Will the "new normal" and WFH delay your retirement plans?

Farside71

mat1964 said:

WFH has definitely speeded up my plans and I handed in my notice a few weeks ago.  I hardly move from in front of my laptop from 8 until 6 - rather be commuting.  I've put on weight, get more headaches - had enough.

I may still do up to 5 days a month work for my current employer, subject to agreement, but I can spread that out over each month.  We could manage just about with our current savings, but the extra money will be helpful.

Since I quit in October, I've lost half a stone and haven't had a single migraine.  Was getting them at the rate of one a week.  I was literally sitting at the desk from 8 to 6 as well and impossible to stop eating in the house.  I only have a moderately active job now but I can see a number of health benefits already.

sheslookinhot

german_keeper said:

Northern_Tribe said:

 I was going to retire about 12 months ago at the age of 58. Covid put back my plans because there was no point in retiring when I could not go out, meet family and friends or travel. 

I live alone, and WFH has made me realise I might be lonely, especially during the winter months if I retire.  I used to walk to work, so the dread of commuting isn't an issue like it is for some. I don't dislike work, I quite enjoy some aspects, but not all. The fact I could hand in my notice at any time has had reduced my stress level.  I don't care about office politics and the usual jockeying for position. Part-time isn't an option due to a final salary pension. I don't know what to do now, whether to stay or go so I am plodding on.

Why are you thinking that going part time is a problem due to a final salary pension? Usually (and indeed this may be always) your pension will still be calculated on your full time equivalent salary. Being part time just means that you will only get the proportionate part time service added to your full time service.  

My pension is the best three consecutive years from the previous 10 years. Part time working for the last year had no discernible difference. Check out your own scheme, it may not be punitive to go part-time.

Northern_Tribe

Albermarle said:

Northern_Tribe said:

 I was going to retire about 12 months ago at the age of 58. Covid put back my plans because there was no point in retiring when I could not go out, meet family and friends or travel. 

I live alone, and WFH has made me realise I might be lonely, especially during the winter months if I retire.  I used to walk to work, so the dread of commuting isn't an issue like it is for some. I don't dislike work, I quite enjoy some aspects, but not all. The fact I could hand in my notice at any time has had reduced my stress level.  I don't care about office politics and the usual jockeying for position. Part-time isn't an option due to a final salary pension. I don't know what to do now, whether to stay or go so I am plodding on.

Some people on the forum would say that you need to get out more /have more imagination/have more interesting activities/create a better social life etc and not rely on work to fill your day.
.

To be honest, I don't care if some people who know nothing about me and my life say that, but thanks for pointing it out.

Also, thanks to everyone who replied assuming I haven't checked the scheme rules regarding part-time work.

ALARA343

I have worked Part-time now for 16 years and trips to the office, London or further afield were the variety that made the job enjoyable. But now I've had enough of wfh and Teams meetings and shall be handing my notice in once the pandemic recedes and living off savings until I hit the Rule of 85.