How to cope with work in run to retirement

JoeEngland

Vespaboy wrote: »

For me I think I am going to try and distract myself at work and with hobbies and like most people on this forum is struggling with the ongoing work pressures and corporate nonsense that goes with it. My pension planning has a way to go yet and with a life time of paying for private education has meant that I need to do these years (I know that was my choice, but both kids are in good professions and well rounded individuals so I guess that was the most important investment I could have made)


I am looking forward to the next stages life will bring but also have one eye on the present - trying to enjoy life now and spend time doing new things and having mini adventures along the way since it is too easy just to deny yourself now for the sake of a few extra pounds saved and there is only so much delayed gratification you can do. What is going to be the hardest aspect once I finish work is to adjust to the de-accumulation aspect - I suspect most people here will be the same as you would not be on MSE if you were not predominantly a saver



In the meantime there is always the lottery.....

The psychological aspect of drawing down is potentially troublesome. I guess it's because we're hardwired for loss aversion, so your gut is thinking drawing down is bad even if your head knows that your financial plan should work.

crv1963

MancJonny wrote: »

I must admit, I have started counting down the days (in months) already, but I am finding that my
whole attitude to work has changed now that I have just about hit the age at which I can retire.[/url]

I too am counting down. 32 paydays, 31 after tomorrow!

lisyloo

crv1963 wrote: »

I too am counting down. 32 paydays, 31 after tomorrow!

Does this make it easier of harder.
I’m nearly 51 so at least 4 years off, but I think I find it easier NOT to pine after retirement as it’s something I can’t have I,e, would make me less satisfied with my current situation.
Is that just me?

crv1963

lisyloo wrote: »

Does this make it easier of harder.
I’m nearly 51 so at least 4 years off, but I think I find it easier NOT to pine after retirement as it’s something I can’t have I,e, would make me less satisfied with my current situation.
Is that just me?

I don't think that it makes it harder or work less satisfying. I do enjoy most aspects of my work, although when the Bull gets a bit much I do think to myself "only x paydays to go"!

It does help to focus on the saving and spending rates though- I pick up overtime but designate each extra shift for a specific item that we need to purchase as we build up to retirement.

It also helps that I changed from M-F, 9-5 to shifts, so am getting used to 3-4 days off per week.

sheslookinhot

lisyloo wrote: »

Does this make it easier of harder.
I’m nearly 51 so at least 4 years off, but I think I find it easier NOT to pine after retirement as it’s something I can’t have I,e, would make me less satisfied with my current situation.
Is that just me?

Keep an eye on the financials, but you're too young to be counting the years/months or whatever. Concentrate on your work for a few years then suddenly retirement may come into view.
In saying that, I have started counting down from 30 months, now 21 months. 2 Christmas dinners, 2 winters and 1 full calendar year

ex-pat_scot

crv1963 wrote: »

I too am counting down. 32 paydays, 31 after tomorrow!

59 for me. Tick tick tick...
1103 working days....



Let me tell thee all the ways I yearn for thee.

(that's until the "door" opens. Whether I will be ready to step through it or not is another matter entirely).

westv

11 months or so less holidays and weeķends.

shinytop

3 1/2 months:D

merlin321

10 months 27 days, my work mates are well aware of this, as I mention it most days!

Spidernick

lisyloo wrote: »

Does this make it easier of harder.

As someone who has served three-month notice periods twice in my life and which felt so much longer, I would say harder.

I do have a pensions spreadsheet that I update each month or so for anticipated contributions, etc., but other than that I try to put the proposed retirement date out of my mind.