Bold leap into retirement

Smudgeismydog

Honestly, I think the thought of it is worse

I was really nervous beforehand, and also almost held my breath for the moment to say it to my boss. Then once it was out in the open, and we talked it through, there was a huge sense of relief

chuffinnora

I only had to give 1 months notice also, but ended up giving 4.5 months last November. End date of 31st March.

Initially I did find it quite uncomfortable sending that initial notice email, its kind of feels wrong giving up a very well paid job, a workplace where I have a lot of support and respect. But after a few days it felt like relief and the start of looking forward to our next phase of life. Quite liberating actually.

My 2nd level boss was gutted, but we've known each other for 12 years. She always hugs me when I attend the office (which is not often as its 150 miles away). My 1st level line manager didn't even bother speaking to me for 2 weeks, and even then it was a chance paths crossing in the office. Since then he has been somewhat off, delaying approving leave, not signing off expenses and even didn't bother getting back to me when I aksed about some time off for a family funeral. Needless to say thats one person I wont bother with again.

Since I've announced my leaving date, coincidently 3 other friends have given the same leaving date (ages 57-67). That period (end of tax year) must be a popular choice for various reasons.

katejo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81880717#Comment_81880717

I would find that attitude from a line manager really hard to deal with. Luckily mine knows I am planning things. I may have my final appraisal with her next week.

GenX0212

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81880387#Comment_81880387

Not really, sleep in, maybe a cheeky couple of days away, family holiday already booked for end of June. Mrs GenX retired in December and she's already done a pretty decent job at booking us up with holidays 😂. Longer term probably join a Gym, 40 years behind a desk so need to stretch my body a bit, maybe a bit of volunteer driving in the future but no rush with anything.

GenX0212

Strange isnt it? You know you are going, you're not likely to change your mind but there is still that hesitation. I'm sure I will feel much different when I'm back at work next week.

cfw1994

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81880793#Comment_81880793

We went to a comedy show with Seann Walsh last year.
He started by thanking the audience for coming…then corrected it, to thanking HALF the audience…because in every couple there is one who is the booker of events 🤣

We are now almost 5 years in, still loving it. Off later for beers with a pal who was laid off at Christmas - his delayed leaving drinks. Look forward to a catch-up, but won’t be envious, even of those with an expense account 🤣

Currently booking up an almost 3 month trip, Oct to Dec, Down Under (& back via Canada to make it a RTW trip 💪).
Big trip, BIG expense - we decided to splurge some of the kids inheritance on flat bed for the main 3 flights, so that will feel special 🫣. Relatives (& friends) to share time with along the way, should help keep the costs in between flights a bit lower. Still LOTS to sort 🙏

Well done to those who are joining Team Unemployable 😎

pterri

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81880717#Comment_81880717

be mr sensible I also kept asking myself why I was giving up a decent paid job at 57, I found myself explaining the reasons and reasur8ng everyone that I’d done the sums whether or not t(why wanted the information! In addition I thought that I’d really be leaving people in the lurch but guess what? People adjust and organisations find a solution. If you’re working for a very small organisation where you are the entire design department or something then generally you’ll be a footnote in six months time. Some would find that depressing, I’ve not looked back.

YellowCarBlueCar

So much of the last page or so resonates with me.

I've posted my plan to leave at the end of June on this thread, in part to make myself accountable to get on with it.

I only have to give three months notice, but a lot of my work involves long-term strategic decisions, and the projects I'm most involved with will be delivering around the time that I plan to leave (or just after), so I'm feeling that I really need to say something about now.

It's the paradox that I don't want to be side-lined now, but don't want to land the rest of my team in the mire by keeping quite.

I'm sure I'll look back on this in a year with a different perspective, but finding it hard to pluck up the courage to have the conversation at the moment.

pterri

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81881223#Comment_81881223

I think you’ll find that most people are pleased for you and ask for tips on how to duck out early! But yes, no one wants to leave others in the poo. For my organisation, it was just difficult to find a body who could slip in early so I could handover early. Filed under ‘their problem’, worked out fine in the end

katejo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81881223#Comment_81881223

I know exactly how you are feeling! I am not tied up in too many things and have already written notes on some of my tasks to hand over. It was tedious doing that. I am not working today. This morning was fine as I had a specific thing to get done. Now it is raining hard and I am at a slightly loose end. That makes me ask questions about whether I am doing the right thing. However I was bored at work yesterday and looking forward to 4 days free..