Who's retired on here, do you enjoy it
- Thread starter Erimus74
- Start date
Redwurzel
Well-known member
Having enough money to live on is important, otherwise you can feel a bit haunted by the thought of not having enough to live on.
Its easy to say I can live on say £12k single or £18k as a couple at 60ish and then wait for state pension to kick in and take that when you hit 66/67/68/69 etc to £18.5k/£31.5k. However its easy to forget large bills like replacing a car, major work on a house and having money for that. So work out a budget
Having a structure is helpful for a lot of people - when not working it can come from looking after grandchildren/elderly parent or even both if you have then and they are close by. Or it can come from doing a project such as a large allotment, writing a book, major DIY. Or it can come from Voluntary work such as helping at a Food Bank. Or keeping fit. Or doing educational courses say thtrough U3A. The great thing through volutary work as it can do the type of work that you want to do say it can have a social aspect or it can be something that particularly interests you. For example quite a few here could do volutary work for MFC if they have the time and live on Teesside.
Full time work for me was getting stressful and it was getting more difficult to keep up (I had usually over achieved in all my jobs, partly by working long and flexible hours - evidence winning or been nominated for National Awards). I needed to slow the hamster wheel. I felt work was starting to affect my physical and mental health and not working as a full time teacher/manager took a burden off my shoulders. I was also in a place with a lot of job insecurity, in some ways like a professional football manager. So it was not as pleasant as it used to be and it was not going to improve. Dropping from a job with stress and long hours has helped me. In some ways I found a new life and starting doing things I had never been able to do, but have to be careful with money.
What might affect some people is when people ask what you do. There is definite some pressure nowadays to say I work hard doing this job and also do that job until you are at least in your late 60s. Previously there was no stigma at all to say I am going completely at 60 or taking early retirement.
Its easy to say I can live on say £12k single or £18k as a couple at 60ish and then wait for state pension to kick in and take that when you hit 66/67/68/69 etc to £18.5k/£31.5k. However its easy to forget large bills like replacing a car, major work on a house and having money for that. So work out a budget
Having a structure is helpful for a lot of people - when not working it can come from looking after grandchildren/elderly parent or even both if you have then and they are close by. Or it can come from doing a project such as a large allotment, writing a book, major DIY. Or it can come from Voluntary work such as helping at a Food Bank. Or keeping fit. Or doing educational courses say thtrough U3A. The great thing through volutary work as it can do the type of work that you want to do say it can have a social aspect or it can be something that particularly interests you. For example quite a few here could do volutary work for MFC if they have the time and live on Teesside.
Full time work for me was getting stressful and it was getting more difficult to keep up (I had usually over achieved in all my jobs, partly by working long and flexible hours - evidence winning or been nominated for National Awards). I needed to slow the hamster wheel. I felt work was starting to affect my physical and mental health and not working as a full time teacher/manager took a burden off my shoulders. I was also in a place with a lot of job insecurity, in some ways like a professional football manager. So it was not as pleasant as it used to be and it was not going to improve. Dropping from a job with stress and long hours has helped me. In some ways I found a new life and starting doing things I had never been able to do, but have to be careful with money.
What might affect some people is when people ask what you do. There is definite some pressure nowadays to say I work hard doing this job and also do that job until you are at least in your late 60s. Previously there was no stigma at all to say I am going completely at 60 or taking early retirement.
smogintheforest
Active member
Very topical for me as I'll retire early in the New Year. I'm 66 so already in extra time but still feel some trepidation as I like my job. I always knew that I'd have to take the plunge some time. Glad to read that most of those on here seem to enjoy it as do my retired friends so I'm sure I'll be OK. And at least I won't miss any Boro matches due to overseas business trips. Not that going to Boro matches or or going on business trips is an issue in this Covid world, but one day it will all be over.............
weststandwally
Well-known member
When I was work I was generally busy on a morning and took it easy on the afternoon,now I do less on the mornings also.The freedom to go where you want to at short notice especially for holidays or days out is a big plus and if you have to go shopping you can avoid the weekends when it’s busy.I get out for walks with a retired mate most weeks plus have managed to get an allotment which I really enjoy as it provides exercise plus a nice social side.
Don’t miss work at all.
Don’t miss work at all.
Borotommo
Well-known member
Packed in last year and sold out of my business. Had serious issues with a breakdown in 2017, which made me realise I had to get out.
Have really struggled with retirement, so far, but I believe that is more down to the stress during the final years, and my mind is constantly searching for threats and things to worry about.
I play golf 3 times a week and cycle and walk a lot, but still struggle with massive anxiety.
I do think it is Important to avoid burn-out at work, and have a plan and ease into it. I was desperate to make sure I came out of the business with a financial settlement which I considered to be proportionate to the effort I'd put in. I did that, but I'm convinced I've shortened my life and surrendered to years of mental health issues as a result.
I'm glad to be out, but I'm also unable to apply myself to anything new, other than focussing on my golf handicap.
I may try smoking a little weed next.
Have really struggled with retirement, so far, but I believe that is more down to the stress during the final years, and my mind is constantly searching for threats and things to worry about.
I play golf 3 times a week and cycle and walk a lot, but still struggle with massive anxiety.
I do think it is Important to avoid burn-out at work, and have a plan and ease into it. I was desperate to make sure I came out of the business with a financial settlement which I considered to be proportionate to the effort I'd put in. I did that, but I'm convinced I've shortened my life and surrendered to years of mental health issues as a result.
I'm glad to be out, but I'm also unable to apply myself to anything new, other than focussing on my golf handicap.
I may try smoking a little weed next.
asredastheycome
Well-known member
Retired 3 years ago in November. My only regret is losing my wife four years ago so missing the time I should be now spending with her
That said I have loved retirement. Been to Australia, Sri Lanka, West Indies of cricket and numerous other holidays. Go to see lots of bands, before covid. When I am at home could spend most days messing about making music compilations or listening to music. Am free to go for a beer when I want or do absolutely nothing when I want.
That said I have loved retirement. Been to Australia, Sri Lanka, West Indies of cricket and numerous other holidays. Go to see lots of bands, before covid. When I am at home could spend most days messing about making music compilations or listening to music. Am free to go for a beer when I want or do absolutely nothing when I want.
Erimus74
Well-known member
Sorry to hear about your wife red, but nice to see you have made the best of what you have since
NYboro
Well-known member
Covid got me to look at what my pensions would be worth. Way more than I thought. I'm already getting my UK state pension and my US state pension is worth a lot more. On top of that I have 2 private pensions I'm getting in the UK and one to come from my current job. Planning to move back in May next year, assuming the house is sold and travel is allowed.
Ingleby_Flash
Well-known member
Packed in a few months ago (in the middle of all this!!). Not a minute of regret, never bored, never stressed, sleeping like a normal person, what’s not to like.
also, apart from too much vino, keeping very fit. I’m lucky to have a second home abroad, where I am now, which gives variety and better weather.
also, apart from too much vino, keeping very fit. I’m lucky to have a second home abroad, where I am now, which gives variety and better weather.
Erimus11
Well-known member
Erimus74 - as you know I took early retirement last year and haven't regretted one moment of it
I ensured I had certain criteria in place before taking the plunge, mortgage paid off, son settled at his place of work and where he lives, wife happy to continue working and, possibly, most importantly, enough activities to keep me busy when needs be.
My brother took early retirement about the same time and we decided to take on an allotment - our first full year has been fairly successful and we've learnt as we went along. More importantly, it has provided outdoor exercise and fulfillment, especially in these exceptional times.
I also continue to go to the gym, get out on the Lambretta as often as possible (as you have witnessed), take long / short walks as needs be - or I can sit in and read a book or listen to my vinyl collection
I can honestly say I haven't missed working, maybe just the craic with certain colleagues ....
I also made sure that my finances were sufficient to allow me to take this step - funds are certainly not substantial but cover all monthly bills etc and I can still afford my season ticket!
I ensured I had certain criteria in place before taking the plunge, mortgage paid off, son settled at his place of work and where he lives, wife happy to continue working and, possibly, most importantly, enough activities to keep me busy when needs be.
My brother took early retirement about the same time and we decided to take on an allotment - our first full year has been fairly successful and we've learnt as we went along. More importantly, it has provided outdoor exercise and fulfillment, especially in these exceptional times.
I also continue to go to the gym, get out on the Lambretta as often as possible (as you have witnessed), take long / short walks as needs be - or I can sit in and read a book or listen to my vinyl collection
I can honestly say I haven't missed working, maybe just the craic with certain colleagues ....
I also made sure that my finances were sufficient to allow me to take this step - funds are certainly not substantial but cover all monthly bills etc and I can still afford my season ticket!
joeychicago
Well-known member
I'm currently 31 and can't wait to retire. I've never really been one for looking at pensions etc up until these past few years, but it's something I'm currently trying to really educate myself on. I think by the time I come to retirement age, the state pension will be sitting at 70+, cos it's the private pensions I'm currently looking into. I've had a few through various jobs, but now looking to consolidate and move into one.
I don't mind the job I do (digital marketing), so I'm lucky that I'm not in a job I hate, but I can't wait to have the freedom to do whatever I want to do.
I don't mind the job I do (digital marketing), so I'm lucky that I'm not in a job I hate, but I can't wait to have the freedom to do whatever I want to do.
Subbuteo_171
Well-known member
Hopefully 10 years to go, I'm building up my book / DVD collection in anticipation. Got shafted on my FS a few years ago so won't be as good as promised when starting out, pensionable pay got capped so I'm acquiring years by contributing with a maximum pension based upon salary 7 years ago and not on retirement - have considered cashing in but CETV wasn't attractive enough.
I can definitely find me enough things to do, but one thing I'm adamant about is not spending dismal winter months in the UK - hopefully we'll have enough in the years between retiring and the state pension kicking in to have 6 weeks abroad when the clocks go back, and then 2 months abroad after New Year in warmer climes...
I can definitely find me enough things to do, but one thing I'm adamant about is not spending dismal winter months in the UK - hopefully we'll have enough in the years between retiring and the state pension kicking in to have 6 weeks abroad when the clocks go back, and then 2 months abroad after New Year in warmer climes...
Holgatewall
Well-known member
Just over a year to go and I cant wait.
Plenty of interests to keep me occupied and mortgage paid off.
Plenty of interests to keep me occupied and mortgage paid off.
WindyNook
Well-known member
Coming up to 70. so busy with grandkids keep thinking " How did I have time to work?" wouldn"t have it any other way.
Fairly comfortable on a final salary teachers pension. At least my pension provider isn't gunna go bust........
Thinking when will my kids get their pension
Looking forward to next September when youngest goes off to school then I'll be my own boss again. Apart from the boss who I've lived with for the last45 years
Fairly comfortable on a final salary teachers pension. At least my pension provider isn't gunna go bust........
Thinking when will my kids get their pension
Looking forward to next September when youngest goes off to school then I'll be my own boss again. Apart from the boss who I've lived with for the last45 years
ILOVEJUNINHO!
Well-known member
You'll be doing what all retired Grandparents do Erimus. The 9am and 3pm school run 
redcarbob
Well-known member
I’m 57 next week, been grafting since I was 15 and the first 27 years were hard manual labour. I didn’t have a pension for the first 8 years and I’ve been playing catch up ever since. Been in a fortunate position for the last 15 years working for a company with a fantastic pension scheme. I’m desperately trying to get to the point where I can go at 60, had a few health scares in the last two years that are always at the back of my mind too. Good luck Erimus, if you can make the numbers add up, go for it and enjoy a bit of life.
Erimus74
Well-known member
You'll be doing what all retired Grandparents do Erimus. The 9am and 3pm school run
BoroinBuxton
Well-known member
Interesting thread this.
I've had 3 careers, first one with a major oil company, second as a consultant, third as a teacher.
The pension I had from the first one set me up for life, and I took that with the lump sum 4 years back.
It meant the teaching job(s) were kind of a hobby, but strangely motivated me like you would never believe to gain all sorts of accolades and awards in the last 4 years.
I've tried to retire twice, but I get persuaded back, although it's part time, which is my call.
We wanted to live in Spain for 8 months a year, but Brexit and Covid spat at that, so again, I'm doing a day a week, and some private work to keep the brain going.
We'll do the Spain stuff next year, in any case.
Am I loving semi retirement? Yeah, it's great
I've had 3 careers, first one with a major oil company, second as a consultant, third as a teacher.
The pension I had from the first one set me up for life, and I took that with the lump sum 4 years back.
It meant the teaching job(s) were kind of a hobby, but strangely motivated me like you would never believe to gain all sorts of accolades and awards in the last 4 years.
I've tried to retire twice, but I get persuaded back, although it's part time, which is my call.
We wanted to live in Spain for 8 months a year, but Brexit and Covid spat at that, so again, I'm doing a day a week, and some private work to keep the brain going.
We'll do the Spain stuff next year, in any case.
Am I loving semi retirement? Yeah, it's great