I retired from the NHS (Aug 21) so that I could get my pension before the new pension changes kicked in, in April 2022 - but with a plan to come back to my same job and banding. I did come back - but after having a month off, I bitterly regretted it. A high workload, with no support and a bullying manager who just happened to make a throwaway comment helped make my mind up and I handed in my notice a few months later - tho I was still expected to give 3 months notice. I wouldn’t have minded the notice if I had been training someone up, but it was all last minute.com and when I finally retired interviews were being held the following week! Best thing I ever did - my pension is small and I will have to wait for my state pension for 7 years but I honestly don’t regret it. DH retires next month as he has reached state pension age and we will see how we go. If I do end up needing to work financially then I’ll get a little job somewhere totally different - but am aiming not to! Thankfully I was able to use my lump sum to pay off our mortgage etc. Yes we will need to tighten our belts but the stress and long hours working was not worth the mental anguish I was put under. Thankfully my DH was fully supportive.
See how you go - don’t panic - I know it’s scary when the money suddenly dries up, but give it a few months and then reassess your situation. Good luck ?