Plotting for an early retirement - anyone want to join me?

JoeEngland

I really like this comment: "I am delighted that my skills are now commercially out-of-date". There's definitely no going back when that's the case!

SouthCoastBoy

Another ITer here, approaching 55 but still going strong. Actually got a new job 18 mths ago. I enjoy the mental challenge and also the social aspect of working so anticipate going until at least 60.

A lot of the people I work with are under 30/35 which I really enjoy. I think it is great working with the younger generation.

In my experience the work place has changed tremendously in the last 5 to 10 years. Now able to work at home if needed and also work "dynamically" i.e. not a 9 to 5, do the hours but hours that suit both you and employer. All in all means a lot better and more productive working environment.

fred246

I predicted that by 1985 all the programs that needed writing would have been written and Jobs in IT would be no more.

atush

JoeEngland wrote: »

For my sins I ended up doing Z80 assembler for a few months early in my career, and by then 8 bit was already old hat.

Not really an ITr, but a scientist.

Back in the day i used a terminal to access (via MS dos) an IBM 370 mainframe to process my data.

What took ages then, takes seconds now on my laptop (or even my phone!!) how the world has changed in such a short time.

k6chris

JoeEngland wrote: »

For my sins I ended up doing Z80 assembler for a few months early in my career, and by then 8 bit was already old hat.

Z80, so much better than the 6502. Happy days'!

cfw1994

vulcanrtb wrote: »

It's not all bad, is it? Whilst there are lots of recovering and soon to be recovering IT Pros on here, that tells me that this profession is paid well enough to consider retiring early. Something out of reach of many.

I'm also in IT :rotfl:

LOL! No, indeed: as I said earlier

it has certainly given me an amazing career (travel and ‘networking’ with people I consider good friends), despite the “corporate b*ll**” that is pretty well everywhere now!

I am sure a part of me *will* miss it: I’ve made friends from across the US to Oz and beyond, so whilst a big part of me is more than happy to jump off the treadmill, I will want to keep in touch.....

I suspect that many in IT are perhaps more moderately cynical after a lifetime of promises that often under-deliver: we have lived “the hype cycle” many times over

....but yes, for people interested in dev-ops/AI/ML etc etc, the opportunity is definitely still there to excel and be well paid.
I’ve generally found that the more cynical and ‘jaded’ the team, the more fun it can be....my current one win Gold Medals for that :rotfl:

westv

fred246 wrote: »

I predicted that by 1985 all the programs that needed writing would have been written and Jobs in IT would be no more.

Of course you should have realised the IT industry's ability to sell products that expire once you buy them. :D

Anonymous101

jeepjunkie wrote: »

Definitely, 2-3 days a week working from home as no need to ever set foot in the many DCs 9-5 a thing of the past as long as the required hours are done. All age groups so a great mix and so vast always something to learn. All good!

Sounds like certain industries are moving forward. I'm very much tied to a desk 8-5 (or whatever is required) and unless its a special event not strictly allowed to work from home.


If I were allowed similar freedoms to what you're reporting then I'd think my desire to get away from full time employment wouldn't be quite as keen!

MallyGirl

On the other hand I am a homeworker as the office is a 4.5 hr journey away. I expect to interact with people much more in retirement as I only schlep to the office every 6 weeks or so. I didn't apply there - the niche company I worked for was bought by a big one.
I do talk to the people I work with but not necessarily every day - husband gets home and is talked at for a while each day to get it out of my system!

Anonymous101

MallyGirl wrote: »

On the other hand I am a homeworker as the office is a 4.5 hr journey away. I expect to interact with people much more in retirement as I only schlep to the office every 6 weeks or so. I didn't apply there - the niche company I worked for was bought by a big one.
I do talk to the people I work with but not necessarily every day - husband gets home and is talked at for a while each day to get it out of my system!

I've read various studies which suggest 2-3 days per week working from home are optimal.


I'd think 2 days a week working from home would improve my enjoyment of work immeasurably but I wouldn't want to do it 5 days a week.