worst pension ever

atush

whitesatin wrote: »

I don't know why teachers post on here, to be honest. As soon as the fact that they are a teacher is mentioned, it seems to bring out all sorts of hostilities, jealousy etc. Invariably there is someone waiting for a spelling error.

I taught for years and am now in receipt of my pension, which I took when I was 57. I knew very little about the scheme as it wasn't the focus of my working life. I taught students with special educational needs and all my efforts went into that. I left teaching early as I felt that I no longer had the energy required to be on top form. Most teachers I worked with were the same, no real interest/appreciation of what pension they would receive.

I have a friend who still teaches and never gives a thought to her pension. She wasn't aware that she could claim her State Pension so she hasn't done it yet. She has not deferred it on purpose. Not everyone is that into the whole pension thing. Contrary to belief, teachers are not discussing their pensions that much during a school day. Recent changes have probably caused more teachers to think about it now.

My husband retired three years ago, when he was 51. He worked in the private sector and his pension is a lot more than mine is - his was a two thirds of his final salary pension. He had a few more years contributions than I did, but not that many. Teacher's pensions may be considered to be good but there were obviously better ones.

I suppose I should go back and read this again, check for errors etc., but I am not going to.

I could care less about your spelling and have not looked.

If you are a good teacher, who has a grasp at how decent your pension still is, we still love you. If you don't, we are just not quite sure you are smart enough to teach others. It is after all, not particle physics we are talking about.

All my 3 were not privately educated. They were educated by people like you and me. And 2 of them are at Russel group unis or have graduated, one in a top 10 reading law.

Get the chip off, and get down the staff room and help educate your fellow educators?

xylophone

She will get round to claiming when she is ready.

Which is fine, of course!

But it is still surprising that

She wasn't aware that she could claim her State Pension

- there has been so much written/said about it in newspapers/on television (especially in regard to women) that I would have thought it extremely difficult for anyone not to know about it!

hyubh

atush wrote: »

What exactly do you teach? Please tell me it is PE.

I think we can already assume it is not Maths nor Economics. Is there Socialist studies now lol?

Truly hilarious - do you practice your routine in front of the mirror? I do wonder what's happened to kidmugsy and Mr Abraham though. Come on, this thread was made for you guys!!!

atush

Cygnus_Alpha wrote: »

Hi, I think the pension age going up only relates to future service doesn't it? Worth checking. If so then it might not be as bad as you thought. But I see what you mean that it must feel like a pay cut.

Cygnus, I believe you are correct.

Past years accrued are preserved under the old scheme, new years on the new scheme?

hyubh

atush wrote: »

Why do you think I hate teachers?

I don't think you 'hate' teachers. However, even just a teaching assistant posting an entirely non-whiney post is enough to set you off...

(Don't remember? It was that one from a guy with two years deferred LGPS membership. You just couldn't help yourself.)

atush

GillyR-J wrote: »

You have only been teaching 7.5 years! I have been teaching thirty years and take early retirement next week at 57 years. I am very happy with my pension annuity and the lump sum. I am going to spend some of it on an Arts degree which I have wanted to do for a very long time.
It seems highly unlikely that people who may have to work for fifty years will remain in the same profession throughout their career. They may have two or even three different careers or may splice two or three part- time jobs together.
If you are so concerned about your future pension then look at AVCs or even ISAs to back it up but please don't moan about TPS it is one of the best.
Edited to say that yes it was sometimes hard as a single Mum to pay 6% contributions and the additional AVCs but I appreciate how good my public sector pension is.

How refreshing Gilly.

But we really do understand and are not w/o sympathy how those not at or near retirement can be upset their pensions are not quite as gold plated as before. I realize it is upsetting, but we do expect educators to have a basic grasp of the reason behind the changes.

whitesatin

atush wrote: »

I could care less about your spelling and have not looked.

If you are a good teacher, who has a grasp at how decent your pension still is, we still love you. If you don't, we are just not quite sure you are smart enough to teach others. It is after all, not particle physics we are talking about.

All my 3 were not privately educated. They were educated by people like you and me. And 2 of them are at Russel group unis or have graduated, one in a top 10 reading law.

Get the chip off, and get down the staff room and help educate your fellow educators?

Not much chance of me going "down the staff room" as I have been retired since 2007!

I am happy enough with my pension, it is not wonderful but not the worst and at least I am alive to enjoy it.

My point was, really, that some people are not that into money or planning for the future. I know it sounds difficult to believe but it is true. I suppose I just, kind of, assumed that I would get what I deserved, which was true. The goal posts have moved and there is more emphasis on planning for the future therefore people are looking at it more closely.

Anyway, I have made my contribution to this thread now.

atush

hyubh wrote: »

I don't think you 'hate' teachers. However, even just a teaching assistant posting an entirely non-whiney post is enough to set you off...

(Don't remember? It was that one from a guy with two years deferred LGPS membership. You just couldn't help yourself.)

As an educated person, who was thinking of being a teacher and underwent training, I have little sympathy with educators who are not themselves educated. Sorry, it is a failing of mine?

I was a teaching assistant in school (unpaid, I taught Science and technology).

atush

hyubh wrote: »

Truly hilarious - do you practice your routine in front of the mirror? I do wonder what's happened to kidmugsy and Mr Abraham though. Come on, this thread was made for you guys!!!

Why is it funny exactly?

atush

whitesatin wrote: »

Not much chance of me going "down the staff room" as I have been retired since 2007!

I am happy enough with my pension, it is not wonderful but not the worst and at least I am alive to enjoy it.

My point was, really, that some people are not that into money or planning for the future. I know it sounds difficult to believe but it is true. I suppose I just, kind of, assumed that I would get what I deserved, which was true. The goal posts have moved and there is more emphasis on planning for the future therefore people are looking at it more closely.

Anyway, I have made my contribution to this thread now.

Ok, at least you admit you are happy with your pension. That is the main thing.

Sounded to me like you were complaining about it?

Do enjoy your retirement, and maybe visit the staff room and tell them how happy you are. Maybe more will stay in the pension, or even join it if they have not.

The teachers my boys had in primary school all retired at 55, but were still at the school teaching immediately after on contract as supply/temporary replacements. So they were still in the staff room.

Anyway, this has been entertaining as usual.

I am off to mark papers lol