Worried about retirement

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 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 ?

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. .

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

I could retire in July, but have decided I'm not going to. I like my job and it keeps my brain sharp as it's a lot to remember and keep on top of. It's different for me though than Banna as I can take my state pension and keep on working. I only do 3 days a week and work with some lovely people. I think I would miss the social side of work too if I were to retire. Also I think I would struggle to fill my days. My DH is retired and he loves it, but I suppose everyone is different.

I retired from the NHS in March. I don’t think I was really ready to retire but I had the job from hell and got out as soon as my state pension kicked in. I too could’ve got my NHS one at 60.
I took out a bank contract before I left with the intention of working one day a week for a different department. That never came off due to Covid. I left it for a bit but then decided I was ready to help out and go back to work part time. There were loads of bank opportunities around and I’ve now just retired properly after four months in a completely different department again. I now feel ready to retire.
So I’d say get a bank contract at your local NHS trust and just see what’s on offer. This helps out financially (but beware you’re probably using up your tax free allowance on your pensions) and also giving you something to do.
It’s good that you’re thinking about this in advance.
Good luck
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Please, please dont worry about retirement. I am now 74, have been retired 14 from a very demanding job, and I love retirement. I wish I had made a career of it ! It is wonderful to not have to be somewhere at the same time each day. I love walking, travelling, and generally pleasing myself how I spend my time. I do art lessons (no good at it, but enjoy it). I like to hack around a nine hole golf course (again, no good at it). Like you I dreaded the thought of it, but it has turned out to be the best time of my life, despite having less money

Was lucky to retire gradually, taking on less and less contracts.
Moved house and downsized as a focus. Started volunteering at a lunch club. Looked after grandchildren. Took on new garden. Don't have much money as still not pensionable age.
I loved work but I am much happier now.

My father used to say, once retired, that he did not know how he ever had time to go to work. I have been retired now for 17 years, live alone, having been widowed nearly five years ago, and still agree with him.

Banana you will be OK and any major life style change is very frightening. If you haven't already get a pension forecast from your NHS pensions service. I assume you are in the post 1997 scheme if you are employed in primary care, although you haven't said what your role is or how many years service you have. The government run pension wise service is worth looking at, you can book online for a phone call to discuss your options.
You could also join the hospital or community bank or agency as your knowledge, skills and experience are invaluable and transferable to all care settings. Even though the GP service you work for now has refused to allow you to return, in 2 years things may have changed and if it doesn't it's their loss for being so short sighted.
Otherwise voluntary work is an option local charity shops, animal shelters are always looking for people.
Just remember that you have provided an outstanding service throughout your career and especially over the past year.
As a fellow NHS worker I retired 2 years ago aged 60 and have been working 1-2days a week in the local Emergency Department in my old job, through the nurses bank and this is enough for my brain and body to cope with. No more work for me after September when I plan to go on the trot, travel restrictions permitting, doing the Atlantic Coast of Southern Ireland

You could return to a different area of the NHS or, indeed, do something completely different.
Remember your will get a lump sum that can be invested (get professional advice) and possibly give you a (little) extra income on top of your pension
Go for it!!

I am having to retire in the next couple of mo the due to going deaf. I am a registered mental health nurse working within the nhs. Have don’t for 20 years my pension is not as good as I would have hoped. I am in retirement housing now. But I am very worried about my future. I will look for work part time not sure what to do. Big big changes for me. Information would be good to help me as working full time has been my life I’m just 62. So won’t get state pension till 66 not sure if I will get any benefits? Any advice would be much appreciated. So glad I have signed up to this forum .

OMalley60 - you will get a better response if you start a new thread - you can ask admin to move this.
I presume you've been through working options with your manager? Maybe you feel you personally can't go on. Have you talked to your union / RCN rep? Sorry if I'm teaching my granny to suck eggs, but if you are retiring because of a disability you need to get someone on your side during negotiations.
Turn2us are useful in looking at benefit entitlements and so are Citizens' Advice Bureaux.

I always say, retirement is the best job I've ever had. The secret is to have something constructive to do. I was a college lecturer and secured myself a position as an exam invigilator at a local school. It's perfect as I can choose from a rota issued by the school when I want to attend, whether half or full days or one, two or three sessions a week. However, I don't do this all the time (and nowadays, not at all), but I go to daytime fitness classes, go out for lunches with friends, have written a book, take long walks with the dogs and spend a lot more time at our French house. Don't worry, find a hobby or activity and enjoy it! Yes, money is tighter, but this is balanced by the fact you don't need all those working clothes and paying for fuel or fares to get you back and forth to work.

When you retire, you may (I was ) be entitled to a small lump sum from NHS Pensions ........depends on how long you have worked for them as to how much. Normally the NHS has retirement meetings for staff about to retire (My Trust did) and can advise you on different matters. I volunteered after retirement to work back wherever and whenever, but sadly lockdown meant my application wasn't processed and is still pending. You, as you know, even though you work for the NHS , have to go through the Police checks to do any voluntary work with them .....but that should be simple enough as you are still there ! Ask about what you can expect in financial terms, then, once you have your DWP pension forecast as well as your NHS pension forecast, you will be in a better position to work out your finances and may be pleasantly surprised at what you might be receiving, and what you may have left after outgoings ......Help the Aged probably have some info.......I know they have a section on affordable homes, and Citizens Advice might have some ideas too .....Sadly before lockdown I had enrolled at various activities, including the U3A ....but since everything has been closed down I just wait, keep myself occupied, go for long walks (I am lucky I live on the coast) and WAIT longingly for when I can go out again !!!!!!!Oh the pleasure of just going into town to look round the shops (not sadly that there are going to be many left !) and get a coffee ....hope you can figure out a plan ! good luck

I thought I would be bored but I now wonder how I managed to work and do all the things I get to do during the day. My partner lost his job , due to the pandemic. and doesn’t get any benefits because of my public sector pension( which BTW isn’t a fortune) but we still manage. Enjoy your retirement. You deserve a rest . X

it is different for everyone.It is something that takes time to adjust,keep busy, get a hobby, tons of groups out there. this covid makes that impossible at present.You could get a part time job or start a little business.Most people have less money when they retire, it's normal unless you have savings etc

Your employer certainly should not block you attending a retirement course. Can you not contact Nhs pension dept direct for a prediction.?.It's worth contacting Pensionwise or an independent financial advisor too.
As for retirement. Everyone is different. Initially I missed the structure of going to work and my colleagues of course but not the actual work. Now I am far more relaxed and It's fun filling my time with what I want to. I haven't fallen into the trap of letting others fill my time for me and that was tricky. But they all know they can ask ...I may not say yes and owe no explaination but they can ask.

I retired early to look after my mother and she died when I turned 60. I thought I might be bored but I have absolutely loved being retired. I live in London so there are lots of free things to do (prior to COVID) and I was never bored. Obviously if you don't live near a city you may not have so many things to do but there are always groups you can join and possibly find a part time job to help with the income. I hate to see older people regretting their retirement so please look into things you might be interested in (book clubs, exercise groups) and I am sure you will finally wonder (as I do) how I found time to work full time!

I’m total opposite I retire in 15 months and I can’t wait. My bucket list is getting bigger by the week. I write down places I want to visit in UK, overnight stays. Then places I plan visiting overseas I’m saving for these trips already. Finally a list for things I plan on doing at home. I just hope I have enough time to fit it all in

Me too. NHS pension and recently got my state pension. Together they are not bad, but as an ex NHS employee, think about the Hospital Bank /Agency they will grab you with open arms. Dip in and out of working until you are ready to hang up the lanyard. If you do consider it, they will also ask if you want to pay into another pension, remember they add a % to your contributions, that will mount up. When you go take as a lump sum.
I work x2 days a week occasionally 3 but it keeps me occupied, especially in last year.
My experience and training has really been put to the test. The last year has been challenging to say the least. Best of luck and Thank you for your contribution #Nhs staff