Bold leap into retirement

BridgetTheCat

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

Hi @KintsugiWhippet I’m also single although it’s been longer for me - over 20 years - and it was my choice. It’s just me and the cat, the eponymous Bridget. I’ve worked full time since I was 18 but in 5 weeks time I will be ‘semi-retired’ working 3 days a week, with the intention of retiring fully in the next couple of years. (Incidentally, why do women tend to ‘go part-time’, while men ‘semi-retire’?)

My journey started when I began to imagine what I would do with my life if I didn’t have to earn a living. I thought about my weekend routine and all the things I’d like to do more of but don’t have the time or energy. So here are my goals for a happily single retirement:

1. spend more time with the parents while they’re still alive. They’re mid-80s now and won’t be around for ever. Ditto some of my older friends.

2. Art. I took a drawing course a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I’d like to devote a day a week to drawing and learn more about art history.

3. Crafts. I knit, crochet and sew, and I have a gang of friends who do the same. We meet every Friday for a Knit and Natter.

4. Family history. I’ve traced a lot of my ancestry and accidentally become keeper of the family photos. I’d like to spend some time putting all my information into a coherent form and placing it in a wider historical context.

5. History generally. After a lifetime in STEM I’ve become fascinated by the Reformation and want to study that period further. Our narrative tends to be dominated by Henry 8 and Anne Boleyn but I want to go deeper and wider than that.

6. I’m mostly done with overseas travel and holidays - I did some big expeditions in my 30s - but I’d like to see more of the uk and Ireland. Tying in with the art and historical angles, I plan to go somewhere new about once a month.

So, what would you do if you didn’t have to earn a living? Have fun finding out!

Sarahspangles

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81381053#Comment_81381053

I've just caught up after a break and it's good to see some more people pushing the button!

It's almost a year since I [probably] retired - here's what happened next.

I gave myself the 'School Summer Holiday' experience first - you wake up, it's always sunny and you don't even own a diary to write commitments in, because you're a kid. That lasted about 10 weeks and it was indeed sunny every day. The sense of relief from laying down my burdens was incredible, by the end of May I was sleeping an extra hour every night.

The first reality check was just how unfit I was after all that sitting at a desk staring at a laptop. My back hurt the most, but I could still do yoga which turned out to be the gateway to several other PE classes a week. At the beginning of Autumn, I took everything that still hurt off to a physio. There's still scope for improvement but I'm a healthy weight (forty-plus pounds lighter) and actually enjoying classes, including the social side.

The second surprise was that my desire to go on holiday evaporated. I'd been using holidays as a way to escape pressure, and the pressure has gone. We have days out, we go to concerts and sketch meet ups with friends every couple of weeks, but it's only now that I'm starting to think 'I'd like to explore…' My other half has done several short solo cycling trips so he's not missed out.

I feel that - now it's stopped raining - this is going to be my first real year of retirement. Specifically, I'd 'parked' some grief from losing my dad in late 2023 and that took time to process. Plus, I needed a clean break after decades of running projects. I'm only now feeling ready for more 'structure' and some home projects, as well as booking a holiday.

Financially, it was a good year despite all the shenanigans over the pond. I think my net worth has actually increased, even though I'm reliant on my SIPP for income until I turn 60 in a couple of years, when my DBs start. I had Year 1 covered in money market funds, but part way through the year I converted some higher risk funds to cash and drew those this week to make sure I used my personal allowance. So the money market funds are now earmarked for Year 2. Also this week, I finally received my tax rebate for 2024/25, which had got stuck somewhere.

The only worry I currently have is high cholesterol. I recently asked my GP if I could have a retest, all smug about being a healthy weight and genuinely fit for once, but lifestyle changes had made no difference whatsoever. So I've been referred for tests. If it turns out to be an undiagnosed inherited condition, that is at least treatable. In which case, retiring may just have saved my life…

finbaar

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81912544#Comment_81912544

Hi Sarah spangles, I enjoyed reading your post - until the last paragraph. By all means have all the tests you are offered, knowledge is always helpful! Can I suggest getting a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scan as well if you are not offended it? It tells you if you actually have any significant blockages in the blood flow to your heart - something you can't get from any other test. I couldn't get it from the NHS so I paid about £300 to go private. I tookhave high total cholesterol, but it's combined with high HDL and low triglycerides. I "assumed" that this would be ok, but actually finding out was reassuring.

Sarahspangles

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81912621#Comment_81912621

That’s really useful to know about, thanks.

katejo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81912544#Comment_81912544

I read a comment from someone else who lost all interest in travel on retirement. I am really hoping that this won't happen. I have just given notice and retire from work at the end of April. I have one trip booked in May. I don't know whether I will have that 'summer holiday feeling' but suspect I will. One of my plans is to do more keep fit/walking. I have already started this with a gym membership which I took out at New Year. I hope you get the cholesterol thing sorted. I also take statins for high cholesterol.

bjorn_toby_wilde

We try to fit in at least one 5-10 mile walk a week. The last month or so of wet weather has put a spoke in the wheel but usually it’s just great to get out in the fresh air, especially if there’s a pint and a sandwich planned in. I have an OS maps subscription and I use the app to find walks within an hour’s travel if home. That’s well worth considering.

The holidays were a bit quiet for our first year of retirement although we did a few European city breaks. Recently though we’ve been ticking off some of the bucket list… Japan, Canada, NZ and I think I’ve got the travel bug properly now 😁

I do struggle with gyms. I’d rather be outside even if the weather’s bad. Yoga might be a good idea though. I tried it but my local class folded not long after I started. Must take another look at that.

katejo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81912718#Comment_81912718

Yes I'd rather be outside too. I am trying to increase my weekly step count. I did a 10 mile muddy walk last weekend and have over 10000 steps today and yesterday. When I get my DB pension in May, I want to use some of the lump sum to go on a few more far flung trips. Most of my travel so far has been in Europe.

MallyGirl

My OH hasn't retired yet so the travel option isn't yet there. We do have a safari to look forward to in the summer but the rest is just music festivals and daughter's graduation/move out weekend. I have focused on my health and fitness since the weather meant the garden was not appealing. I am down a stone and will be running a half marathon this month. I do a lot of Pilates as recommended by a physio but have also added a weights based class as there is a family history of osteoporosis. Once OH does stop, now tied to daughter getting a job, there will be lots more walking in nice places

bjorn_toby_wilde

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81912905#Comment_81912905

Walking’s great for both your mental and physical health isn’t it? If I get out walking, even on a wet day, I feel so much better.

I have a hankering to walk in the Pyrenees. I’ve seen some holidays advertised which use small hotels and guesthouses. They move your luggage on and you carry a day pack.

I did the Snowdonia Slate Trail last year with number two son but we carried all of our kit. My wife could do the walking and would love it but she wouldn’t want to be carrying a 13kg pack!

WillowLeaf

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81912621#Comment_81912621

A CT Coronary Angiogram is a level above a CAC score. The CAC score tells you how much calcium you have, not how much blockage. It's the same test in the same machine except they inject some dye. All quick and painless.

EDIT: the CAC score can tell if you have calcified blockage. It won't show non-calcified soft plaque blockage