What do I say....

longleggedhair

OldMusicGuy wrote: »

I'm with you. My wife and I are pretty anti-social. My wife struggles in social situations so we limit those. And there's nothing wrong with that! We prefer our own company rather than that of others. So regarding my earlier post, do you have any hobbies? In retirement I will be defined by my hobbies, not my job.

Much the same as now really, I love my garden growing fruit and veg, keeping the house nice (it's a big old house so always things to do) we love walking in the countryside which is helpful living in a fairly rural area (health permitting) my partner & mother are also not good in social situations also so no problems on that front!

Some people find it a little odd wanting to retreat from the world...so I'm glad there are others similar!

seacaitch

"Retired early, live off investments", should do the trick.

Almost no one is interested in talking about long term investment and the planning that goes with it - it's perceived as too mysterious/complicated/boring/risky for most to ever get their heads around, so you'll have almost no one ever ask you any follow-up questions. Of those who do, you'll probably never get anyone ask you outright what level of capital that requires, and if they do it's easy to deflect them with suitably vague answers such as "well that depends on your own personal income requirements" blah blah blah.

Baffle them with boringness. It's always worked for me, and I've never really needed to tell anyone anything other than the bare minimum - if that.

Best of luck with it!

Parking_Trouble

Working from home is probably the best thing to say if you are worried about people judging you. Alternatively say you are on a career break.

k6chris

...taking a gap year, and not thinking about work.

longleggedhair

Thank you for all of the helpful tips, it's certainly given me some food for thought (I'm veering towards the international secret agent haha) I have until February to fully make up my mind & will consider finances and health over the next six months. Deep down I know it's the right thing to do but having worked all my life it feels a bit frightening nevertheless!

NotSkint

Remember to inform insurance companies of your "change of occupation". I "retired" at 47, a year ago, and forgot about doing so for a period. Was a bit miffed that my car insurance went up! I have no idea why I am considered a greater risk now, but just means my current insurer is unlikely to get my business at renewal. Might need to see if some other "occupation" such as "house husband" is cheaper next time round!
Anyway good luck with your plans.