Motivation and Inspiration pre-retirement

Savvy_Sue

LateStarter said:

More reasons I'm fed up with work:  last week while on holiday, a colleague messaged me about a problem. I replied "Oh talk to Dave about that, he can probably help". Back at work this week, problem still there.
- Did you speak to Dave?
- No.

My response was a less polite version of "why, oh why, did you bother to ask me?"

At a recent charity trustee meeting, we were discussing "succession planning" and the need for an "If I fall under a bus ..." file in every role.

I had that file, on my desk, and used it plenty of times myself for infrequent tasks. I never did fall under a bus, but I did fall over a recycling bin, comprehensively broke my shoulder, and got signed off for 10 weeks. 

I reminded people of the existence of that file - "it's purple, it's on the shelf above my desk, you can't miss it."

I'm not sure anyone looked at it. A new manager started while I was still off sick, and was really pleased to see me, because so many questions were answered with "Oh SS knows about that, she'll explain it." 

It was somewhat frustrating ... 

midinoon

LateStarter said:

More reasons I'm fed up with work:  last week while on holiday, a colleague messaged me about a problem. I replied "Oh talk to Dave about that, he can probably help". Back at work this week, problem still there.
- Did you speak to Dave?
- No.

My response was a less polite version of "why, oh why, did you bother to ask me?"

I can relate to this.

Working in a small business, for me, there's no "Dave" to refer people to for most things so it's phone off, and out of office message on, for me during holidays.

I used to check emails whilst away but, invariably, a lot couldn't of enquiries/questions couldn't wait (in the customers eyes).

Eventually I decided it's best not to be tempted and, if potential business is lost due to me being away then so be it.

Murphybear

Sometimes it’s fate that interferes.  When I was in my late 50s I became ill and spent a month in hospital. 🥲. When I was discharged I was told by the hospital to rest for a few months before working.  I was put on ESA and the DWP (bless them) told me they would keep me on ESA until I retired.  When I reached state pension age the DWP automatically changed me from ESA to SP, I didn’t have to do anything.  I had 2 small works pensions and managed quite well.  

Fate interfered again.  Due to some long term issues I claimed and was awarded Attendance Allowance and then was eligible for Pension Credit which I wasn’t before as my income was too high.

So I am comfortably off financially but would rather be poorer and 100% fit and well.  😢

Phossy

LateStarter said:

Well, I'll be 60 in a couple of months, and my spreadsheets and projections say I should be able to retire at 62. Since I mentally set my self up to do this, I find I'm totally not motivated at work - I get my "hard" deadline projects done on time, but I just dawdle on others. I dread going to work, and the days drag - I like my immediate team, but I feel no loyalty to the company (the management changed a few years ago, and despite the early promises, it's all about the "metrics"). I've even got a countdown spreadsheet with "number of working days left" ticking down. 

Any advice from others on how to handle this? How to keep some interest in work, when your heart isn't there any more?

I don't know if this really answers your question, but it seems like you've lost your sense of purpose. Perhaps sitting down and giving time to really think about  what is it that you enjoy about your work/ what you did enjoy about your work/ what would make work more enjoyable would be a fair starting point. Another way is to reflect at the end of each day on what brought you joy/ purpose or just made you feel at ease and then note it down. Over a period you may see a trend - being close to certain people (or being isolated from certain people), specific tasks etc. Direct your efforts and your days days towards them. Dump the countdown ticker. If you can't find purpose by making changes at work, then perhaps you need to make a bigger change.

LateStarter

Phossy said:

I don't know if this really answers your question, but it seems like you've lost your sense of purpose. Perhaps sitting down and giving time to really think about  what is it that you enjoy about your work/ what you did enjoy about your work/ what would make work more enjoyable would be a fair starting point. Another way is to reflect at the end of each day on what brought you joy/ purpose or just made you feel at ease and then note it down. Over a period you may see a trend - being close to certain people (or being isolated from certain people), specific tasks etc. Direct your efforts and your days days towards them. Dump the countdown ticker. If you can't find purpose by making changes at work, then perhaps you need to make a bigger change.

Thank you for taking the time for a very considered response. You're very right about the sense of purpose - in some ways I blame Covid and my senior management; the way the company's been run since just doesn't inspire me or give me purpose. The rest is on me, for not seeing what was happening -  it's obvious the countdown has been going since then, even though I've only recently recognised it. 

I see your point about finding the small things which bring joy; and I'll definitely strive to do that more. I've recently had the thought "What if you had 2 years to make this place great; what would you do?" Maybe it's time to challenge myself more.

another_day_closer

First of all I promised that my first forum post would be a sincere thank you to all of the regular contributors across the savings and pension boards over the past few years who have steered my planning and ultimately now being in a position to contribute to a retirement discussion. The numbers as they stand are looking like they will support a 2026 work end date (at 60) and now attention turns to what could be the final 9-12 months - so much on this thread resonates with me and echoes many of the thoughts going through my head. 

I could have written the OP from @LateStarter and as the numbers half of the decision is looking ok, the employment exit strategy now is the key focus. 

After talking to contacts in the sector I am in I've pretty much elimated any possibility of reduced working hours as it would simply mean same volume of work and demands with a reduced pay, so a full time to full stop will need to happen over the next 9-12 months and during that time motivation and inspiration pre-retirement will become an important focus. 

On my side the plan appears clear, as work is on an annual cycle and project based I am fully committed to the next 3 months when I will then be within the window of discussig the exit, Ideally a 3 month window for replacement recruitment and then a 3 month transition handover that should serve the organisation well. This is where I get the 9-12 months from and that could be flexible, shorter or longer. 

What I need to happen is for the employer to be on the same page with this, that is not guaranteed as I believe the notice of retirement will come as a surprise and there is a chance that there may be some - and I've toyed with what word is most appropriate to add next - resentment. 

I am actually looking forward to the handover project as there is a lot of knowledge to share and if the plan works it should be a decent year and I salute the comments above about making it the best you can for the successor. 

If the employer doesn't see it my way then rather than looking forward to the year ahead I will be looking for motivation and inspiration instead.

midinoon

another_day_closer said:

First of all I promised that my first forum post would be a sincere thank you to all of the regular contributors across the savings and pension boards over the past few years who have steered my planning and ultimately now being in a position to contribute to a retirement discussion. The numbers as they stand are looking like they will support a 2026 work end date (at 60) and now attention turns to what could be the final 9-12 months - so much on this thread resonates with me and echoes many of the thoughts going through my head. 

I could have written the OP from @LateStarter and as the numbers half of the decision is looking ok, the employment exit strategy now is the key focus. 

After talking to contacts in the sector I am in I've pretty much elimated any possibility of reduced working hours as it would simply mean same volume of work and demands with a reduced pay, so a full time to full stop will need to happen over the next 9-12 months and during that time motivation and inspiration pre-retirement will become an important focus. 

On my side the plan appears clear, as work is on an annual cycle and project based I am fully committed to the next 3 months when I will then be within the window of discussig the exit, Ideally a 3 month window for replacement recruitment and then a 3 month transition handover that should serve the organisation well. This is where I get the 9-12 months from and that could be flexible, shorter or longer. 

What I need to happen is for the employer to be on the same page with this, that is not guaranteed as I believe the notice of retirement will come as a surprise and there is a chance that there may be some - and I've toyed with what word is most appropriate to add next - resentment. 

I am actually looking forward to the handover project as there is a lot of knowledge to share and if the plan works it should be a decent year and I salute the comments above about making it the best you can for the successor. 

If the employer doesn't see it my way then rather than looking forward to the year ahead I will be looking for motivation and inspiration instead.

That sounds like a very clear and well-thought-out plan.

The biggest variable seems to be the employer's reaction although to me, having seen businesses being left in the lurch via a surprise resignation, it's the sort of 'smooth' departure most business would be very grateful for.

It would be interesting to hear about their reaction when you get that far, all the best with it.