Semi-retirement, what do I need to do?

[Dynion Araf Uchaf]

ARHarh said:

Have you met anyone who retired early? The ones I know don't sit watching TV all day. I certainly don't. They TV has not been on during the day once in the 5 years I have been retired.

My dad retired in 1995 at the age of 55, after 33 years with one employer. Final salary pension, big pay off all that kind of thing. Spent most of the last 29 years sitting in the armchair in the morning and the sofa in the afternoon, watching This Ole House, Sky sports, or homes under the hammer.

It has not done him any favours.

Still 2028 will see him set a record of having been retired longer than he was at work.

[ChasW]

I had a spell a few years ago while at a loose end and only 30% utilised. As a favour I took a job van driving covering for a friend who was on sick leave. It was supposed to be 5 weeks at two days per week. It ended up at a year! It was great fun and I enjoyed the freedom of being anonymous and meeting new people. I also appreciated the exercise lifting 2000kgs a day. I got quite fit. So the message is - lots of upsides doing something completely different.

[ARHarh]

Dynion Araf Uchaf said:

ARHarh said:

Have you met anyone who retired early? The ones I know don't sit watching TV all day. I certainly don't. They TV has not been on during the day once in the 5 years I have been retired.

My dad retired in 1995 at the age of 55, after 33 years with one employer. Final salary pension, big pay off all that kind of thing. Spent most of the last 29 years sitting in the armchair in the morning and the sofa in the afternoon, watching This Ole House, Sky sports, or homes under the hammer.

It has not done him any favours.

Still 2028 will see him set a record of having been retired longer than he was at work.

His retirement sounds forced on him rather than a choice, there will be a difference.

[nickfrog]

ARHarh said:

Franco5 said:

brownspeed said:

go for it. fill your free time with hobbies or something; NOT daytime tv

This puts me off jacking it in as many people have big ideas for their retirement but end up sat watching brain dead TV all day.

Have you met anyone who retired early? The ones I know don't sit watching TV all day. I certainly don't. They TV has not been on during the day once in the 5 years I have been retired.

Not surprised. In fact the entire point for me was that I was "young" enough to do loads of stuff instead of watching TV. Like playing tennis or cycling most days rather than watch TV because you're too old/fat/tired after working for yet another 10/15 years. Can be harder in winter but that's what cheap winter sun destinations are for.

[soxboy]

My dad retired from the civil service aged 58 in 2005 once his 40 years was up.

He’s kept himself busy doing a whole range of things:

• Charity work (Tall Ships Trust taking disadvantaged kids sailing and once he had to stop that he drives pensioners round in a minibus, who are ironically sometimes younger than him)
• goes walking in the Dales once a week
• gym/ swimming
• pub every Friday early doors for a few and last Wednesday of each month for an all-dayer
• free childcare for us
• spending my inheritance on nice holidays around the world (just back from 3 weeks in Barbados, git)
• TV only comes on for Pointless/ Tipping Point

[Countdown]

GreatGranny said:

Countdown said:

AIUI your Local Authority pension will also be paying out at 65. IIRC the only way you can access it early is Ill Health ER.

Checked it and it pays out at 60.
Is not a huge amount But it all helps and there’s a decent lump sum.

And it's not being actuarially reduced? I have a deferred pension which GMPF (back from the good old days before they made it CARE) and I was sure that it was linked to 65 years old.

[WindyCommon]

I was lucky enough to semi-retire at 45. Didn’t tell my employer until I was 47 though

[Woodrow Wilson]

I left a soul-destryingly boring job and had 6 months before starting another.

I never once turned on the TV. I really enjoyed the time I had, including some temporary work.

If you are the sort of person who cannot fill your time without resorting to watching/consuming, then it is probably better if you just keep on working.

[tozerman]

I did exactly what you are planning on doing.
At 60 I jacked in my high pressure desk based sales job and have ever since (I'm 62 now) been a supermarket delivery driver.
I have a small military pension which kicked in at 60 which helps.
My state pension age is 67!
My private pension is untouched and I am still paying into it.
I do 24 hours a week (sometimes a few more to help out if required) I quite enjoy it tbh. Bad weather doesn't bother me, also it can be hard work which is fine.
My wife still works, we haven no debts, mortgage was paid off over 10 years ago.
I now have time to do diy projects, go for walks/pub, pick the Grandkids up from school etc etc.

Good luck OP

[irc]

Just do it. I have been part time for 13 years. Now early 60s. Used to be 25 -30. Now 22hrs a week. Good rota in that some weeks I work 6days then other weeks am off for 7 days.

Since I went part time I have also had a few long breaks. Cycled across the USA 3 times. A few fly drives.

Typical week though if I am off I'll walk the dogs a few times. Go for a swim or a bike ride. Bike rides usually to a pub for a quiet pint.

This time of year a bit of gardening getting it sorted for the summer.

My part time job - driving -is low stress. Mainly backshifts which I like because I can ride my bike in daylight all year round.

Happy enough with working a few days with pleasant colleagues that I am seriously considering just cutting my hours back slightly more rather than retirement at 67.

[GreatGranny]

irc said:

Just do it. I have been part time for 13 years. Now early 60s. Used to be 25 -30. Now 22hrs a week. Good rota in that some weeks I work 6days then other weeks am off for 7 days.

Since I went part time I have also had a few long breaks. Cycled across the USA 3 times. A few fly drives.

Typical week though if I am off I'll walk the dogs a few times. Go for a swim or a bike ride. Bike rides usually to a pub for a quiet pint.

This time of year a bit of gardening getting it sorted for the summer.

My part time job - driving -is low stress. Mainly backshifts which I like because I can ride my bike in daylight all year round.

Happy enough with working a few days with pleasant colleagues that I am seriously considering just cutting my hours back slightly more rather than retirement at 67.

Thanks irc.

I'm definitely doing it.
Notified work, they plan work months ahead so thought only fair to let them know.
Going end of March 2025.
Will be going away for a 2-3 week holiday with my wife when I leave and will have hopefully sorted a part time job for when I return.

[Steve H]

Good luck OP, I am doing the same at 54. Gave up work and plan to have a nice summer off and then try and get something part time, minimum wage will be fine as well just want something less stressful!

[GreatGranny]

Steve H said:

Good luck OP, I am doing the same at 54. Gave up work and plan to have a nice summer off and then try and get something part time, minimum wage will be fine as well just want something less stressful!

Cheers and good luck to you.

[sugerbear]

Heading towards this kind of thing myself, how easy / difficult it is to get jobs when you are 55+ ?

[GreatGranny]

sugerbear said:

Heading towards this kind of thing myself, how easy / difficult it is to get jobs when you are 55+ ?

I'll find that out in a years time

I know a few 'older' people who drive for Tesco/Ocado etc..
There are a few in our local Homebase, Toolstation etc.

I know someone who owns a company that makes and supplies sandwiches etc. to local Coops, garages etc who said he may be able to employ me for 2-3 days driving a delivery van.

I've seen a few part time jobs with the local Ambulance service cleaning, delivering ambulances and general duties at the Ambulance Station.

[Alickadoo]

GreatGranny said:

Thanks irc.

I'm definitely doing it.
Notified work, they plan work months ahead so thought only fair to let them know.
Going end of March 2025.
Will be going away for a 2-3 week holiday with my wife when I leave and will have hopefully sorted a part time job for when I return.

The world is your lobster.

Pick and choose between jobs, leave when it doesn't suit. Bit of driving, perhaps. I wonder about being a pavement sweeper - I watch them at about 6.30a.m. in the Abbey Road Studios street webcam, it seems to be a wonderful life.

[Kwackersaki]

sugerbear said:

Heading towards this kind of thing myself, how easy / difficult it is to get jobs when you are 55+ ?

Same here. Maybe a couple of months away or less!

There’s a few part time jobs come up around here and fancy a delivery job or a few days in BandQ, Toolstation, etc. Failing that I may just start gardening or odd-jobbing.

[omniflow]

sugerbear said:

Heading towards this kind of thing myself, how easy / difficult it is to get jobs when you are 55+ ?

If you want a minimum wage, zero hours contract then it really is very easy. Zero hours is brilliant, it works both ways.

The only thing you need to make sure you do is update your CV before you start applying. I left the bulk of mine unchanged and just completely re-wrote the introduction stating what I was looking for and why. I applied for one job before I did this and was rejected, so I updated my CV and got the next job I applied for.

If you're looking for a driving job delivering cars / vans then look carefully - the pay structure can vary enormously and personally I would avoid the ones where you're paid by the mile. Sure, the money might not be your main motivation, but it's much more relaxing knowing you're still being paid if you're stuck in traffic or hanging around the depot waiting for the car to be prepped.

[Senex]

I also am semi-retired and I will probably be quitting my job later this year.

I would like an easy part-time job to top up my pension a little, 2 or possibly 3 days per week.

My problems are;

I will be 68 by then (but still fit and healthy).

I have been in the same job for 44 years and I have never written a CV or even know where to start. I have no idea how best to fill in an application or how to give what they are looking for in an interview...I'm guessing just be myself and use common sense.

I have no idea where one would find a job in Aldi, Screwfix, B&Q etc, where do you think would be the best place to work?

I would prefer no driving and no security work.

[GreatGranny]

Hi Senex, age shouldn't be a barrier and your age will never be asked for (but can be deduced by your CV).
Most places you mention especially Homebase, B&Q like having more mature staff with some real world experience.
Also helps if you are a seasoned DIYer. Customers tend to trust older people, they relax more and don't feel embarrassed asking basic questions.

If you go on the companies websites there will be a Jobs page.

There's lots of help on t'internet re. CVs.

Simple 1 pager will be ok for most part time work.

Explain you are retiring after 44 years and wish to still be of use and a part time position would be ideal.
They want people who are punctual, reliable, learn quickly and are good with customer facing.