I’m 58 and working full time as a nurse. This time last week I was with a friend I trained with, chatting about retiring in two years, returning on two days and how we were counting down the days……
During the week, I heard (been confirmed) that our trust was scrapping the retire and return scheme.
This scheme has, up to now, been great. It’s meant we haven’t lost our valuable, experienced members of staff who contribute so much to our department. They are happier and feel useful and valued.
The alternative now will now be writing a cv, applying for our own job, going through the pretty harsh interview process which is based on a points system according to how you answer their questions. The fact you have been doing the job for 42 years will not be the deciding factor. This may involve a maths and English test (I am highly unlikely to pass the maths test as I am awful at maths but thankfully my role does not involve drug calculations!)
Then a DBS check followed by Trust induction of all mandatory training which we are constantly doing in our role, so will be up to date with anyway.
The whole thing will be stressful for us and, in my opinion, a waste of money for the trust. And of course, there are no guarantees.
I’m past the angry phase now and resigned to the fact that my career will end when I retire. I could do bank work, but any extra hours are given to substantive staff first (rightly so) and I would need a regular income so this isn’t really the answer.
I won’t be reapplying for my job.
Which leads me to this……
Any suggestions for a new career between 60 and 67 when I can claim my state pension?
We hope to continue the purchase of a house (problems with paperwork at the mo) with a gorgeous office at the end of the garage, complete with loo and hand washing facilities, which I would like to utilise.
My memory isn’t so great at retaining information anymore so anything too taxing is out!
I am physically ok apart from early arthritic knees.
My current job is very specialised so there’s not much I can transfer from that. I have recently stopped working nights and weekends so don’t want to go back to doing that!
I know I am being fussy but any ideas welcome please!!
