Bold leap into retirement

nicknameless

pterri said:

Well I’ve announced it in a team meeting so no turning back now! My last day in the office is 4th may but I can use my entire year leave entitlement and also get a few extra days ‘pre retirement leave’. With the bank holidays my last paid day is 27th may. 

Feels surreal 

Congratulations.  Waiting for the outcome of my VR feels surreal enough.  Not sure how I'll feel if it is confirmed - full on Dali probably!

Had a conversation with the better half this eve about whether she would give notice this Monday coming or wait another month to coincide with my hoped for leaving date.  More extreme surrealism.

Not looking forward to telling staff / colleagues tbh.  Any tips welcome.

pterri

nicknameless said:

pterri said:

Well I’ve announced it in a team meeting so no turning back now! My last day in the office is 4th may but I can use my entire year leave entitlement and also get a few extra days ‘pre retirement leave’. With the bank holidays my last paid day is 27th may. 

Feels surreal 

Congratulations.  Waiting for the outcome of my VR feels surreal enough.  Not sure how I'll feel if it is confirmed - full on Dali probably!

Had a conversation with the better half this eve about whether she would give notice this Monday coming or wait another month to coincide with my hoped for leaving date.  More extreme surrealism.

Not looking forward to telling staff / colleagues tbh.  Any tips welcome.

They were all really pleased for me, I was giving pension tips. (AVCs and open a SIPP to trickle money into when you are lucky enough to have  some kicking around)

Smudgeismydog

I can only echo pterri’s comment. My colleagues were initially a little taken aback, but they were so pleased for me, and I definitely sensed some of them were pondering their own position as a result.

Sarahspangles

In my case people I work with have known for months, most are pleased but I can see it’s thought-provoking for some. With friends and family I’m being more vague. Some around my own age, including a sister, still have three or four years to go, and currently have caring responsibilities where retirement would make a big difference. I don’t feel guilty, I’m just trying to be sensitive.

pterri

Sarahspangles said:

In my case people I work with have known for months, most are pleased but I can see it’s thought-provoking for some. With friends and family I’m being more vague. Some around my own age, including a sister, still have three or four years to go, and currently have caring responsibilities where retirement would make a big difference. I don’t feel guilty, I’m just trying to be sensitive.

I’m being very British and find myself almost apologising for being fortunate. It’s completely my money, no inheritances etc. lucked out on when I bought property and fell into a DB scheme is the main factor. I’m sure the slight guilt will pass! 

nicknameless

Sarahspangles said:

In my case people I work with have known for months, most are pleased but I can see it’s thought-provoking for some. With friends and family I’m being more vague. Some around my own age, including a sister, still have three or four years to go, and currently have caring responsibilities where retirement would make a big difference. I don’t feel guilty, I’m just trying to be sensitive.

I know what you mean re those around you.  I find it difficult to be as sensitive as you seem to be as I see so many of them making the most awful financial decisions and mistakes (in my eyes admittedly).  Those I have told have mainly been positive.  Haven't told my mum (dad died last year) and will pretend I am still working when retired to her lol!  

Caeraugirl

Haven't told my mum (dad died last year) and will pretend I am still working when retired to her lol!  

My brother cut down to two days a few years ago and my mum still thinks he works full time lol! Can see why though - he lives much closer to her than I do and already does a lot for her, but her expectations would increase significantly if she knew he had more free time  .

MayDogsandCoffee

I am smiling at those 'not gonna tell Mum'.  I think I will try and do the same, I do a fair bit and she lives about a mile away, I could see my part time hours being eaten up - my annual leave tends to be.

katejo

nicknameless said:

Sarahspangles said:

In my case people I work with have known for months, most are pleased but I can see it’s thought-provoking for some. With friends and family I’m being more vague. Some around my own age, including a sister, still have three or four years to go, and currently have caring responsibilities where retirement would make a big difference. I don’t feel guilty, I’m just trying to be sensitive.

I know what you mean re those around you.  I find it difficult to be as sensitive as you seem to be as I see so many of them making the most awful financial decisions and mistakes (in my eyes admittedly).  Those I have told have mainly been positive.  Haven't told my mum (dad died last year) and will pretend I am still working when retired to her lol!  

I haven't got my parents to tell now. I did mention retirement briefly when at my brother's for Christmas. No interest shown at all so I didn't tell them any details. 

pterri

One more week down, about five to go. Can. Not. Wait. Finding it surprisingly stressful even though I know I’m out of here soon. Beautiful day out side, I’d love to get on my bike and cycle somewhere….