Bold leap into retirement

katejo

MallyGirl said:

Smudgeismydog said:

I’m not going to pursue or get drawn into the negativity that I initially felt on hearing the bonus announcements, but instead keep my conscience clear and just complete all outstanding work to the best of my ability, then leave with my head held high!

I am sure this is exactly what you are retiring away from. All that BS. I had been told for the last few years that I am 'right at the top of the pay band' which limits pay rises. After a discussion about a change of job title with my latest line manager he asked HR and it turns out that was a complete lie and there is plenty of headroom. Just one more nail in that coffin. 

Congratulations on your imminent escape

I have been top of my pay band for years. When I was on the lower band, we got the discretionary points at the top but, on my current band these were blocked (other than for exceptional performance).

Smudgeismydog

Kniphofia7 said:

My replacement was put in post in January after I'd told my manager last June that I'd be retiring in March.  They only offered her a fixed term contract for 12 months, so after spending 4 weeks training her she left for a permanent job.  So now the team will have no-one to replace me for a few weeks until another person can start.  My last working day tomorrow.

How exciting @Kniphofia7, how are you feeling?

handful

Kniphofia7 said:

My replacement was put in post in January after I'd told my manager last June that I'd be retiring in March.  They only offered her a fixed term contract for 12 months, so after spending 4 weeks training her she left for a permanent job.  So now the team will have no-one to replace me for a few weeks until another person can start.  My last working day tomorrow.

I've got 2 more days! I received a call out of the blue today from an old colleague offering me a job, 2 days a week. I politely declined without a second thought. This told me everything I need to know about whether I think I'm mentally prepared for retirement!

Good luck for tomorrow and don't look back when you leave.

Smudgeismydog

@handful, of course, you said you were finishing end of March, it sounds like you are ready
I’m so pleased for you

Keep posting and let us know how it all pans out for you 

Sarahspangles

I may still have a year to go but I think yesterday was the last Monday I will work, as I’m dropping to four days now.

captain_jep

@handful congratulations for nearly being there! Had my own leaving lunch today and once I’d handed in my laptop that was that! I don’t feel any different lol … only expecting it to kick in once I come back from being away at Easter!

@Smudgeismydog I will probably do an intro post at some point. But a lot of our NW is tied up in property. We are trying to sell at the moment so I don’t want to assume anything until contracts are exchanged! 

I’m also pretty certain that this is the last job in my career that I’m retiring from. Now been WFH for 4 years. So if I do go back to work I would only want a job that was customer facing. I am SO looking forward to not doing any more Teams chats with passive aggressive colleagues..

HudsonBay

Just finished reading this thread.  Its brilliant, thanks so much for sharing.  We are planning on retiring at Christmas '25 so a little while to go but I can't wait to follow in your footsteps!   I am still at the stage of switching between being excited and a little terrified that something is going to knock our plans off course.

Workerbee999

HudsonBay said:

Just finished reading this thread.  It’s brilliant, thanks so much for sharing.  We are planning on retiring at Christmas '25 so a little while to go but I can't wait to follow in your footsteps!   I am still at the stage of switching between being excited and a little terrified that something is going to knock our plans off course.

Me too! end of 2025 @ 55 OH going mid May this year @ 54. We’ve been following “the plan” to get to this point for years. We are thanking our younger selves  - and this forum - for being in this fortunate position 

poseidon1

Kniphofia7 said:

My replacement was put in post in January after I'd told my manager last June that I'd be retiring in March.  They only offered her a fixed term contract for 12 months, so after spending 4 weeks training her she left for a permanent job.  So now the team will have no-one to replace me for a few weeks until another person can start.  My last working day tomorrow.

I recall as head of my department I gave 6 months notice of departure. There seemed no attempt to find replacement ( i would have needed to interview candidates to determine suitable/relevant expertise). In the last 2 weeks I asked why there had be no attempt to find a replacement - transpired they did not believe I was really going! Left with no head of dept in situ.

Vespaboy

Ok so…… just given my notice in - 6 months needed but we will see what happens so end of September which gives me a new tax year to hopefully stuff money into the SIPP. Mrs VB also finishing same time

it was a hard but a needed decision as really need to stop and move on with the next stage of my life. I am coming up to 60 so not quite the “early” bit but feels right to do. I think you know in your heart when to go 

I may look at something but not full time and not necessarily in the same field as present but something for me and on my terms. Who knows? Just playing it a bit by ear as I may get bored later on or want to have some mental stimulation, main point is it will be for me ,not just chasing the money

I am not sure how I feel yet but decision made so no going back, it is a weight off my shoulders that is for certain