunteering somewhere it is very rewarding.

I took my NHS pension at 60 and got a part time job working at a living museum. I love it. The money I earn 2 days a week plus my pension give me enough to go out and enjoy my retirement. In 2 years time I will have my state pension too.

We took early retirement and have never looked back money is not everything.The old saying you cut your cloth applies.We do stuff together and post covid apart its good to have your own interests and friends as well as shared.The time just whizzes past could not think of anything worse than working till you drop!

I wouldn’t worry about filling time. Someone said to me - and it’s true - you do the same things, just slower and with more cups of tea ?. Seriously though I managed a large research unit and had several retirees over the years. All were worried about filling time and all wanted to come back and volunteer. All lasted a month before they called to say that actually they didn’t have as much time as they thought so they were not coming back. I smiled at all - they had to get there in their own time. I equate it to all the first time mums who sat in my office saying they intended to come back after a couple of months because they were sure it would be fine. They never did - all chose to extend mat leave not come back sooner.
Money is always a worry but you’ll manage. I know several who tell me they feel better off despite not having the salary coming in. Good luck. All the best.

I think retirement is a ten letter swear word. For me anyway, my husband retired at 52, from fire brigade as you did after 30 years. He has sat on sofa for almost 16 years. His fibua snapped, no accident, soft bones. Now having memory clinic involved as he has hardly got one? would have been far better if he had had to carry on working. My elder brother over retirement age, in pain with joints. But in such a better condition he's so young at age etc. Retirement OK if you are disciplined, I am and keep very busy but not everyone does, and I think you can go downhill.

I know this wont give you money, but have you thought about doing some kind of voluntary work. We moved country a few years back and I couldnt find work, I was going out of my mind with boredom and starting to suffer with anxiety. I found voluntary work nearby, did as little or as much as I wanted to. Met some lovely people who became friends and opened up a who new chapter for me.

It's good you are looking at your options now Banna gives you time to get organised. Lots of good financial advice on here so make a list and go through it step by step. You will be surprised how much you can economise when you are not working.
If you are concerned about filling your time then look at part time or voluntary work to start with. Most of us have found more than enough to fill our time in retirement and remember every minute does not need to be an active one. Take time out to "smell the roses" relax read a book, walk in the countryside etc all the things there was no time for in your working life.
Above all enjoy this phase of your life you have earned it.

I know you can Nannarose, I’m ex NHS myself, and did that - but I’m not sure that staff working in GP practices have access to the same level of detail about their rights as if you work on the hospitals side of the service. She said in her OP that she would stay on her job but needs to claim her NHS pension, that was the phrase I’d picked up on, I wasn’t sure I’d she realised she could carry on as long as she wants, and defer her state pension as well?

I think, Casdon, that OP wants to claim her pension (presumably for financial reasons). In many NHS jobs you can retire for a short time (usually a month) to claim your pension, then return to work for another few years. There are other caveats as well. However, she says that her immediate boss won't allow it.
I'd add (regarding Aveline's post) that I keep up my union membership at the retirement fee of £42 a year - that gives me access to discounts and legal advice. Should there be any problems from cases I have dealt with, that advice would be invaluable.

I was amazed to find how much I actually saved by no longer paying superannuation, national insurance, professional body and union membership.
U3A membership us a bargain at £12 pa. Sports club membership can be pricy but worth it and I have 2 voluntary jobs too. The week fills up nicely and absolutely no pressure.
Plan for retirement then look forward to it!

Just a point, but remember that you don’t have to retire when you’re 66, you can choose when to retire, and defer your state pension if you think you aren’t ready to finish work at that point.

In terms of not much to do you will be able to find a new routine. Volunteering/new learning (U3A?)/Classes etc ...the world is your oyster.

In terms of money, your expenses and choices will change.

Your net income from both pensions may well be more than you think as you will not be paying national insurance or pension contributions.