Giving up my job?

moomoomama27

I think if you can afford an employment break go for it! I'm currently working 42 hour weeks, and studying for a BA honours. It's too much, so I plan on halving my hours or less, and really concentrating on the study. We can afford for me to do this for the short time, while I concentrate on my career prospects.

It's a tough choice, as there are many pros and cons, but you have to have a life too!

Mojisola

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

If your not eligible for a full state pension, depending on your circumstances you may be able to get pension credit which will top it up to the state pension level. So basically no pensioners are left destitute so I wouldnt worry about that.

I think PC is going once the new pensions come in.

Ilona

I got to my mid fifties and wasn't enjoying my job any more, it was so boring, I was like a robot. I thought life's too short, so I decided if I didn't spend any money, I didn't need to earn it. I went part time, gradually reducing my hours, reducing my income, until I stopped altogether at 60 and the state pension kicked in. Free from the shackles of work at last, 45 years was enough for me. I have been single forever so I have paid for everything. No mortgage, now the house is mine. I have got a full life with lots of friends in the village. Go for it and enjoy.
Ilona

Person_one

Sceptre wrote: »

I think my biggest fear is that I 'made a difference' in a small way (well, at least I hope so), in my work, and now it would be 'only' home stuff. Will it be enough?

Paid work isn't the only way to make a difference. A lot of retired people do voluntary work, they can find something that they really care about and decide how much time and energy they are willing to expend.

The charity I volunteer for depends heavily on its small army of retired volunteers who don't want the commitment of a full time job, don't need a salary, but still want to be active and involved and as you say 'make a difference'!

Seanymph

I took a year out a couple of years ago.

I sold a business, and stayed at home until I got bored. Then went part time to start with and only recently have started being full time.

I loved it.

I looked upon it as being kind to myself - and to my family - all of whom had had to adjust to the business hours for a long time - so, we holidayed and camped and hung out.

it was bliss.

In fact, now you mention it....

Sceptre

Person_one wrote: »

Paid work isn't the only way to make a difference. A lot of retired people do voluntary work, they can find something that they really care about and decide how much time and energy they are willing to expend.

The charity I volunteer for depends heavily on its small army of retired volunteers who don't want the commitment of a full time job, don't need a salary, but still want to be active and involved and as you say 'make a difference'!

Yes, you are right of course! I phrased that badly.There must be plenty of opportunities to make that difference.That has been something I have been thinking about.

Goldiegirl

nearlyrich wrote: »

I am planning to leave employment in two years time when I am 55 but I suppose I could stop now if I really wanted to. My pension funds and savings should see me through and I want some quality time with my DH and the opportunity to travel whilst we are both relatively fit. If you can afford it go for it, you might find something that suits you better once you take a break.

Thank pretty much describes my situation.


I worked full time from age 16 to 50, when I was made redundant, and took an enhanced pension as part of my redundancy settlement. I also found a part time job,


But I'll be stopping work next spring - I suppose I could stop now, but next spring will be more comfortable for a number of reasons.


Many, many times when I was working full time, I just wanted to stop. Often I was dog tired and exhausted. But I kept on going, and now I'm pleased that I did. I've got my 35 years NI contributions under my belt, and I've got a reasonable pension now, plus savings. I'm glad that if kept working though, because I can now stop for good without worry.

Sceptre

Seanymph wrote: »

I took a year out a couple of years ago.

I sold a business, and stayed at home until I got bored. Then went part time to start with and only recently have started being full time.

I loved it.

I looked upon it as being kind to myself - and to my family - all of whom had had to adjust to the business hours for a long time - so, we holidayed and camped and hung out.

it was bliss.

In fact, now you mention it....

Oh dear, what have I started........:D

Thanks Seanymph, it does sound like bliss .

BigAunty

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

If your not eligible for a full state pension, depending on your circumstances you may be able to get pension credit which will top it up to the state pension level. So basically no pensioners are left destitute so I wouldnt worry about that.
.

Critics of our state pension which is quite poor compared to other european countries, say that pensioners can end up having the choice of whether to heat or eat.

Pension credit will be scrapped under the new pension proposal (the one that raised the overall sum but increased the contributions to 35) though inevitably there must be some kind of replacement scheme planned.

jackyann

It really is worth getting the full state pension (unless you have another very good one but if you have some savings, or other income, you can just top up your contributions.
I would definitely consider part-time, if that's an option.
If you have funds to tide you over for awhile, consider leaving, then look around. There are a host of small, casual, part-time jobs around, some very interesting indeed (look on the over 55s board, sometimes people list them there)
If you don't need to earn, then do look at volunteering.