Bold leap into retirement

katejo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81889295#Comment_81889295

I am also single and so a bit nervous about retirement but I do already do solo group holidays/short completely solo trips and have plans to try new voluntary work ideas. I currently work in a postgrad legal research library so know a bit about working for the legal profession!

Julezy101

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81889074#Comment_81889074

Amazingly years ago our boss used to give everyone in the unit a day off for Christmas shopping - that would not happen now!

barnstar2077

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81889295#Comment_81889295

Do you have a U3A group in your area? Might help you to find some people in a similar position.

HedgehogRulez

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81889391#Comment_81889391

We get Christmas Eve off as well as your birthday in addition to normal holiday

MallyGirl

we used to get Christmas Eve afternoon off but it cost a whole day's holiday if you took the day off. The last few years we also got a duvet day off over the Christmas period since there was so little going on.

LHW99

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81889403#Comment_81889403

There will also probably be some local groups too - often advertised in local supermarkets or leisure centres. For example our village has bowls club, fitness walks, knitting, model railway (!) and others.

Then there is gardening and reading which can easily take up hours - most county libraries offer access to books and magazines online (free), as well as the library card.

Also plenty of charities would snap up someone with your skills prepared to dedicate a few hours a week to hep them.

Don't feel scared. Give yourself time to relax, and then see what takes your fancy and try some out. You don't have to continue if it isn't your thing in the end - just move on

ClashCityRocker1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81889295#Comment_81889295

I think it is something you will have to work out for yourself although part of that is definitely seeking advice!

two things I have found useful - one, adjusted my thinking to assume that everything will be ok. Second, ask yourself "what would I do if I were intrepid?" - usually the answer to that is the right answer as it is fear stops us doing what we should be doing.

Easy to say though I know. I think you'll find people and things to occupy yourself!

katejo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81889391#Comment_81889391

Actually I have a vague recollection of getting that. It had completely slipped my mind

katejo

My place is always closed by Christmas Eve (usually from the 23rd) and doesn't open again until about Jan 2nd or 3rd so I have always had that week off.

german_keeper

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81888945#Comment_81888945

My mate did exactly the same thing a couple of years ago. Better to "retire" rather than "resign" because you qualify for a retirement gift up to the value of £xx.

I retired nearly 4 years ago and it was £75. I got a lawnmower as a thank you for my 40 years service. I think it might be higher now, £100 rings a bell for my mate last year. That's HMRC, other Depts may be different.

Edit to add there may be a service requirement, possibly 30 years.