Losing the will to work!!

enthusiasticsaver

Has anyone else found this?

I have worked full time and part time during my career. I am presently working part time (very part time as they are removing responsibilities from me as I approach retirement). I have always found this particular job relatively stress free but the closer I get to my retirement date (31.12.17) the less interest I have in going into the office. It is almost as I if I have disengaged completely and just coasting. Luckily my boss has told me to take it easy and we are using this three month period for me to clear up projects, pass over and train people and just generally do very little. It does seem though the less busy I am the less I want to be here. Don't get me wrong, I am still covering my responsibilities to the best of my ability but am thoroughly bored and wanting to move on to the next phase of my life.

Is this common in the months leading up to retirement after you have given in your notice to retire early? I am 57.

Linton

I reached that stage well before taking voluntary redundancy!

OldMusicGuy

Yes, I am feeling the same. 22 weeks to go and I have gone from being very work-focused to just letting it all wash over my head. Still making sure my clients are happy but throttling back on everything else. Fortunately I told my employer at the start of this year when I would be retiring so transition plans are already in place and I can see my workload going down significantly. I have very little motivation for work right now.....

crv1963

enthusiasticsaver wrote: »

Has anyone else found this?

I have worked full time and part time during my career. I am presently working part time (very part time as they are removing responsibilities from me as I approach retirement). I have always found this particular job relatively stress free but the closer I get to my retirement date (31.12.17) the less interest I have in going into the office. It is almost as I if I have disengaged completely and just coasting.

Is this common in the months leading up to retirement after you have given in your notice to retire early? I am 57.

I have a friend who works for the same organisation as me but a different Team who is retiring in the next couple of weeks. He has found the same as you, he feels he is "coasting and going through the motions". He told me once you've put your notice in then the time at work drags and is frustrating especially when you've handed over your workload and all you seem to do is answer the phone for everyone else!


CRV

marlot

Very similar. I'll be going sometime in 2018. Haven't decided when yet. But I've stopped volunteering for pieces of work that I would otherwise be leading. I'm sure my boss has noticed, but if he tried to make life difficult I could just hand my notice in immediately.

At a previous employer, they smoothed the transition to retirement by gradually reducing the number of days over the last six months. That always struck me as a great idea, but not so practical now that fixed retirement ages have pretty much gone.

Bravepants

Personally if I had only a few months to go at work, and I was feeling it was dragging, and getting bored I would think about the things I want to do with my time in retirement and use the slack time at work to study up on those interests. Research courses, potential new hobbies and interests, read books. You are highly unlikely to get a telling off, especially if you have been told to take it easy.


Use the peace and quiet of the free time at work to begin to look at other things.


Especially if you are able to cover your remaining responsibilities with ease.

TheShape

I've also lost the will to work but that usually happens by Tuesday lunchtime

Seriously though, I think a gradual reduction in hours/days would suit me as I approach retirement. It is certainly something my girlfriend will be considering as she approaches retirement. It suits a number of people I know.

AnotherJoe

I had the same but didnt find it an issue. It helped that i didnt have to go into the office, i could "work" from home. So for example one day took grandaughter to theme park. I had my phone in case someone needed to ask me a question so I was available if needed.

I'd handed over prertty much 100% of my work 2-3 months before i left, no one else was worried about the fact i was coasting so i certainly wasn't !!

I had plenty to keep me occupied during that time, but none of it was work related

OldMusicGuy

Bravepants wrote: »

Personally if I had only a few months to go at work, and I was feeling it was dragging, and getting bored I would think about the things I want to do with my time in retirement and use the slack time at work to study up on those interests.

Why do you think I'm posting on MSE......:rotfl:

gardner1

TheShape wrote: »

I've also lost the will to work but that usually happens by Tuesday lunchtime

Seriously though, I think a gradual reduction in hours/days would suit me as I approach retirement. It is certainly something my girlfriend will be considering as she approaches retirement. It suits a number of people I know.

As long as that.....by about midday Monday I've had enough 😀

michaels

I feel that way, I think it is hanging around this board...oh and I have at least 8 years to go