Retirement....is it all it's cracked up to be ?

Both hit 54 over the next couple of months. We could afford to stop and some health scares have been a reminder that we're not here forever.

Wife is planning on stopping by the end of next year whereas I've grown to detest my job but don't know what I'd do instead. Keep thinking I'll be bored either way, but at least I'm now paid to be bored. I need some hobbies, but can't find time/energy around work to get them and without them, I'm not sure if want to give up work.

Kinda hoping for a downturn so they make the decision for me, but if anything, it's getting busier... Problem is if you lose an office job in your 50s, you ain't getting another one if you decide you miss it
 
cookster said:
I think alot depends on whether you like your job.
I'm lucky, not often do I wake up thinking I don't want to go into work.
I enjoy the challenge and have many friendships at work.
Ideally, I'll reduce to 2-3 days in the next couple of years to get a better work life balance.
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Would you do it without a salary?
 
1961_vintage said:
The single most important thing for you is to establish a crystal clear sense of purpose for when you are retired.

Without this, I fear that you would risk just being a rudderless boat bobbing-around at sea.
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Odd because my dream retirement is being on a rudderless boat bobbing around at sea
 
TheBlueCat said:
Retired last year. Lucky to be financially secure. I’m not rich but I haven’t had a mortgage since 2008. I have 2 decent pensions and a good lump in the NS&I.
Point is I love it.
Your other problems don’t disappear but life is easier.
I play golf twice a week and do the ironing. The wife is a primary school secretary on 24 hrs a week. We live on the beach and walk the dog there twice a day.
It isn’t perfect but could be worse.

I never miss work at all and still keep in touch with friends I made there over the years.

I know it comes down to money, but if you can afford it, do it.
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"It isn't perfect" could be worse...fuck me if your wife heard this !? Big trouble mate...
 
Mazzarelli's Swiss Cheese said:
I think dogs are great for retirees. You have the time to spend with them, and they force you out of the house at least a couple of times a day whatever the weather.
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It's cold, raining and you have to pick up dog shit and put it in a blue plastic bag. This is not a good argument for retiring or owning a smelly pet:-)
 
hilts said:
It's cold, raining and you have to pick up dog shit and put it in a blue plastic bag. This is not a good argument for retiring or owning a smelly pet:-)
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It is if it's the only thing getting your fat arse off the sofa besides eating and going to the toilet.
 
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I have Rheumatoid Arthritis.
I have a swollen prostate.
I have lost 90% of my hearing.
I have age related deterioration of the spine which means I cannot stand up or walk properly.
I have high blood pressure.
I need a respirator to breathe properly.
I take about 20 meds each day.
But but but…
Retirement is just great because City are the greatest team in the history of English football and I can laugh at my raggy mate.
 
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Worked with someone who inherited a significant amount of money when his dad died and could have finished there and then in his late 50s; however, he stayed on at work for another few years in order to maximise his pension. Eventually retired and he had a leaving do on the Friday he finished; following morning he died of a heart attack. Could have happened regardless, but at least he could have spent the last few years doing things he enjoyed - he hated work.
 
hilts said:
Odd because my dream retirement is being on a rudderless boat bobbing around at sea
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That genuinely seriously is me it's exactly what I do. I'm permanently at a loose end with time to spare and just decide what to do in the main with hours not days to go.

There are no gym memberships to attend or clubs to make an appearance at and as for seeing people my family is legion and there are many and if I want my days filled I can easily visit them or vice versa. The only bonkers part of the waiting to die part of my life is City in its unpredictability.
 
doots said:
54 now,paid mortgage off and down sized to Park Home life.( it's not a caravan you cheeky cunts!)
The cost of living for me is much lower so I may do another 5 years tops( if my glass back permits it)although could finish in 2 if necessary.
It's a nice position to be in,feel sorry for these young ones having 35 year mortgages and having to work well in to their sixties to pay it off.
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54? My arse !
 
Stoned Rose said:
I’d retire today if I could.

If we didn’t have bills to pay and mouths to feed would anybody choose to go and do that every day? We’re only doing it because we have to.
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Depends on your job really and how much you enjoy it. That said, I've retired a couple of years early (due to the wifes health) and I definitely don't miss it.

Edit: actually it was three and a half years early but the last 14 or so months have gone past in a blur.
 
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KS55 said:
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis.
I have a swollen prostate.
I have lost 90% of my hearing.
I have age related deterioration of the spine which means I cannot stand up or walk properly.
I have high blood pressure.
I need a respirator to breathe properly.
I take about 20 meds each day.
But but but…
Retirement is just great because City are the greatest team in the history of English football and I can laugh at my raggy mate.
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Most if that sounds like me ;)
I think living in Spain the weather helps with certain ailments and my state pension certainly goes a long way to a comfortable life if the sun is out there is plenty to do.
We both have our pension and now enjoy cheap flights to the Spanish islands Morocco and long weekend's in different parts of the mainland.
 
I’ve always done work that I love. Always put family first. I’m 58. I don’t plan to retire. Just keep finding things that are interesting to do. The technical side of the work is interesting but the opportunity to build relationships and now mentor people really feeds me more than anything I could do with more free time. I felt like my Dad disappeared when he retired. And a few of my older friends miss being in the game. I think it really depends on finances but maybe even more on what feeds you and what your options are.
 
Groke said:
Worked with someone who inherited a significant amount of money when his dad died and could have finished there and then in his late 50s; however, he stayed on at work for another few years in order to maximise his pension. Eventually retired and he had a leaving do on the Friday he finished; following morning he died of a heart attack. Could have happened regardless, but at least he could have spent the last few years doing things he enjoyed - he hated work.
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Tomorrow is not promised to anyone
 
Groke said:
Worked with someone who inherited a significant amount of money when his dad died and could have finished there and then in his late 50s; however, he stayed on at work for another few years in order to maximise his pension. Eventually retired and he had a leaving do on the Friday he finished; following morning he died of a heart attack. Could have happened regardless, but at least he could have spent the last few years doing things he enjoyed - he hated work.
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Fucking hell !! True though mate
 
I've accidentally retired at 59 it wasn't planned it just sort of happened.
I was told to come back to work after a long period of what originally started off as genuine illness to return to work ,,having taken legal advice I found out the works Dr and my own doctor assesment were just opinions and the decision was mine .
I went you know what I've done 40 years fuck it ,Tara
Didn't take any financial advice really no need to ocercomplcate things put my lump sum in the bank at 4% interest I know exactly what it pays out and when .that pays the mortgage each month .
Have kept the mortgage on as that's at 1.5 % and my savings are paying 4% .
At present managing 1 to 2 European holidays a month .
Am totally realistic I'm in the best health at 60 as I'm ever going to be now it only going down hill ,if I reach 70 happy days owt else is a bonus .
Not an orthodox plan but I'm bloody loving it.
 
Groke said:
Worked with someone who inherited a significant amount of money when his dad died and could have finished there and then in his late 50s; however, he stayed on at work for another few years in order to maximise his pension. Eventually retired and he had a leaving do on the Friday he finished; following morning he died of a heart attack. Could have happened regardless, but at least he could have spent the last few years doing things he enjoyed - he hated work.
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similar story, bloke I've known for 30+ years through work, ended up technical director of a consultancy, had health issues in his early 50's. ploughed on for a few more years with a lot of time off through ill health, finally decided to retire, dead a couple of months later. Could have retired when his health first gave him problems but didn't
 
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