Early retirement.

GrahamwantshisOates said:
I feel sorry for those who have to continue working beyond retirement age.
Many use the excuse “ I love my job” etc but the reality is that they just cannot afford a comfortable life beyond retirement.

Health, Wealth and hobbies are the key ingredients to a good retirement.
I am not saying mega rich but to afford holidays and escape part of the Winter.
Lovely Weekend in London including the BFC River Cruise etc.
Of course stay relatively fit to enjoy the outdoor life and not depend on a mobility scooter until we’ll into 80’s.
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Graham you don't really know what it is.
We enjoyed working as long as we did, as will many other people.
I've now been retired for 25 years.
Many people would be happy with that.
We live a comfortable life and travel a lot.
Lived in France for 5 years also.
I'm very lucky to have such a wonderful wife to share my life with.
 
Theoneandonly said:
I’m sorry for your loss and can understand the myriad thoughts in your head. Based on this new information I’d take some time off, a mental health vacation if you will devoid of the distractions of work or buzyness. You may well not be thinking straight after your major loss. I know I wasn’t. Keep your job for now as you can always leave it later and commit to making a decision twelve months from now. You have done a lot right given the circumstances and you are better off in knott end than Blackpool. That is something else you can revisit twelve months from now. A lot of good advice on this thread for you but you are unique and must decide for yourself. One last thing if the dead came back for a day they would tell you to live not mourn. People that love you understand the fragility of life and want you to be happy. Love and be loved. They are thankful for what you were and rooting for you for what you can be now. Good luck to you.
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That’s an excellent post. They do say don’t make any big life changes just after a bereavement.

You can be given an abundance of advice, but as said above, you are an individual with needs unique to you. Don’t push yourself forward too quickly. And be kind to yourself along the way.
 
My opinion only for what its worth. If you can fill your time and be financially stable enough, call it a day. On the flip side, you could do 20 odd hours a week if you find something you enjoy, get away from the grind. Its definitely a personal decision depending on what you wish. Lots of good answers already.
Best of luck with whatever you decide.
 
Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply. I'm blown away about how generous people are with their comments. A lot of very good points that I will certainly take on board. I miss my Michelle so much. We met when I was 22 and she was 18 at a club in Manchester. My mates ribbed me at the time about the age difference but proved them wrong. We spent an amazing 29 years together, and I think we had one major argument in all that time. Life's never going to be the same. I just have to make the best out of a sad situation. Maybe I have 40 years left maybe 40 days, but I cannot wait until we are reunited in whichever place we end up in after here. You all take care and thank each and every one of you for your comments.
 
Mancpool said:
Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply. I'm blown away about how generous people are with their comments. A lot of very good points that I will certainly take on board. I miss my Michelle so much. We met when I was 22 and she was 18 at a club in Manchester. My mates ribbed me at the time about the age difference but proved them wrong. We spent an amazing 29 years together, and I think we had one major argument in all that time. Life's never going to be the same. I just have to make the best out of a sad situation. Maybe I have 40 years left maybe 40 days, but I cannot wait until we are reunited in whichever place we end up in after here. You all take care and thank each and every one of you for your comments.
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Good luck pal, sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure about moving to knott end it seems very dull to me. Do a college course and keep the brain active or learn a musical instrument, learn a foreign language.
 
I retired early and have never been bored. I have learnt French, German and Spanish fluently and Jamaican patois to a decent level. I’ve learnt to Waltz and Foxtrot but unfortunately due to a slight error I’ve learnt the female steps but nowadays that’s barely a problem. I took up Piano and it turned out I was a natural and have been likened to a young Bobby Crush . I surf several mornings a week and run a marathon twice a month just to keep the old body in shape on top of the daily gym workouts.
I don’t go for coffee with friends because I haven’t got any so that saves money which I can thus spend on my Pilot lessons which are going really well.
I haven’t planned out what’s next on the agenda but I’m thinking along the lines of tightrope walking or getting Trained as a Fire Eater so I can be a wow at Parties

it’s a hell of a ride!
 
gjr said:
Seems like working for Bae or Bnfl is the key to early retirement. If you are being offered lump sums to go early and then are part of a good pension scheme why wouldn't you, but its not a choice all of us can make, we really can't afford to retire early.
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You had to be a decent kid to get in those companies, some will have gone from school on an apprenticeship. The end game is a good reward, thoroughly deserved. I was offered an apprenticeship with Marconi but turned it down. A big mistake, maybe, but life has been good and have no regrets. Still working.
 
todayistheday said:
You had to be a decent kid to get in those companies, some will have gone from school on an apprenticeship. The end game is a good reward, thoroughly deserved. I was offered an apprenticeship with Marconi but turned it down. A big mistake, maybe, but life has been good and have no regrets. Still working.
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Neither one would have been for me and I quite enjoy my job most of the time, certainly doesn't give me any stress and definitely keeps me fit and active so I'll carry on as I am for now. Hang on in there long enough they might throw some money at me to get me out of the door!
 
Mancpool said:
Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply. I'm blown away about how generous people are with their comments. A lot of very good points that I will certainly take on board. I miss my Michelle so much. We met when I was 22 and she was 18 at a club in Manchester. My mates ribbed me at the time about the age difference but proved them wrong. We spent an amazing 29 years together, and I think we had one major argument in all that time. Life's never going to be the same. I just have to make the best out of a sad situation. Maybe I have 40 years left maybe 40 days, but I cannot wait until we are reunited in whichever place we end up in after here. You all take care and thank each and every one of you for your comments.
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You sound like you are coping really well under the circumstances. One day at a time 👌
 
Bloodtangerine said:
I retired early and have never been bored. I have learnt French, German and Spanish fluently and Jamaican patois to a decent level. I’ve learnt to Waltz and Foxtrot but unfortunately due to a slight error I’ve learnt the female steps but nowadays that’s barely a problem. I took up Piano and it turned out I was a natural and have been likened to a young Bobby Crush . I surf several mornings a week and run a marathon twice a month just to keep the old body in shape on top of the daily gym workouts.
I don’t go for coffee with friends because I haven’t got any so that saves money which I can thus spend on my Pilot lessons which are going really well.
I haven’t planned out what’s next on the agenda but I’m thinking along the lines of tightrope walking or getting Trained as a Fire Eater so I can be a wow at Parties

it’s a hell of a ride!
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You always make me smile Mr Blood with your comments. Even though sometimes having a dig at me but I can take it. 25 years in the army I could buy and sell u in the wind up stakes but sadly not currently in the mood. Maybe meet u for a pint one day and have a bit of banter. Maybe over how rubbish my United have become. You have a good night pal.
 
And a lot on here worked for BAE I lived on greengate so the main factory I could see from my living room. It was a closed shop getting a job there as usually needed a family member to vouch for yourself. I knew the Cunliffe family who all worked at BAE greengate. Maybe they could of got me in but I never asked. So I took the option to join the forces which was entertaining to say the very least.
 
Seaside Aggro said:
If someone is that bored just get a laptop and buy football manager
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Yes I have a PS5 and enjoy the games. I have just completed cyberpunk and now purchased the add on and working my way through the missions. Ps5 keeps the eye hand coordinate upto scratch. Us 70s kids was brought up on pacman and space invaders so it was a thing all that time ago.
 
Mancpool said:
Yes I have a PS5 and enjoy the games. I have just completed cyberpunk and now purchased the add on and working my way through the missions. Ps5 keeps the eye hand coordinate upto scratch. Us 70s kids was brought up on pacman and space invaders so it was a thing all that time ago.
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Just remember this, most on here class themselves as retired but have gone back to work. You too will have that option.
 
Bloodtangerine said:
I retired early and have never been bored. I have learnt French, German and Spanish fluently and Jamaican patois to a decent level. I’ve learnt to Waltz and Foxtrot but unfortunately due to a slight error I’ve learnt the female steps but nowadays that’s barely a problem. I took up Piano and it turned out I was a natural and have been likened to a young Bobby Crush . I surf several mornings a week and run a marathon twice a month just to keep the old body in shape on top of the daily gym workouts.
I don’t go for coffee with friends because I haven’t got any so that saves money which I can thus spend on my Pilot lessons which are going really well.
I haven’t planned out what’s next on the agenda but I’m thinking along the lines of tightrope walking or getting Trained as a Fire Eater so I can be a wow at Parties

it’s a hell of a ride!
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You are a constant surprise Bloodster...

I only thought you were fluent in Bullsh#t! 😉
 
Bloodtangerine said:
I retired early and have never been bored. I have learnt French, German and Spanish fluently and Jamaican patois to a decent level. I’ve learnt to Waltz and Foxtrot but unfortunately due to a slight error I’ve learnt the female steps but nowadays that’s barely a problem. I took up Piano and it turned out I was a natural and have been likened to a young Bobby Crush . I surf several mornings a week and run a marathon twice a month just to keep the old body in shape on top of the daily gym workouts.
I don’t go for coffee with friends because I haven’t got any so that saves money which I can thus spend on my Pilot lessons which are going really well.
I haven’t planned out what’s next on the agenda but I’m thinking along the lines of tightrope walking or getting Trained as a Fire Eater so I can be a wow at Parties

it’s a hell of a ride!
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How on earth did your previous employer cope with losing such talent?! 😳
 
Bloodtangerine said:
I retired early and have never been bored. I have learnt French, German and Spanish fluently and Jamaican patois to a decent level. I’ve learnt to Waltz and Foxtrot but unfortunately due to a slight error I’ve learnt the female steps but nowadays that’s barely a problem. I took up Piano and it turned out I was a natural and have been likened to a young Bobby Crush . I surf several mornings a week and run a marathon twice a month just to keep the old body in shape on top of the daily gym workouts.
I don’t go for coffee with friends because I haven’t got any so that saves money which I can thus spend on my Pilot lessons which are going really well.
I haven’t planned out what’s next on the agenda but I’m thinking along the lines of tightrope walking or getting Trained as a Fire Eater so I can be a wow at Parties

it’s a hell of a ride!
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Blood, and here's me thinking you had 2 left feet.😉
I'm impressed by what you've done/learned.
Keep it up mate.
 
Bloodtangerine said:
I retired early and have never been bored. I have learnt French, German and Spanish fluently and Jamaican patois to a decent level. I’ve learnt to Waltz and Foxtrot but unfortunately due to a slight error I’ve learnt the female steps but nowadays that’s barely a problem. I took up Piano and it turned out I was a natural and have been likened to a young Bobby Crush . I surf several mornings a week and run a marathon twice a month just to keep the old body in shape on top of the daily gym workouts.
I don’t go for coffee with friends because I haven’t got any so that saves money which I can thus spend on my Pilot lessons which are going really well.
I haven’t planned out what’s next on the agenda but I’m thinking along the lines of tightrope walking or getting Trained as a Fire Eater so I can be a wow at Parties

it’s a hell of a ride!
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You had me at it there blood until the last paragraph and surfing

I took pension in June but whilst it covered basics there was no luxury si drew that and worked in my job 25 hours a week .Realised it was the job doing me in .
About to start teaching role 30 hours a week(4 days) but ,hopefully, less stress ,every evening and weekend off
Will do the sums again in a couple of years but will not work beyond 60
 
Dave62 said:
I retired early at 57 when my employer (Construction sector) said my next contract would be at Hinckley Point (Somerset - Northern Powerhouse my arse). I didn't work for over 3 years, I can't recall being bored at all.

No VR package, but I had a half decent pension from a previous job,.
I opted for a lump sum (annuities very poor in my experience) instead of a regular pension, so no income.

Just to be sure there's enough left if I'm around a long time (and I want to help my 2 kids with property deposits etc if I can ) , I've returned to an easier finance /legal role 4 days a week and half my previous pay (but no stress at all). I intend to carry on to 65 (3 years 3 months away) then finish,but no problem if my employer doesn't renew my 1 year contract. I'm not touching my pension pot while I work.

You could always try a p/t job if you're concerned about money, it's about striking a balance between retiring early and easing any financial worries you might have. But I'd retire early, I'm working by choice rather than money worries


Good luck
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still not earning enough for a new match day jumper tho'
😁
 
Bloodtangerine said:
I retired early and have never been bored. I have learnt French, German and Spanish fluently and Jamaican patois to a decent level. I’ve learnt to Waltz and Foxtrot but unfortunately due to a slight error I’ve learnt the female steps but nowadays that’s barely a problem. I took up Piano and it turned out I was a natural and have been likened to a young Bobby Crush . I surf several mornings a week and run a marathon twice a month just to keep the old body in shape on top of the daily gym workouts.
I don’t go for coffee with friends because I haven’t got any so that saves money which I can thus spend on my Pilot lessons which are going really well.
I haven’t planned out what’s next on the agenda but I’m thinking along the lines of tightrope walking or getting Trained as a Fire Eater so I can be a wow at Parties

it’s a hell of a ride!
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Jamaican patois to a decent level.

Best thing I've read on here all year.

👏👏👏👏
 
Well thanks to this thread I’ve put my application in to drop another day from January 👌

I read somewhere the other day, I think it was a MacMillan nurse who said this. The 3 regrets she hears most from people who are dying are:-

I wish I’d lived the life I wanted and not what someone else expected of me.

I wish I’d been able to express my feelings more.

I wish I’d have worked less.

All three resonate and I’ve got them all covered now.

#onlygetonelife
 
Jaffa_The_Hut said:
If you’re worried so much about money then early retirement is not for you.

I value life above everything else way way above how well off you are going to be.

I kept on at a very close friend of mine who I’ve known since our school days for years I told him to take early retirement but he kept saying he just couldn’t afford to go early when deep down he could have afforded it easily.

He finally retired at 64 and was dead by the time he was 65 his body was riddled with aggressive cancer I remember having our last conversation in Trinity hospice the day before he died and him saying how he wished he had listened to me years earlier and not put finances first.
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Agreed. I took early retirement and set up a company immediately. I worked hard at this for 2 years and then now take it easy. The business pays for holidays (better than I could have afforded). We have grandchildren locally which involves us doing a lot; so it was not going to be a straightforward retirement anyway. The change of approach in my life has been great.
 
It totally depends on whether you enjoy your job.

I am 56 and could probably afford to retire at 60 but have no intention of doing so as I love my job . . . well most of the time.

During Covid when I wasn't working I absolutely hated it.

As long I am healthy enough to carry out my job I'll keep going . . maybe just cut down the hours.
 
I'm 61 and enjoy my job, but I'm lucky I could retire tomorrow, so every day I wake up and think.... should I retire today? And while the answer is no...I continue...... I have 63 in mind, about 18months away.... To be honest it scares me, in my job, local authority, you only get one chance to retire and take your (gold plated.🤣) Pension...
 
Limechase said:
I'm 61 and enjoy my job, but I'm lucky I could retire tomorrow, so every day I wake up and think.... should I retire today? And while the answer is no...I continue...... I have 63 in mind, about 18months away.... To be honest it scares me, in my job, local authority, you only get one chance to retire and take your (gold plated.🤣) Pension...
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When I retired I was 64, not a bad age to retire art.
I had already retired from the Civil Service at 56 and MrsDP, who is a few years younger than I, was still working at
MidBeds District Council, wasn't due to retire.
Hence my job with Beds Police for 8 years.
 
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