Semi retirement- AVFTT advice centre

B

Bisphamtang

Well-known member
Situation - mid 50s mortgage and debt nearly paid off ,worked in public sector for 23 years

Lately became bit jaded at work ,no major issues bit shifts etc

Can get reduced pension due to age ,which will cover basics but that's about it

Work have a retire and return scheme whereby you can retire and come back part time in current role or one with less responsibility, ie stress

Outlook changing as know it is cliché but realising time and health are two things you can't get back once gone- also realisation that there are things I would like to do while in reasonable health and quite positive outlook on life -also preoccupation at work with promotions, status ,making more dosh etc seem increasingly unimportant

Would like more time to pursue leisure activities including fitness but also taking up angling ,learning German etc hiking

Know I would have to work 2/3 days a week but stopping altogether would not be good for my bank balance and more importantly, general wellbeing


Question are there any on here who have gone down road of semi ( or phased ,HR speak) route and how have you found it ? Great or shite

I think I would find plenty to do so boredom should not be an issue

Just seems when meeting people around my age in very different jobs and industries it is a very common train of thought

Don't think it's a mid life crisis and I'm not depressed at work - still like my work but just want yo do less of it and more enjoyable things with my time

Anyway any views or experiences of this life choice by those who made it would be appreciated

And finally i reckon we'll win tomorrow

TIA
 
I know quite a few people who have retired (fully and semi) and don’t know of any who regret it. Of the ones who’ve taken a part time job some have done it for financial reasons and others to stay busy. Depends on your individual circumstances and personality really.

I’ve always maintained that as you get older time becomes more important than money. At 60 you’d hope to have a least 10 good years ahead of you - in the sense that you’ll have your health and the ability to do the things you want - but anything after that is a bit of a lottery.

Go for it.
 
I retired 3 years ago this month at 48.

It’s the best thing I ever did and sometimes the worst.

The option of retiring and going back part time seems an excellent one for me - losing your purpose is difficult.

The other issue we had was obviously Covid which pretty much stopped our plans in their track - but they are now back on 👍

BUT - life’s short - the sooner you can do what you want the better before your health both physically and mentally (not just the nasty stuff but confidence etc) deteriorates - the better.

A very good friend of mine who is about as physically fit as you can be was diagnosed with MS - as I have always said you are only one visit from the docs from being written off.

If you can - live life for today - as many people I knew are not here tomorrow, and they are of all ages.

Although, the best bit of all is disposing of the alarm clock 😎

Overall and on balance - best thing I ever did 👍
 
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B/tang.
If you take retirement and return, do you get the full pension which you have accrued,
or do you have to wait until you finally retire before that's paid?
Just interested.
Retired from the Civil Service in the 1990 with a 40 year pension.
As MrsDP kept on working I looked for another job. I was56 at the time.
Even asked the local Post office if they had jobs going (Postman), and did a2 weeks. They said if any vacancies occur They would contact me.
I saw this job advertised with Beds Police and applied and got the job (60 applicants at the time) Civilian Warrants Officer.
Did that for 8 years..
 
I have gone from 6 days a week to 4 days a week and one of those is working from home.
I'm 55 - no mortgage, would like to keep sticking money in our pension but we have no kids and a £400k home and so we should be fine with what we have.
That stage of life where you'd kind of like to know how long you have left!!
 
Take retirement all day long if the pension is going to be enough when it kicks in, at 60, or now?
Can you deal with 'not earning anything ever again'? That's a long time.
You need something to keep you occupied - your partners 'list of jobs' won't cut it.
Stimulating your mind, and your body is essential. Need to keep active.
Part time work is fine, as you could get something you actually enjoy.
No work responsibility is good. ie. Leave work and don't think about it until you go in next time. But if you enjoy it, you may thrive on that stimulus.
 
Partially retired last year at 51. From 42 hours to 28 working 3.5 days instead of 5.

Didn’t take all my pension, just enough to keep my pay the same as when working full time. I can partially retire again and aim to go down to about 21 hours (2.5 days) when 58 then see how I go.

Best thing I have done, Dropped Mondays and Friday afternoons.

Makes a big difference to my life. Can have more time for hobbies and travel weekends and more time just to be me.
I have no idea how I managed full time now 😌
Pandemic made me think, a lot.
Groundhog days in work and nothing else made me realise how quick life passes by and what a waste if you do nothing with it.
Its a 👍👍 from me.
 
Bisphamtang said:
Situation - mid 50s mortgage and debt nearly paid off ,worked in public sector for 23 years

Lately became bit jaded at work ,no major issues bit shifts etc

Can get reduced pension due to age ,which will cover basics but that's about it

Work have a retire and return scheme whereby you can retire and come back part time in current role or one with less responsibility, ie stress

Outlook changing as know it is cliché but realising time and health are two things you can't get back once gone- also realisation that there are things I would like to do while in reasonable health and quite positive outlook on life -also preoccupation at work with promotions, status ,making more dosh etc seem increasingly unimportant

Would like more time to pursue leisure activities including fitness but also taking up angling ,learning German etc hiking

Know I would have to work 2/3 days a week but stopping altogether would not be good for my bank balance and more importantly, general wellbeing


Question are there any on here who have gone down road of semi ( or phased ,HR speak) route and how have you found it ? Great or shite

I think I would find plenty to do so boredom should not be an issue

Just seems when meeting people around my age in very different jobs and industries it is a very common train of thought

Don't think it's a mid life crisis and I'm not depressed at work - still like my work but just want yo do less of it and more enjoyable things with my time

Anyway any views or experiences of this life choice by those who made it would be appreciated

And finally i reckon we'll win tomorrow

TIA
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I was 61 when the chance of redundancy came along & I took it as I was thinking of retiring around 63/4 that was 2 year’s ago. Asked back to my former employer & have been working part time ad hoc since 6 months after I initially finished. Although it’s through another company, I don’t know how long it’ll last, but they’ve just extended it until December, but I’m not bothered if it ends then or not. Guess it’s all about estimating how long you think you have left & what cash you think you’ll need. I find the 3 day weeks fly by in between trips away. Currently sat in a field near Chester all in the shade with a beer.
Just do your sums & if there’s a way, then do it.
 
Bisphamtang said:
Situation - mid 50s mortgage and debt nearly paid off ,worked in public sector for 23 years

Lately became bit jaded at work ,no major issues bit shifts etc

Can get reduced pension due to age ,which will cover basics but that's about it

Work have a retire and return scheme whereby you can retire and come back part time in current role or one with less responsibility, ie stress

Outlook changing as know it is cliché but realising time and health are two things you can't get back once gone- also realisation that there are things I would like to do while in reasonable health and quite positive outlook on life -also preoccupation at work with promotions, status ,making more dosh etc seem increasingly unimportant

Would like more time to pursue leisure activities including fitness but also taking up angling ,learning German etc hiking

Know I would have to work 2/3 days a week but stopping altogether would not be good for my bank balance and more importantly, general wellbeing


Question are there any on here who have gone down road of semi ( or phased ,HR speak) route and how have you found it ? Great or shite

I think I would find plenty to do so boredom should not be an issue

Just seems when meeting people around my age in very different jobs and industries it is a very common train of thought

Don't think it's a mid life crisis and I'm not depressed at work - still like my work but just want yo do less of it and more enjoyable things with my time

Anyway any views or experiences of this life choice by those who made it would be appreciated

And finally i reckon we'll win tomorrow

TIA
Click to expand...
l was in a similar situation in my mid 50s in terms of being a bit jaded at work and when the chance came to take early retirement at 56 l snapped their hands off. l decided to go back to college and do a 2 year professional cookery course which was very enjoyable and l have had a bit of work out of it not for the money but for the love of cooking. If you can afford to go either full or part time then go for it. It’s been over 7 years for me now and I’ve really enjoyed it, equally l don’t get this 'but it's boring and nothing to do', there’s always something to do!👍
 
Would have gladly worked til I was 60 however all the hoop jumping, red tape and meetings to arrange meetings did my head in.
Was offered early retirement last year and jumped at the chance.
Handicap has started to come back down, lost weight, cycle loads, get about and generally walk round with a big "joker" style smile on my face 24/7😁
You really don't need as much money as you think if your major debts have cleared👍🏻
As said earlier health over wealth any day and I've even turned my hand to cooking as Mrs Wizz calls me her kept man!!!
She's taking phased retirement early next year.
You can't turn the clock back and this ain't a dress rehearsal, do it👍🏻
 
As expected some great replies from all ,been overpaying mortgage and cleared debts .So taking them outgoings off list is a biggy but nearly done
Can expect reduced pension which I know would be quite austere but with partime job would bring my disposable income to OK level .
Have had to think about money as we need it yo live and have choices .

Luckily never been materialistic or ostentatious so happy to continue using old run around car and with more time cycling/walking

To be honest this is not really a financial thing for me but about how I spend my time and having more of it - improving health and wellbeing is the objective

Old friend has done it and is loving it but gave me 3 pieces of advice -

If you can semi retire in spring /summer

Get some good hobbies ( more swimming,cycling and dog walking and stuff I stopped doing years ago - angling,learning foreign language, reading and hiking)

Never,ever watch daytime TV


Again thanks for all the replies ,never sugar coated but always bang on

Ps keep them coming and hopefully action the plan on next 12 to 24 months (former rather than latter if I can pull it off)
 
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Initially after I finished but before I returned part time. I would wake up with a tingle of excitement with the thought of just walking the dog & a few jobs around the house. I remained busy doing everybody else’s jobs too. Then when the weather improved we were locked down 🙄 as for work it’s great if you know you don’t have to take any shit or doing it is optional. The way things are going with red tape and bullshit it’s a bloody nightmare trying to get anything done & don’t mention meetings FFS. I’m glad in a way I’m not just starting out, but I suppose it’s just the latest cycle & will only change when common sense prevails (never I guess)
 
There’s a new phrase doing the rounds called “Quietly Qutting”.

It’s probably not that new to be honest and not really what we’re talking about here (retirement or semi retirement) but there’s a lot of parallels.

It’s basically just working to your job description and not regarding work as being the be all and end all of your life. It’s not supposed to be the same as coasting or opting out but you can see that the edges might become a bit blurred.

It’s basically learning to say no when asked to take on projects that mean you’ll have to work ridiculous hours. Not dealing with out of hours emails or having your holiday ruined by interruptions from work. In short not accepting that your job can intrude into your personal life.

Some people will hate the whole idea. Others could run a master class on it. I’m not 👀 at anyone in particular by the way.
 
Bisphamtang said:
As expected some great replies from all ,been overpaying mortgage and cleared debts .So taking them outgoings off list is a biggy but nearly done
Can expect reduced pension ( due to going early of about £12K ) which I know would be quite austere but with partime job would bring my disposable income to OK level .
Have had to think about money as we need it yo live and have choices .

Luckily never been materialistic or ostentatious so happy to continue using old run around car and with more time cycling/walking

To be honest this is not really a financial thing for me but about how I spend my time and having more of it - improving health and wellbeing is the objective

Old friend has done it and is loving it but gave me 3 pieces of advice -

If you can semibretire in spring /summer

Get some good hobbies ( more swimming,cycling and dog walking and stuff I stopped doing years ago - angling,learning foreign language, reading and hiking)

Never,ever watch daytime TV


Again thanks for all the replies ,never sugar coated but always bang on

Ps keep them coming and hopefully action the plan on next 12 to 24 months (former rather than latter if I can pull it off)
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Another non sugar coated response. My dad paid AVC’s ( additional voluntary contributions ) into his pension for a good few years so he could retire at 55. He had plans for his early retirement.

Died at 51. That‘s a stark reality for some.

So for me juggling your finances in a way that lets you have more time to spend doing what you enjoy, as soon as possible, is a no brainer if the option arises.
 
Bisphamtang said:
As expected some great replies from all ,been overpaying mortgage and cleared debts .So taking them outgoings off list is a biggy but nearly done
Can expect reduced pension ( due to going early of about £12K ) which I know would be quite austere but with partime job would bring my disposable income to OK level .
Have had to think about money as we need it yo live and have choices .

Luckily never been materialistic or ostentatious so happy to continue using old run around car and with more time cycling/walking

To be honest this is not really a financial thing for me but about how I spend my time and having more of it - improving health and wellbeing is the objective

Old friend has done it and is loving it but gave me 3 pieces of advice -

If you can semi retire in spring /summer

Get some good hobbies ( more swimming,cycling and dog walking and stuff I stopped doing years ago - angling,learning foreign language, reading and hiking)

Never,ever watch daytime TV


Again thanks for all the replies ,never sugar coated but always bang on

Ps keep them coming and hopefully action the plan on next 12 to 24 months (former rather than latter if I can pull it off)
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I’ll add keep off AVFTT to that not to do list. Well at least a little. 😃
 
Lala said:
Another non sugar coated response. My dad paid AVC’s ( additional voluntary contributions ) into his pension for a good few years so he could retire at 55. He had plans for his early retirement.

Died at 51. That‘s a stark reality for some.

So for me juggling your finances in a way that lets you have more time to spend doing what you enjoy, as soon as possible, is a no brainer if the option arises.
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Didn't want to bring mortality into this but yes it is a factor but not in a morbid way in fact kinda opposite .

Both parents dead ,lost about 3 people in last 3 years around my age and makes you start to think how life can be snatched away and how quickly time goes as we get older .On a similar vein I work in a hospital which can focus the mind a bit , again in a positive way
 
seasideone said:
I retired 3 years ago this month at 48.

It’s the best thing I ever did and sometimes the worst.

The option of retiring and going back part time seems an excellent one for me - losing your purpose is difficult.

The other issue we had was obviously Covid which pretty much stopped our plans in their track - but they are now back on 👍

BUT - life’s short - the sooner you can do what you want the better before your health both physically and mentally (not just the nasty stuff but confidence etc) deteriorates - the better.

A very good friend of mine who is about as physically fit as you can be was diagnosed with MS - as I have always said you are only one visit from the docs from being written off.

If you can - live life for today - as many people I knew are not here tomorrow, and they are of all ages.

Although, the best bit of all is disposing of the alarm clock 😎

Overall and on balance - best thing I ever did 👍
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Good for you seaside, lucky bugger..
 
Bisphamtang said:
Didn't want to bring mortality into this but yes it is a factor but not in a morbid way in fact kinda opposite .

Both parents dead ,lost about 3 people in last 3 years around my age and makes you start to think how life can be snatched away and how quickly time goes as we get older .On a similar vein I work in a hospital which can focus the mind a bit , again in a positive way
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Exactly, accepting the morbidness and the shortness of life can be a very empowering acknowledgement motivationally, rather than a depressing one.
 
1. Does your employer offer flexible retirement? This allows reduced hours and ability to draw down pension.
2. Make sure you are made redundant. This entitles you to a full pension as if you were 67. If you are over 55 this is statutory I think.
3. If you are in a trade Union this is a time they can really help you in any negotiation
4. Play your cards close to your chest. Don’t trust colleagues. If your employer thinks you are going anyway you won’t get redundancy.
5. If you are in the public sector maximise your lump sum to its tax free limit although this will reduce your annual pension payment. However, your pension is indexed linked and investing your lump sum ain’t easy.
 
Mexboroseasider said:
There’s a new phrase doing the rounds called “Quietly Qutting”.

It’s probably not that new to be honest and not really what we’re talking about here (retirement or semi retirement) but there’s a lot of parallels.

It’s basically just working to your job description and not regarding work as being the be all and end all of your life. It’s not supposed to be the same as coasting or opting out but you can see that the edges might become a bit blurred.

It’s basically learning to say no when asked to take on projects that mean you’ll have to work ridiculous hours. Not dealing with out of hours emails or having your holiday ruined by interruptions from work. In short not accepting that your job can intrude into your personal life.

Some people will hate the whole idea. Others could run a master class on it. I’m not 👀 at anyone in particular by the way.
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That's exactly how I've been for a couple of years, the NHS has had it's pound of flesh from me when I was younger.
 
Cuthbert said:
1. Does your employer offer flexible retirement? This allows reduced hours and ability to draw down pension.
2. Make sure you are made redundant. This entitles you to a full pension as if you were 67. If you are over 55 this is statutory I think.
3. If you are in a trade Union this is a time they can really help you in any negotiation
4. Play your cards close to your chest. Don’t trust colleagues. If your employer thinks you are going anyway you won’t get redundancy.
5. If you are in the public sector maximise your lump sum to its tax free limit although this will reduce your annual pension payment. However, your pension is indexed linked and investing your lump sum ain’t easy.
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Yeah offer flexible retirement but I'm not being made or being offered redundancy
Cheers
 
I took flexi-retirement in the months leading up to normal retirement age - redundancy was never an option, my role wasn’t redundant (I helped recruit my successor).

I loved it, 5 days down to 3, Thursdays became the new Friday, that Sunday night/ Monday morning feeling vanished overnight.

One point I would make though, and obviously depends on your circumstances, but I really had to proactively manage work colleagues’ expectations - many still expected 5 days’ work in 3, not malicious, just didn’t occur to them.

And I would endorse the comment about never, ever watching daytime tv - I did it this summer for the first time for ITV4‘s coverage of the Tour de France - holy shit, it’s all funeral plans, life insurance, hearing aids, stairlifts etc etc. enough to encourage wrist-slashing. I tried muting during the ad breaks, but the cleverer sods add subtitles for subliminal effect…
 
I agree with the don’t watch daytime tv sentiment, not that i’m retired yet , but all garbage tv i’ve never or never will watch , i’ll add into that all soaps also ffs there total nonsense…
 
CherryTreeGardens said:
I took flexi-retirement in the months leading up to normal retirement age - redundancy was never an option, my role wasn’t redundant (I helped recruit my successor).

I loved it, 5 days down to 3, Thursdays became the new Friday, that Sunday night/ Monday morning feeling vanished overnight.

One point I would make though, and obviously depends on your circumstances, but I really had to proactively manage work colleagues’ expectations - many still expected 5 days’ work in 3, not malicious, just didn’t occur to them.

And I would endorse the comment about never, ever watching daytime tv - I did it this summer for the first time for ITV4‘s coverage of the Tour de France - holy shit, it’s all funeral plans, life insurance, hearing aids, stairlifts etc etc. enough to encourage wrist-slashing. I tried muting during the ad breaks, but the cleverer sods add subtitles for subliminal effect…
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I agree when you drop Mondays you completely lose that Sunday night Monday morning fear feeling. And it doesnt appear Monday night Tuesday morning instead, it just doesn’t exist anymore 👌
I have my granddaughter Sunday night so I can take her to school Monday morning, and that gets me up and about early too so‘s not to waste the day.
I never watch daytime TV, doing that makes me feel like a drop out loser for some reason.
 
I took a redundancy from Local Government in 2013 and went on the locum market. Best thing I ever did.

Now I am picking up six month contracts and then not working for the rest of the year. Of course you need to have transferable skills but it’s a great option and you are free from being involved in too much day to day rubbish.

Generally speaking as many have said if you get the chance to go, do it. Nobody dies saying I wish I had worked more….
 
Right, if you take part of your pension early that portion will be actuarially reduced for the additional years you are taking prior to entitlement. Also, you will probably have your working hours restricted so that your combined pension & wages does not exceed your full time wage. It is good to retire early and will definitely improve your mood. But, as with all these things, do the sums.
 
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CherryTreeGardens said:
I took flexi-retirement in the months leading up to normal retirement age - redundancy was never an option, my role wasn’t redundant (I helped recruit my successor).

I loved it, 5 days down to 3, Thursdays became the new Friday, that Sunday night/ Monday morning feeling vanished overnight.

One point I would make though, and obviously depends on your circumstances, but I really had to proactively manage work colleagues’ expectations - many still expected 5 days’ work in 3, not malicious, just didn’t occur to them.

And I would endorse the comment about never, ever watching daytime tv - I did it this summer for the first time for ITV4‘s coverage of the Tour de France - holy shit, it’s all funeral plans, life insurance, hearing aids, stairlifts etc etc. enough to encourage wrist-slashing. I tried muting during the ad breaks, but the cleverer sods add subtitles for subliminal effect…
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Not half! I'm a sucker for late night Inspector Morse on ITV3, which finishes about half two. The adds are all funeral plans, Voltarol and piss pads! The other problem is, I usually nod off just between the bit where he meets some attractive older woman and the bit where she turns out to be a) dead or b) the murderer 😬
 
63 can’t afford to retire but when I get to 66 will do but after 6 months I reckon I’ll be bored and look for part time work. Especially as my wife is 7 years younger and will just give me jobs to do
 
Nuttalls Mint Toes said:
I have gone from 6 days a week to 4 days a week and one of those is working from home.
I'm 55 - no mortgage, would like to keep sticking money in our pension but we have no kids and a £400k home and so we should be fine with what we have.
That stage of life where you'd kind of like to know how long you have left!!
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That last sentence reminded me of when I retired (59 yrs old). I asked a good friend of mine - finance advisor -what he thought I should do with my pension pot. He said I can tell you exactly what you should do but you need to tell me one thing.... How long are you going to live ?.
 
I retired at an early age just prior to the 2008 crash, I had to walk away for my own sanity. I was comfortable with the financial decisions I made and also with what I had planned for the retirement years. My wife was still working so initially I became a house husband and as the crash unfolded looking for work didn't really enter my thoughts (much younger people needed paid employment). 14 years later we are both retired and making the most of life in our own way. We have been able to travel far and wide and are honorary members of the SEA branch of the BFC supporters club.

I think it is important that you are comfortable with your expected pathway but remember if you take this opportunity make the most of it because as I was reminded 'You are a long time dead' you don't get a second chance.

Good luck with your decision and enjoy life whilst you can.
 
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Bisphamtang said:
Situation - mid 50s mortgage and debt nearly paid off ,worked in public sector for 23 years

Lately became bit jaded at work ,no major issues bit shifts etc

Can get reduced pension due to age ,which will cover basics but that's about it

Work have a retire and return scheme whereby you can retire and come back part time in current role or one with less responsibility, ie stress

Outlook changing as know it is cliché but realising time and health are two things you can't get back once gone- also realisation that there are things I would like to do while in reasonable health and quite positive outlook on life -also preoccupation at work with promotions, status ,making more dosh etc seem increasingly unimportant

Would like more time to pursue leisure activities including fitness but also taking up angling ,learning German etc hiking

Know I would have to work 2/3 days a week but stopping altogether would not be good for my bank balance and more importantly, general wellbeing


Question are there any on here who have gone down road of semi ( or phased ,HR speak) route and how have you found it ? Great or shite

I think I would find plenty to do so boredom should not be an issue

Just seems when meeting people around my age in very different jobs and industries it is a very common train of thought

Don't think it's a mid life crisis and I'm not depressed at work - still like my work but just want yo do less of it and more enjoyable things with my time

Anyway any views or experiences of this life choice by those who made it would be appreciated

And finally i reckon we'll win tomorrow

TIA
Click to expand...
I started working 18 hours a week in April, Tuesdays, Wednesdays plus Thursday mornings (**)😄

I've also taken my pension and as a result, I'm on more or less the same money, in fact, slightly more because I don't pay NI conts on the pension.

You really have to manage the bosses so you're not doing a full week's work in 2 and a bit days, but I'm getting into the swing of it and really enjoy the 4 day weekend, and get plenty done, feeling far more chilled out than previous.

It will depend on the size of your pension of course. I was more or less up to max anyway and the 18 hours I do work still continues to contribute to the pot for when I finally go.

Do it, would be my advice. You won't regret it.
 
There’s one point a few posters have made.

If you go part time don’t let your boss/line manager take the piss. You can NOT do the same job as you did in the reduced hours and on the reduced pay.

Let’s face it. If they think they can get away with it - they will.
 
Wizaard said:
I started working 18 hours a week in April, Tuesdays, Wednesdays plus Thursday mornings (**)😄

I've also taken my pension and as a result, I'm on more or less the same money, in fact, slightly more because I don't pay NI conts on the pension.

You really have to manage the bosses so you're not doing a full week's work in 2 and a bit days, but I'm getting into the swing of it and really enjoy the 4 day weekend, and get plenty done, feeling far more chilled out than previous.

It will depend on the size of your pension of course. I was more or less up to max anyway and the 18 hours I do work still continues to contribute to the pot for when I finally go.

Do it, would be my advice. You won't regret it.
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Yes, that’s the other point that when you are still working you are again still adding more to your final pot. And like you Wiz I come out with slightly more than my full time wage due to less NI.

As for more chilled, I can honestly say I am the least stressed I’ve been in all my days, and I’m a nicer more tolerant person because of that, so everybody gains 😏

It’s not just the hours you lose, it seems to help you realise by being in work less that the work things you worried about before are less important. I think that’s because your priorities and mindset switch in accordance with the balance of your life shifting more towards home rather than work.

So yeah, you care less in general about the things that really aren’t that important.

And I’ll raise your ** with, I leave every Friday lunchtime with C U Next Tuesday 🤓 which always feels rather nice.
 
Mexboroseasider said:
There’s one point a few posters have made.

If you go part time don’t let your boss/line manager take the piss. You can NOT do the same job as you did in the reduced hours and on the reduced pay.

Let’s face it. If they think they can get away with it - they will.
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It's a good point and would choose a role where all you do is unscheduled work I.e. that which comes in on the day so when you clock off that is you for that day
 
Lala said:
Yes, that’s the other point that when you are still working you are again still adding more to your final pot. And like you Wiz I come out with slightly more than my full time wage due to less NI.

As for more chilled, I can honestly say I am the least stressed I’ve been in all my days, and I’m a nicer more tolerant person because of that, so everybody gains 😏

It’s not just the hours you lose, it seems to help you realise by being in work less that the work things you worried about before are less important. I think that’s because your priorities and mindset switch in accordance with the balance of your life shifting more towards home rather than work.

So yeah, you care less in general about the things that really aren’t that important.

And I’ll raise your ** with, I leave every Friday lunchtime with C U Next Tuesday 🤓 which always feels rather nice.
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That's the idea LaLa
 
Mexboroseasider said:
There’s one point a few posters have made.

If you go part time don’t let your boss/line manager take the piss. You can NOT do the same job as you did in the reduced hours and on the reduced pay.

Let’s face it. If they think they can get away with it - they will.
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I bet most could 🤔😂😉
 
I had a catch up down in London this week with two ex colleagues who both retired at 56 - one about 10 years ago and one last year. We meet up a few times a year and funnily enough this subject came up in conversation as I was asking my mate who went last year how he found it. They both said the same things;

1) If you can reduce to 3 days a week first they both found it easier to make the transition when they fully retired. And as you've already said, it meant the money kept coming in and allowed them to structure how they took their pension in a better way.

2) Do the sums and then do them again. If the numbers work for you then do it, but make sure you get good advice on the pension implications if you are looking to take it early. Both my mates planned it thoroughly and managed to get finances lined up to make them both very comfortable.

3) Just noticed Mex make this point but both my mates said to get everyone involved to understand that it is 3 days of work, not 5 days worth of work done in 3 days. It worked fine for both as they handed over some stuff in the run up and had good managers, but I have seen others come unstuck with bad managers who took the mickey.

Both of my mates are very happy with what they did. Neither regret it one bit. I'm aiming to do the same, about 8-10 years off that mid-50's finish sadly, but am planning things accordingly now. If you can make it all work in your favour, do it!
 
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