Retirement panic

Another retired teacher here - I made an effort to have a couple of hobbies that I did with new people. And finally got a dog. Enjoy.

I worked in a bank, loved my job years ago, but the last 5 years or so I longed to retire, hated the way it all changed.

I felt anxious coming up to finishing however, I retired at 60 when my (not huge) work pension kicked in, but nearly 3 years before state pension age. What if I didn’t like being retired? It would be too late then!

I have now been retired nearly 10 years. Used to do a lot with GC, now not needed as in their teens.

Go swimming, aquacise, walking, read a lot, have done car boot sales after sorting the loft out, can spend more time on cooking economical but nutritious meals. Am much fitter than when at work. The house is still not immaculate, and cannot claim I haven’t the time to always be cleaning, but hey ho, life’s not all about having a show home.

Would never want to be back at work again.

Very interesting thread! I am planning on retiring next year at 63 and am also worried about getting bored. I like reading, discovered an interest in gardening during lockdown and also play an instrument to a good standard and many of my friends have already retired and I would love to see them more often. Work has been my life but I am finding it very frustrating now it’s constant change for changes sake. I’m not sure I have the guts to retire and would have to live on my private pension plus savings until the state pension comes in. DH due to pick up his pension next year Not sure what to do if the gov puts the retirement age back again! So any encouraging posts re retirement welcomed :-)

And to the OP - I can really identify with your anxiety!

Im so glad I dont work in accademia now with all this gendered stuff. It would be like treading on eggshells and I cant be bothered with all that claptrap.

No one should ever feel guilty about being retired and not having to get up in the morning if you dont want to. As I see it I spent a lifetime contributing to the community and there is a lot of my hard work and tax money still in the kitty.

I’ve just retired from a 40 year career in the NHS and Education and it is scary on many levels. I think it is the change in identity, mostly I am ok but sometimes have a wobbly day when I feel a loss, but it’s not so bad that I want to return. I joined the university of the 3rd age. Sounds odd but basically it is a national and local group which provides classes and activities for those retired.

I totally understand, I’ve recently given myself one day a week off.
I’ve been looking forward to it, all my grandchildren are now at school, so I literally have time to myself.
But I can’t stop rushing, I’ve always got one eye on the clock, and I know it’s ridiculous, but I feel I’ve got to be productive.
The last couple of weeks I’ve had to go into work for various reasons, and it’s almost been a relief.

At 60 I often worked a 50 hour week at something I loved. Mr C retired and while balance was needed, the thought of not working was horrific. I gradually cut down, moved focus elsewhere. Five years later we moved areas, our new home was something of a project. I continued to work on a very part time basis for three years when circumstances made clear it was time to let go

Initially I missed working dreadfully but as I had when reducing hours found as space appeared so did other things to fill the gap. Time to spend with grandchildren without time constraints, helping family, gardening, reading, siting watching the waves, being able to help neighbours, small breaks. I’m pretty good at creating routine if it feels necessary, some fairly minor volunteering also gave and gives structure, after living working life by a clock I knew instinctively too many ‘have to’s’ wouldn't work for me.

We’re all different. Have different needs and wants, what suits me (I’m a fairly quiet person not happy in large groups or noise) won’t suit others. I have two mottos now, do it while you can for pleasant things and small challenges along with one day when I feel like it for things that don’t appeal and can wait.

Of course retirement after full time work feels challenging helenlouise, why wouldn't it? Give yourself time, it is a huge transition, try new things, don’t be afraid to let go of the ones that aren’t for you, gradually a shape that suits you will emerge. It’s your time now.

I am pretty much the same as Hatty58 and Marilla, I enjoy my life and have no interest in small- talking groups, volunteering or social gatherings. I do have wonderful and varied hobbies so no day is unfulfilled for me and I know I have already done my bit for society, I owe nobody anything. Retirement is time for me

The big downside of course was when I was widowed in 2015 and there was a big adaptation to becoming one in my house but that adaptation did happen and I set off on a new path, I decided that I would be alone but never lonely.

My hobbies keep me busy but I also go to out in my car, perhaps to a national trust property or to a lovely city like Wells, where I absorb the ancient atmosphere. I ride my bike in the countryside, walk along a river, walk locally in my old market town

Life was crammed before retiring, always busy with other people, never a moment to myself. Now beholden to no-one and a free spirit, I will not waste my life by sitting watching daytime tv

Relax you have worked full time as a teacher have lots of hobbies to keep you occupied. I’m surprised you had time for them really teachers I know bring lots of work home with them.

Stop panicking and enjoy your precious time with family and friends it’s well deserved.

I’ve been reading all these responses quite avidly as I am in the same situation.
I’m planning to retire in a few months time but will have to wait another 5 years until I’m 67 to get my state pension. I’m pretty sure I can keep myself busy but I’m unsure how I’ll feel about giving up my salary and living on a very modest private pension and savings until then.
I worry about the future though, and feel that my husband and I need to do the things we want to do while we’re still relatively fit and healthy.
It does feel like a scary decision!

When I retired I moved straight on to looking after my 6 month old grandson so it was just changing one routine for another.

Retired several years, but I am at the point of looking for new friends, new interests and opportunities whilst I still can, so I have joined u3a. We had a most interesting speaker this week. I am wondering what u3a groups others have found enjoyable?

Retirement has been the best time of my life.No worrying about work problems,being able to relax and do exactly as I please,brilliant! I have moved house and have enjoyed renovating and improving it.
I joined the U3A and even led a Group at one point.I met lots of interesting people who were enjoying their freedom too.Relax and enjoy it.You have earned this time for yourself

I retired almost 3 months ago- from the nhs. At first I kept my options open - keeping up with continued education etc- but now I am ready to let that all go. I realise now how very tired I was and at last am beginning to relax into retirement!

I did panic at first but once I got structure into the week it was fine, I worked 3 days a week which left the rest to do what I wanted. Having fixed work days is a good idea then you have to plan around them rather than drift from day to day.

My ex teacher friends seem to keep particularly well occupied. One is on the Committee of a book festival and a school Governor, another gives lectures on line and in person and they always seem to be asked to organise all sorts of things.
My DH took early retirement and I agree, get out and about while you can. In the early days we travelled a bit and looked after GC, now life is slower but we belong to the U3A and other groups and enjoy the family.