Congratulations and enjoy I can go next year, fortunately on full whack and after the pension victory on what I signed up for, I’m looking forward to it, thanks for your service on a thankless task.Well my time has finally come-25 years service in the police ended yesterday. I lose a small fortune going early but it was a no brainer really-the job has become harder and harder, its far more dangerous and its increasingly thankless and risky.
Its still a great job-unfortunately austerity (May) hammered us along with the rest of the public service-no pay rises in over a decade still grips my sh*t.
Nonetheless, I paid my mortgage off yesterday and I get to retire at 52 on 44% pay.
What do you have to do for SSAFA mate?Congratulations Bert. I finished 13 years ago. Make sure you do something to keep yourself occupied, even if its only voluntary work. I do three mornings a week for SSAFA the military charity, always on the lookout for new volunteers :):)
Keep well
That’s is great. I am aiming to get to that point. Would have to make a few changes though re lifestyle but it’s doable. Like the bit about enduring the job. Know how you feel. Every person I know who has retired tells me they don’t know how they found time to work!I stopped working nearly two years ago, and I bloody love it. I've always hated getting up early in the morning, and I don't have to now. I bought myself a new motorbike, so I've been spending the summers riding that all over Wales or wherever I've fancied going to. I can spend hours when I want to playing my keyboards, which, now the dark nights are with us, and the bike riding has reduced, is an increasing activity. I like walking, and I don't care what the weather is like. Walking, biking, it doesn't matter, it's the wrong clothing that makes it uncomfortable.
The best bit, though, is I'm doing what I want to do, when I want to do it. My activities aren't restricted, my time is my own, and I do what I want, when I want. It's a liberating experience.
I do, of course, realise I'm getting older, and there are more years behind me than ahead, but I'm in a happier place now than I ever was years ago, when I was in a job I detested but endured just for the money.
Yeah, those days of getting up, seeing myself in the mirror, and dreading the day ahead, are long gone.
I might go for a walk tomorrow, I might go for a ride, or I may do nothing other than sit by the window watching the rain come down. It's my choice.
Depends where you are but Greater Manchester we need volunteers in all roles, as this pandemic and increase in IT has caused some of the older volunteers to pack it in.What do you have to do for SSAFA mate?
Looked at what they need in Chester and wanted to ask do they give you the necessary training to be a case worker? They also need mentors and that might be more my cup of tea...Depends where you are but Greater Manchester we need volunteers in all roles, as this pandemic and increase in IT has caused some of the older volunteers to pack it in.
Roles that need filling are Divisional Secretary also local treasurer, but particularly case workers as, under normal circumstances they are the ones who go at and visit the veterans in need
Looked at what they need in Chester and wanted to ask do they give you the necessary training to be a case worker? They also need mentors and that might be more my cup of tea...
I think if you are happy in your work then there’s every reason to continue. Personally my mental health has taken a toll over the years-officers shot, killed on duty, killed themselves on duty-and that’s just the big stuff-a decade in custody with the constant exposure to horrible, extremely violent people becomes unbearable plus the long exhausting shifts and pressure from above. I miss the people I worked with but I’m out of it-seeing violence now, even on tv triggers my anxiety. Unfortunately I have a warped view of humanity that I hope rebalances itself in the future.Been thinking about this retirement malarky a bit more seriously during lockdown. In a nutshell my pension wouldn't get a round of drinks a week in really, however we have holiday rental which we use when it's not booked and are due to complete on another one shortly, I prefer the touchy feely route whereby I'm in charge. I was thinking that I'd call it a day by the time I'm 62, I'm 60 now and in ' reasonable health ' but I know for a fact I'd be bored shitless after a week.....we have a decent, easy run business, a couple of staff and SWMBO and myself put in little more than part time hours for a reasonable full time wage. I buy, renovate and sell old 1960's outboard engines in my spare time and a sporty little runaround keeps me active in the sunshine so as it stands I'm not sure if I want to retire, I suppose it's called semi retirement and I'll try and keep going until such a time that maybe I cant.
I can relate to every word,enjoy that well earned retirement!I think if you are happy in your work then there’s every reason to continue. Personally my mental health has taken a toll over the years-officers shot, killed on duty, killed themselves on duty-and that’s just the big stuff-a decade in custody with the constant exposure to horrible, extremely violent people becomes unbearable plus the long exhausting shifts and pressure from above. I miss the people I worked with but I’m out of it-seeing violence now, even on tv triggers my anxiety. Unfortunately I have a warped view of humanity that I hope rebalances itself in the future.