Enjoying Retirement
Discussion
RichB said:
Sheepshanks said:
In my last few years I used to send others on business trips (mainly to the US) so I didn't have to go. It's not just the flights, it's the whole airport experience where people seem to revel in the opportunity to make things difficult.
I'm with you on that one. I've seen enough airports to last me a lifetime. Even with access to lounges there's nothing enjoyable about it. 
I retired just over3 years ago and whilst I was very far from bored (with lots of volunteering, which I still do) I have gone back to university to do a part time history degree - just finished the first year. Although I only have 2 hours timetabled a week the workload is quite substantial, I certainly don't have time to get bored now!
tertius said:
RichB said:
Sheepshanks said:
In my last few years I used to send others on business trips (mainly to the US) so I didn't have to go. It's not just the flights, it's the whole airport experience where people seem to revel in the opportunity to make things difficult.
I'm with you on that one. I've seen enough airports to last me a lifetime. Even with access to lounges there's nothing enjoyable about it. I retired just over3 years ago and whilst I was very far from bored (with lots of volunteering, which I still do) I have gone back to university to do a part time history degree - just finished the first year. Although I only have 2 hours timetabled a week the workload is quite substantial, I certainly don't have time to get bored now!
tertius said:
RichB said:
Sheepshanks said:
In my last few years I used to send others on business trips (mainly to the US) so I didn't have to go. It's not just the flights, it's the whole airport experience where people seem to revel in the opportunity to make things difficult.
I'm with you on that one. I've seen enough airports to last me a lifetime. Even with access to lounges there's nothing enjoyable about it. TwigtheWonderkid said:
My whole working life was planned, meetings, schedules etc. Probably fuelled my aversion to having a plan.
I just kind of fell into it. Centred around daily swimming and the gym, walking, meeting up with friends. I did this for two years and found I had a real talent for doing nothing. A bit like Hugh Grant in About A Boy.
Then I fortunately got the opportunity to do voluntary work as a medical courier, flying all over the world picking up bits of human from foreign donors and delivering to UK recipients. So I usually do 2 or 3 trips a month. Short haul trips (Europe) are 2 days, long haul are 5-6 days. A few months ago I did 3 long haul trips more or less back to back, USA, NZ & Argentina. Madness, but exciting. It's a bit like being a rock star, but with economy flights and no naked supermodels to snort coke off.
Not quite sure how that is remotely like being a Rockstar !I just kind of fell into it. Centred around daily swimming and the gym, walking, meeting up with friends. I did this for two years and found I had a real talent for doing nothing. A bit like Hugh Grant in About A Boy.
Then I fortunately got the opportunity to do voluntary work as a medical courier, flying all over the world picking up bits of human from foreign donors and delivering to UK recipients. So I usually do 2 or 3 trips a month. Short haul trips (Europe) are 2 days, long haul are 5-6 days. A few months ago I did 3 long haul trips more or less back to back, USA, NZ & Argentina. Madness, but exciting. It's a bit like being a rock star, but with economy flights and no naked supermodels to snort coke off.
Edited by TwigtheWonderkid on Saturday 29th June 17:23
RichB said:
Sheepshanks said:
In my last few years I used to send others on business trips (mainly to the US) so I didn't have to go. It's not just the flights, it's the whole airport experience where people seem to revel in the opportunity to make things difficult.
I'm with you on that one. I've seen enough airports to last me a lifetime. Even with access to lounges there's nothing enjoyable about it. In my working life I travelled a great deal ( my record was alternating flying weekly between Germany and the UK and then USA and the UK coming home on Friday pm and going out again Monday am for a period of 3 months ) although I did also go to Chicago once for 40 minutes.
alscar said:
TwigtheWonderkid said:
My whole working life was planned, meetings, schedules etc. Probably fuelled my aversion to having a plan.
I just kind of fell into it. Centred around daily swimming and the gym, walking, meeting up with friends. I did this for two years and found I had a real talent for doing nothing. A bit like Hugh Grant in About A Boy.
Then I fortunately got the opportunity to do voluntary work as a medical courier, flying all over the world picking up bits of human from foreign donors and delivering to UK recipients. So I usually do 2 or 3 trips a month. Short haul trips (Europe) are 2 days, long haul are 5-6 days. A few months ago I did 3 long haul trips more or less back to back, USA, NZ & Argentina. Madness, but exciting. It's a bit like being a rock star, but with economy flights and no naked supermodels to snort coke off.
Not quite sure how that is remotely like being a Rockstar !I just kind of fell into it. Centred around daily swimming and the gym, walking, meeting up with friends. I did this for two years and found I had a real talent for doing nothing. A bit like Hugh Grant in About A Boy.
Then I fortunately got the opportunity to do voluntary work as a medical courier, flying all over the world picking up bits of human from foreign donors and delivering to UK recipients. So I usually do 2 or 3 trips a month. Short haul trips (Europe) are 2 days, long haul are 5-6 days. A few months ago I did 3 long haul trips more or less back to back, USA, NZ & Argentina. Madness, but exciting. It's a bit like being a rock star, but with economy flights and no naked supermodels to snort coke off.
Edited by TwigtheWonderkid on Saturday 29th June 17:23
mikeiow said:
Perhaps the definition of plan varies for different people!
Some are very defined by their work, & I suspect they are the ones who might need to give themselves more direction.
I always felt I didn’t want to “commit” to anything for maybe a year. I have a pal who signed up to loads of different things and ended up double-booking themself a couple of times (became a minor standing joke!).
I stopped wearing a watch. A daft thing really, but it was my way to tell myself I was no longer beholden to schedules (& yes, we managed 2 months on interrail last spring without a watch….phones can remind you of departing trains!).
I firmly agree that decompressing after decades of work is also a thing many or most will need. My way was to go cycling for 19 days….by the end of that, I was totally in the playtime zone
For planning, I spent my final months at work building a big list of things I wanted to do ‘at some point’ (& planned a 19-day bike ride…did I do any work in my final months?!)
High level topics like family, travel, events, garden, diy, films, books, etc.
Below each I wrote more detailed ideas (eg, below “events” were some festivals we wanted to get to).
I still like to dip into that list from time to time to see “progress”, & add things, although after the first 18 months it is needed less.
At the end of the day, everyone is different….the important thing is in the thread title (thanks GT3!).
Hi Mike tks for the mention . Some are very defined by their work, & I suspect they are the ones who might need to give themselves more direction.
I always felt I didn’t want to “commit” to anything for maybe a year. I have a pal who signed up to loads of different things and ended up double-booking themself a couple of times (became a minor standing joke!).
I stopped wearing a watch. A daft thing really, but it was my way to tell myself I was no longer beholden to schedules (& yes, we managed 2 months on interrail last spring without a watch….phones can remind you of departing trains!).
I firmly agree that decompressing after decades of work is also a thing many or most will need. My way was to go cycling for 19 days….by the end of that, I was totally in the playtime zone
For planning, I spent my final months at work building a big list of things I wanted to do ‘at some point’ (& planned a 19-day bike ride…did I do any work in my final months?!)
High level topics like family, travel, events, garden, diy, films, books, etc.
Below each I wrote more detailed ideas (eg, below “events” were some festivals we wanted to get to).
I still like to dip into that list from time to time to see “progress”, & add things, although after the first 18 months it is needed less.
At the end of the day, everyone is different….the important thing is in the thread title (thanks GT3!).
I've been watching the thread closely and it's great to see it's still going strong and everyone is chiming in with their own retirement updates and plans.
I've also been meaning to update on my own situation.
Last year we managed to complete on our now house and although lots of the house was finished MRs GT3 wanted some hefty and expensive changes. We are all but finished now save for some making good in bathrooms.
You may recall I also had my flat up for sale. Sadly the flat still hasn't sold despite changing agent and reducing the price which I think is a sign of the current economic uncertainty.
Also, CGT allowances have shifted so my projected sale money won't be what we'd anticipated.
Additionally, there has been a change of plan with my youngest at uni so if the flat eventually sells I will then have to reinvest that cash ( plus a little more) into a flat closer to London.
This bit was never part of the original family agreement but I now find myself with no alternative.
Consequently I've had to keep my head down and soldier on and put back the retirement projections until I can complete the flat moves.
All has been discussed with our wealth manager and although it ties up a chunk of cash initially, the plan is to sell the London flat after 10 years.
Work is currently going ok and funding the renovations and flat plans but as mentioned, for now, I'm a little stuck.
I'm also keeping a watchful eye on future pension changes with an incoming labour government as I'm sure we all are.
Changes to the TFLS might mean a little bit of shifting things around if that's announced in September.
So in summary, we've completed ( nearly) one leg of our journey and I now just need a little good fortune for the next stage. The concern is that our flat is a coastal bolt hole that sells in the summer months so our window is getting smaller & im also paying rent for another flat for work.
The above is damn expensive!
We'll get there eventually I'm sure.
Well done everyone in updating the thread.
It does truly keep me focussed on the end goal.
Hope the plans work out GT3.
Did I also read on here that you had bought or were looking to buy a new Porsche Boxster ?
With regard to your comments- I'm also keeping a watchful eye on future pension changes with an incoming labour government as I'm sure we all are.
Changes to the TFLS might mean a little bit of shifting things around if that's announced in September.
I've just signed the paperwork to have the entirety of the 25% released to me.
Whilst I think the risk is small ( Labour will be raising money in lots of different ways anyway ) I still don't want to risk it and the money will be allocated to my 3 children for their house funds.
Early inheritance .
Waiting ( hopefully ) 25 years + for it won't help them now !
Did I also read on here that you had bought or were looking to buy a new Porsche Boxster ?
With regard to your comments- I'm also keeping a watchful eye on future pension changes with an incoming labour government as I'm sure we all are.
Changes to the TFLS might mean a little bit of shifting things around if that's announced in September.
I've just signed the paperwork to have the entirety of the 25% released to me.
Whilst I think the risk is small ( Labour will be raising money in lots of different ways anyway ) I still don't want to risk it and the money will be allocated to my 3 children for their house funds.
Early inheritance .
Waiting ( hopefully ) 25 years + for it won't help them now !
alscar said:
Hope the plans work out GT3.
Did I also read on here that you had bought or were looking to buy a new Porsche Boxster ?
With regard to your comments- I'm also keeping a watchful eye on future pension changes with an incoming labour government as I'm sure we all are.
Changes to the TFLS might mean a little bit of shifting things around if that's announced in September.
I've just signed the paperwork to have the entirety of the 25% released to me.
Whilst I think the risk is small ( Labour will be raising money in lots of different ways anyway ) I still don't want to risk it and the money will be allocated to my 3 children for their house funds.
Early inheritance .
Waiting ( hopefully ) 25 years + for it won't help them now !
Yes I got rid of an older 911 I had and figured whilst I have to crack on with work I may as well have a little fun. Have to say I've been very much enjoying the car. Did I also read on here that you had bought or were looking to buy a new Porsche Boxster ?
With regard to your comments- I'm also keeping a watchful eye on future pension changes with an incoming labour government as I'm sure we all are.
Changes to the TFLS might mean a little bit of shifting things around if that's announced in September.
I've just signed the paperwork to have the entirety of the 25% released to me.
Whilst I think the risk is small ( Labour will be raising money in lots of different ways anyway ) I still don't want to risk it and the money will be allocated to my 3 children for their house funds.
Early inheritance .
Waiting ( hopefully ) 25 years + for it won't help them now !
I'm poised ready to take some Pension moneys and reinvest them elsewhere but I would have thought it'll be a gradual reduction in TFLS allowances. Let's see.
Glad you are well and enjoying your retirement
Edited by GT3Manthey on Monday 1st July 09:46
Is there a middle ground in your situation
? I.e give a deposit and just crack on with your own retirement plans vs buying a whole property?
Remember sign you used to see in pubs “free drinks tomorrow” - if there’s one thing you see in this thread in spades it is the scores of people who wish they’d done it sooner.
My dad said to me he wished he’d toned down the work far younger than he actually did. He’s still a business owner at 78 but doesn’t do very much of it now, but has basically been doing all the travelling and things he wanted to do now, and over the past 7 years or so.
He’s lucky in that he’s still healthy (going to the jungle in Costa Rica just before his 79th!) and he’s spending months in many different countries next year, but he could have been doing all this for the last 20 years! Instead of now when he’s inevitably approaching the latter part of his life.
My plan is now out in 13 years or so - my son will be 18 the same sort of time I’ll be 50, and I’m hoping to throw a retirement/50th/18th party all at once. I’ve also told my wife I will be buying something fruity and going to the factory to pick it up (hopefully it’ll be in Italy rather than Germany but we shall see) - nice to have something to aim at vaguely.
? I.e give a deposit and just crack on with your own retirement plans vs buying a whole property?
Remember sign you used to see in pubs “free drinks tomorrow” - if there’s one thing you see in this thread in spades it is the scores of people who wish they’d done it sooner.
My dad said to me he wished he’d toned down the work far younger than he actually did. He’s still a business owner at 78 but doesn’t do very much of it now, but has basically been doing all the travelling and things he wanted to do now, and over the past 7 years or so.
He’s lucky in that he’s still healthy (going to the jungle in Costa Rica just before his 79th!) and he’s spending months in many different countries next year, but he could have been doing all this for the last 20 years! Instead of now when he’s inevitably approaching the latter part of his life.
My plan is now out in 13 years or so - my son will be 18 the same sort of time I’ll be 50, and I’m hoping to throw a retirement/50th/18th party all at once. I’ve also told my wife I will be buying something fruity and going to the factory to pick it up (hopefully it’ll be in Italy rather than Germany but we shall see) - nice to have something to aim at vaguely.
Edited by okgo on Monday 1st July 10:07
okgo said:
Is there a middle ground in your situation
? I.e give a deposit and just crack on with your own retirement plans vs buying a whole property?
Remember sign you used to see in pubs “free drinks tomorrow” - if there’s one thing you see in this thread in spades it is the scores of people who wish they’d done it sooner.
My dad said to me he wished he’d toned down the work far younger than he actually did. He’s still a business owner at 78 but doesn’t do very much of it now, but has basically been doing all the travelling and things he wanted to do now, and over the past 7 years or so.
He’s lucky in that he’s still healthy (going to the jungle in Costa Rica just before his 79th!) and he’s spending months in many different countries next year, but he could have been doing all this for the last 20 years! Instead of now when he’s inevitably approaching the latter part of his life.
My plan is now out in 13 years or so - my son will be 18 the same sort of time I’ll be 50, and I’m hoping to throw a retirement/50th/18th party all at once. I’ve also told my wife I will be buying something fruity and going to the factory to pick it up (hopefully it’ll be in Italy rather than Germany but we shall see) - nice to have something to aim at vaguely.
Hi Okgo tks for your post and idea. ? I.e give a deposit and just crack on with your own retirement plans vs buying a whole property?
Remember sign you used to see in pubs “free drinks tomorrow” - if there’s one thing you see in this thread in spades it is the scores of people who wish they’d done it sooner.
My dad said to me he wished he’d toned down the work far younger than he actually did. He’s still a business owner at 78 but doesn’t do very much of it now, but has basically been doing all the travelling and things he wanted to do now, and over the past 7 years or so.
He’s lucky in that he’s still healthy (going to the jungle in Costa Rica just before his 79th!) and he’s spending months in many different countries next year, but he could have been doing all this for the last 20 years! Instead of now when he’s inevitably approaching the latter part of his life.
My plan is now out in 13 years or so - my son will be 18 the same sort of time I’ll be 50, and I’m hoping to throw a retirement/50th/18th party all at once. I’ve also told my wife I will be buying something fruity and going to the factory to pick it up (hopefully it’ll be in Italy rather than Germany but we shall see) - nice to have something to aim at vaguely.
Edited by okgo on Monday 1st July 10:07
The flat will be for my daughter to use ( and is for us to stay occasionally ) and as she'll still be going to uni for a few years she won't have any income as such to pay mortgage/bills.
I have however mentioned that when she's working she can pay the monthly running costs which will reduce my monthly cost base.
The outlay shouldn't be a dealbreaker for retiring, it just means I have to add a little more structure to the plan.
Like I say, the flat gets sold within 10yrs and the funds drop back into the pot.
Your plan for a combined party sounds spot on so good luck in your continued planing .
Edited by GT3Manthey on Monday 1st July 10:49
GT3Manthey said:
Hi Mike tks for the mention .
I've been watching the thread closely and it's great to see it's still going strong and everyone is chiming in with their own retirement updates and plans.
I've also been meaning to update on my own situation.
Last year we managed to complete on our now house and although lots of the house was finished MRs GT3 wanted some hefty and expensive changes. We are all but finished now save for some making good in bathrooms.
You may recall I also had my flat up for sale. Sadly the flat still hasn't sold despite changing agent and reducing the price which I think is a sign of the current economic uncertainty.
Also, CGT allowances have shifted so my projected sale money won't be what we'd anticipated.
Additionally, there has been a change of plan with my youngest at uni so if the flat eventually sells I will then have to reinvest that cash ( plus a little more) into a flat closer to London.
This bit was never part of the original family agreement but I now find myself with no alternative.
Consequently I've had to keep my head down and soldier on and put back the retirement projections until I can complete the flat moves.
All has been discussed with our wealth manager and although it ties up a chunk of cash initially, the plan is to sell the London flat after 10 years.
Work is currently going ok and funding the renovations and flat plans but as mentioned, for now, I'm a little stuck.
I'm also keeping a watchful eye on future pension changes with an incoming labour government as I'm sure we all are.
Changes to the TFLS might mean a little bit of shifting things around if that's announced in September.
So in summary, we've completed ( nearly) one leg of our journey and I now just need a little good fortune for the next stage. The concern is that our flat is a coastal bolt hole that sells in the summer months so our window is getting smaller & im also paying rent for another flat for work.
The above is damn expensive!
We'll get there eventually I'm sure.
Well done everyone in updating the thread.
It does truly keep me focussed on the end goal.
GT3, I don't tend to post on PH myself but I wanted to chime in to say thanks for starting this excellent thread, which I have been reading since the start. I've been watching the thread closely and it's great to see it's still going strong and everyone is chiming in with their own retirement updates and plans.
I've also been meaning to update on my own situation.
Last year we managed to complete on our now house and although lots of the house was finished MRs GT3 wanted some hefty and expensive changes. We are all but finished now save for some making good in bathrooms.
You may recall I also had my flat up for sale. Sadly the flat still hasn't sold despite changing agent and reducing the price which I think is a sign of the current economic uncertainty.
Also, CGT allowances have shifted so my projected sale money won't be what we'd anticipated.
Additionally, there has been a change of plan with my youngest at uni so if the flat eventually sells I will then have to reinvest that cash ( plus a little more) into a flat closer to London.
This bit was never part of the original family agreement but I now find myself with no alternative.
Consequently I've had to keep my head down and soldier on and put back the retirement projections until I can complete the flat moves.
All has been discussed with our wealth manager and although it ties up a chunk of cash initially, the plan is to sell the London flat after 10 years.
Work is currently going ok and funding the renovations and flat plans but as mentioned, for now, I'm a little stuck.
I'm also keeping a watchful eye on future pension changes with an incoming labour government as I'm sure we all are.
Changes to the TFLS might mean a little bit of shifting things around if that's announced in September.
So in summary, we've completed ( nearly) one leg of our journey and I now just need a little good fortune for the next stage. The concern is that our flat is a coastal bolt hole that sells in the summer months so our window is getting smaller & im also paying rent for another flat for work.
The above is damn expensive!
We'll get there eventually I'm sure.
Well done everyone in updating the thread.
It does truly keep me focussed on the end goal.
I'm sure you will pay no attention to what a random bloke on the internet thinks, but I really do hope you can get to retirement soon.
I expect there will always be expensive things the wife and daughter want (or indeed a new Porsche for yourself), but putting it bluntly I'm sure the family would rather you have a long and healthy retirement than ending up being another of the sad stories we've heard of people not making it to that point. Looking from the outside it looks like a mindset change is required rather than anything else.
Anyway- best of luck with the flat sale and everything else.
Chivs said:
GT3, I don't tend to post on PH myself but I wanted to chime in to say thanks for starting this excellent thread, which I have been reading since the start.
I'm sure you will pay no attention to what a random bloke on the internet thinks, but I really do hope you can get to retirement soon.
I expect there will always be expensive things the wife and daughter want (or indeed a new Porsche for yourself), but putting it bluntly I'm sure the family would rather you have a long and healthy retirement than ending up being another of the sad stories we've heard of people not making it to that point. Looking from the outside it looks like a mindset change is required rather than anything else.
Anyway- best of luck with the flat sale and everything else.
Thank you Chivs. I'm sure you will pay no attention to what a random bloke on the internet thinks, but I really do hope you can get to retirement soon.
I expect there will always be expensive things the wife and daughter want (or indeed a new Porsche for yourself), but putting it bluntly I'm sure the family would rather you have a long and healthy retirement than ending up being another of the sad stories we've heard of people not making it to that point. Looking from the outside it looks like a mindset change is required rather than anything else.
Anyway- best of luck with the flat sale and everything else.
The wife wants me to retire too although as I've pointed out to her, she's not particularly good at managing money. In every other regard she's an amazing woman.
I have been through the numbers with her many times so she'll get there too.
You are absolutely right to remind us all of what can happen. There was a further conversation at the weekend with the wife along the lines of how much longer as we sat on a memorial bench of a man that died at 64.
Very much hoping the sun stays with us and the flat sells.
With regards the car, whist I can afford it I'll keep it but when I can't it goes .
Just to add- the wife loves the new abode and has taken to life there better than I thought she would . She's getting out meeting people more and has even joined the gym.
Edited by GT3Manthey on Monday 1st July 12:48
GT3Manthey said:
Thank you Chivs.
The wife wants me to retire too although as I've pointed out to her, she's not particularly good at managing money. In every other regard she's an amazing woman.
I have been through the numbers with her many times so she'll get there too.
You are absolutely right to remind us all of what can happen. There was a further conversation at the weekend with the wife along the lines of how much longer as we sat on a memorial bench of a man that died at 64.
Very much hoping the sun stays with us and the flat sells.
With regards the car, whist I can afford it I'll keep it but when I can't it goes .
Just to add- the wife loves the new abode and has taken to life there better than I thought she would . She's getting out meeting people more and has even joined the gym.
It sounds like your wife is enjoying her retirement The wife wants me to retire too although as I've pointed out to her, she's not particularly good at managing money. In every other regard she's an amazing woman.
I have been through the numbers with her many times so she'll get there too.
You are absolutely right to remind us all of what can happen. There was a further conversation at the weekend with the wife along the lines of how much longer as we sat on a memorial bench of a man that died at 64.
Very much hoping the sun stays with us and the flat sells.
With regards the car, whist I can afford it I'll keep it but when I can't it goes .
Just to add- the wife loves the new abode and has taken to life there better than I thought she would . She's getting out meeting people more and has even joined the gym.
Edited by GT3Manthey on Monday 1st July 12:48
Phil. said:
It sounds like your wife is enjoying her retirement
Cheeky!But….perhaps an element of truth?
Maybe my wife wanted me to step away at the earliest opportunity because I had effectively been home for over 20 years (albeit with customer visits etc).
We do a load of things together & love having near total control over our time now. Every now & then (weekly or bi-weekly) we have a planning meeting to go through what’s coming up!
As for the ‘kids’, ours (mid to late 20s) are pretty self sufficient now in London enjoying themselves.
We have plenty of contact, & when it comes to house purchase, are seeing whether they can keep their LISAs maxed out (& will help fill up if needed).
We also pay for some joint treats: eg, when they join us skiing, or tickets for next years IOW festival (already purchased on super early bird!), meals etc.
They don’t expect any more - we have always been very open about money with them - but we see those things as a way for them to get some ‘inheritance’ money early when they (& we) can all enjoy it. ABBA Voyage next month for us all
I absolutely understand how life gets in the way of plans, but maybe we need a crowdfunder to get GT3 to join us on “Team Unemployable”
Back on topic….I had caught up with an old school pal via FB a few years back. Today, we finally got together and had a 56km bike ride. Plenty of banter, caffeine & cake, & a plan to have tea next week - the years just washed away - so much to talk about - absolutely fabulous!!
Bit knackered now, mind
mikeiow said:
Phil. said:
It sounds like your wife is enjoying her retirement
Cheeky!But….perhaps an element of truth?
Maybe my wife wanted me to step away at the earliest opportunity because I had effectively been home for over 20 years (albeit with customer visits etc).
We do a load of things together & love having near total control over our time now. Every now & then (weekly or bi-weekly) we have a planning meeting to go through what’s coming up!
As for the ‘kids’, ours (mid to late 20s) are pretty self sufficient now in London enjoying themselves.
We have plenty of contact, & when it comes to house purchase, are seeing whether they can keep their LISAs maxed out (& will help fill up if needed).
We also pay for some joint treats: eg, when they join us skiing, or tickets for next years IOW festival (already purchased on super early bird!), meals etc.
They don’t expect any more - we have always been very open about money with them - but we see those things as a way for them to get some ‘inheritance’ money early when they (& we) can all enjoy it. ABBA Voyage next month for us all
I absolutely understand how life gets in the way of plans, but maybe we need a crowdfunder to get GT3 to join us on “Team Unemployable”
Back on topic….I had caught up with an old school pal via FB a few years back. Today, we finally got together and had a 56km bike ride. Plenty of banter, caffeine & cake, & a plan to have tea next week - the years just washed away - so much to talk about - absolutely fabulous!!
Bit knackered now, mind
I didn't mention this y'day for fear of jinxing things l, but we had a late viewing on the flat which we were told went well.
Sadly it looks like they won't be proceeding due to some concerns over a neighbouring property and planned renovations.
You see, we just can't catch a break at the moment.
Wifey is up for me quitting for sure. She was all onboard with the main house move & as mentioned has settled in well.
Maybe despite my efforts to get this done out stars aren't just aligning.
Anyhow, gotta try and stay positive.
omniflow said:
I retired from proper work about 12 months ago, but pretty much straight away started a job delivering and collecting cars. It's zero hours and minimum wage, but I do get paid for every hour I'm working - even if I'm doing nothing useful. I can take as many holidays as I want, and have probably worked 6 months out of 11.
What I have found is that has really helped me to relax. Whereas previously, if I'd just missed a train and it was 30 minutes until the next one that would pretty much ruin my day. Now, I just go with it. For anyone looking to slow down I really would recommend taking a similar job.
It took me about 6 months to fully adapt - to start with I was always rushing everywhere, running to catch trains, panicking if I thought I was going to miss a connection etc. Now I just roll with it, take the time to absorb my surroundings, stroll gently to the station, maybe stopping somewhere on the way if I know I've got a wait on my hands. Previously I couldn't survive the 40 minute commute into London without a book or a newspaper. Now I can pass a 2 hour train journey just looking out of the window.
Hi Omnifuse. I hope all is well. if you're still here and reading this I was just wondering if you're still doing this and how you're finding it now that it's heading for 2 years since you retired.What I have found is that has really helped me to relax. Whereas previously, if I'd just missed a train and it was 30 minutes until the next one that would pretty much ruin my day. Now, I just go with it. For anyone looking to slow down I really would recommend taking a similar job.
It took me about 6 months to fully adapt - to start with I was always rushing everywhere, running to catch trains, panicking if I thought I was going to miss a connection etc. Now I just roll with it, take the time to absorb my surroundings, stroll gently to the station, maybe stopping somewhere on the way if I know I've got a wait on my hands. Previously I couldn't survive the 40 minute commute into London without a book or a newspaper. Now I can pass a 2 hour train journey just looking out of the window.
I have been reading this thread for a long time, thanks to those that have contributed its been inspirational hearing what other pathways people have taken.
My wife retired from her job about 18 months ago at 54 and has found a good routine for herself.
I have always wondered how retirement might suit me as I get bored easily and as work and family life has been full on I have sort of got out of the habit of having a hobby.
As I am 56 in just over a week I thought I would ask about reducing my working days from 5 to 4 which was immediately agreed so I switch to 4 day week from the 1st October.
I haven't told my Mum otherwise I will just end up being her odd job man but I know she is needing more and more assistance with pretty much everything so that is probably going to soak up some of my spare time.
I am looking forward to balancing work and life better and not struggling to fit everything in.
Perhaps step down to 3 days or less in a few more years.
My wife retired from her job about 18 months ago at 54 and has found a good routine for herself.
I have always wondered how retirement might suit me as I get bored easily and as work and family life has been full on I have sort of got out of the habit of having a hobby.
As I am 56 in just over a week I thought I would ask about reducing my working days from 5 to 4 which was immediately agreed so I switch to 4 day week from the 1st October.
I haven't told my Mum otherwise I will just end up being her odd job man but I know she is needing more and more assistance with pretty much everything so that is probably going to soak up some of my spare time.
I am looking forward to balancing work and life better and not struggling to fit everything in.
Perhaps step down to 3 days or less in a few more years.
tertius said:
RichB said:
Sheepshanks said:
In my last few years I used to send others on business trips (mainly to the US) so I didn't have to go. It's not just the flights, it's the whole airport experience where people seem to revel in the opportunity to make things difficult.
I'm with you on that one. I've seen enough airports to last me a lifetime. Even with access to lounges there's nothing enjoyable about it. I retired just over3 years ago and whilst I was very far from bored (with lots of volunteering, which I still do) I have gone back to university to do a part time history degree - just finished the first year. Although I only have 2 hours timetabled a week the workload is quite substantial, I certainly don't have time to get bored now!
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