Bold leap into retirement

HUSKYPAL

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82104938#Comment_82104938

They would likely give the responsibilities to a current employee that's currently underworked!

HUSKYPAL

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82104990#Comment_82104990

Thanks - I'm in a similar position where they don't want me to go, so I'll be clear about expectations and see what they say. If they are reluctant to cover the days I'm not in, I'll likely just call it a day. I have no intention of doing 100% of the work for 60% of the pay!

HUSKYPAL

Thanks - I take your point @Smudgeismydog about not being able to switch off, but my role is not that stressful (most of the time), there are times when it is, but generally it's not bad. I don't have the Sunday evening feeling in a bad way, just a general niggle that I'd much rather be doing something else. But, given the timings, I think i'll set some ground rules and see if they play ball. If not I'll jump off the cliff!

If they do, I guess no harm in trying and would be a useful bridge to the summer if it turns out to be too stressful or badly managed.

mrklaw

I’d be tempted to do an experiment although I may not like the outcome. Once I hit my date I might ask for eg 3 days a week to provide oversight or mentorship for other teams/projects. I think I have value enough for that, and there are roles that are ‘fractional’ in terms of how they’re billed so that could work financially for them too - but they could also turn around and go ‘nah we can replace you no bother’ :D

saucer

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82101285#Comment_82101285

Sorry about the late reply, and thank you for asking. I’m very excited. Sadly it’s all a bit messy at work, especially with my manager, and I will be glad to see the back of it all. Some strange mixed feelings though, which I’m sure is normal.

saucer

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82104708#Comment_82104708

I agree, and probably the same amount of work with that side order of anxiety, and less pay. No thanks.

chuffinnora

I considered a part-time option down to 3 days. When sounding out the mgmt team it wasn't a very favourable response. Whilst we had a good relationship, I did state it would likely be a 3 day week or nothing once I'd made the decision to wind down, so the ball was in their court.

They advised me that no replacement would be taken on. The guy who was positioned to pick up the slack and eventually take over my duties was somewhat of a shirker with very slopy shoulders. Given all this I'd come to the conclusion the business would expect me to keep the same responsibility and deliver the same projects. They would just get away with paying less, and expecting me to deal with it by dropping a bit of planning and research time.

Decision made, handed my notice in the next week. I gave them 4.5 months notice even though only needed to give 1 month. Nothing changed in those 4.5 months and they didn't even tell most customers until the last 2 weeks.

Best choice I ever made, left in March. Don't regret it one bit and well into the "can't believe I ever found time to work"….😂

HUSKYPAL

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82108215#Comment_82108215

I've been thinking about it almost constantly since I had the discussion and keep wavering between just going completely and trying the 3 days option. I know if it gets busy I will have to hand hold the days I'm not working, and just not sure I can be bothered any more. I'll give it some more thought! Glad it's working out for you.

SouthCoastBoy

For me it's all or nothing, if i went part time i would be thinking about work on my days off and it would also get in the way of spontaneous decisions. For me part time would never work.

Also I don't understand volunteering, if you're going to work at least get paid.

Smudgeismydog

I’m with you on the part-time working, but have to disagree on the volunteering. It does not feel like work, more of a social get together, and meeting new people. Perhaps that is based on the type of volunteering I do (outside projects with a landscape team), it’s a different activity once a month, you are under no obligation to attend each one, and they always provide tea and cake. They also arrange a summer and Christmas social event to say thanks, with lunch provided.