Enjoying Retirement
Discussion
Seventyseven7 said:
Anyone here retired relatively young, as in late 30’s to early 40’s? What’s your experience been like, how have you filled the time without working?
47Initially filled the time super easily by catching up on diy and gardens etc. Got a drop bored so went and did an MOT course for motorcycle testing only. Now I do just two days a week locally (1/2 mile) away and it’s happily filled the void. So far it was the best move I ever made.
Seventyseven7 said:
Anyone here retired relatively young, as in late 30’s to early 40’s? What’s your experience been like, how have you filled the time without working?
48 so a little older.. that was nine years ago now and have never looked back. Cycling up until recently, golf, travelling, walking the dog, DIY, pottering around the garden, looking after my old mum, working on my daughters flat .Working on the cars (constantly), researching lots of holidays, following my local football team around the country, visiting National Trust properties, pub lunches. I thought I'd do a lot more reading but haven't, likewise I rarely watch TV. I like to at least achieve something each day no matter how small. DT1975 said:
I was dragged along to a shopping centre the other day :-( we had a lovely pub lunch on the way home however so its possible to turn a bad situation into something half decent.
Well, we are likely to have dinner there this evening assuming there's somewhere reasonable still operating post Covid.R.
Had a brilliant week; picked up our 'new' car on Tuesday: We decided to go down to one car after my work one went back, but needed more than 2 seats that my wife's SLK had. We had set aside money for this, though it still made me wince a bit spending it. However, we now have a very similar car to the one I used to drive for work. OK it's a little older (2016) but half the mileage (30k) and it's petrol. Plus of course it's ours. C Class C200 auto in AMG Line spec.
Consequently I've spent the last few days giving it a major clean and DA polish, though the irony of me finishing work and then spending time polishing a similar car isn't lost on me.
Had a band rehearsal one night this week (can't remember what day
) and last night we went to a local 'jam night' and played with the house band. First public outing of my Rickenbacker guitar that I'd bought just after my Dad died: He loved red and this guitar came up for sale..he would have loved it I'm sure.
I also got my wife's garden room floor finished on Monday, so that job is almost ticked off, bar some skirting I'll have to fit. She's already moved her art stuff inside, so she's been happy using the room for it's intended purpose. We may sit in there and have a G&T or two this weekend too.
A bit of gardening too, so the outside is looking a bit tidier too:
Looked after the Grandkids for an hour or so one afternoon while their Mum went to the dentist too, which was a nice change as I'd have been at work typically and missed the visit.
After seeing my new car and hearing of the jobs I've done/plan to do a friend of mine has asked if I'll do a couple of jobs on his car for him, so that'll be a few handy beer tokens/payment in Gin. Another friend has asked me to look at a second guitar for him when I finish the current one and he has friends that also need work doing; I'm risking not being 'properly retired' but it's on my terms and the guitar stuff in particular is fitted in whenever I feel like (usually wet days).
I think we're off out tonight to watch a band play; I've got all afternoon to get ready for it.
Thank heavens it's Friday.
Consequently I've spent the last few days giving it a major clean and DA polish, though the irony of me finishing work and then spending time polishing a similar car isn't lost on me.
Had a band rehearsal one night this week (can't remember what day
) and last night we went to a local 'jam night' and played with the house band. First public outing of my Rickenbacker guitar that I'd bought just after my Dad died: He loved red and this guitar came up for sale..he would have loved it I'm sure.I also got my wife's garden room floor finished on Monday, so that job is almost ticked off, bar some skirting I'll have to fit. She's already moved her art stuff inside, so she's been happy using the room for it's intended purpose. We may sit in there and have a G&T or two this weekend too.
A bit of gardening too, so the outside is looking a bit tidier too:
Looked after the Grandkids for an hour or so one afternoon while their Mum went to the dentist too, which was a nice change as I'd have been at work typically and missed the visit.
After seeing my new car and hearing of the jobs I've done/plan to do a friend of mine has asked if I'll do a couple of jobs on his car for him, so that'll be a few handy beer tokens/payment in Gin. Another friend has asked me to look at a second guitar for him when I finish the current one and he has friends that also need work doing; I'm risking not being 'properly retired' but it's on my terms and the guitar stuff in particular is fitted in whenever I feel like (usually wet days).
I think we're off out tonight to watch a band play; I've got all afternoon to get ready for it.
Thank heavens it's Friday.
Seventyseven7 said:
Anyone here retired relatively young, as in late 30’s to early 40’s? What’s your experience been like, how have you filled the time without working?
I took voluntary redundancy from a full time job aged 40, started a business and worked a few days each month after that 'till I retired altogether at 55. I could have carried on but we downsized and moved away from my client base and I CBA with the hassle of travel to get back to them. Filled a fair chunk of my time with a drawn out renovation of our last house, some voluntary work with a Yoof charity, holidays and messing about with boats and when the grandkids came along we looked after them most days until they started nursery and school.
Now they're both full time at school every day is a Sunday.
Just came across this thread and thought I'd contribute.
We technically retired at the end of Jan 2020 and went on a long trip to the Caribbean and Florida to celebrate only to get back in to the UK a week before the first lockdown. In some ways it feels like we lost the last 2 years as most of our plans, mainly travel, went out the window.
However we took a step back and decided to replace a 20 year old conservatory with a more permanent solution which was completed late last year (before and after pics below). We have also managed a few trips away in between lockdowns and we've got a few more planned already this year and next. On the positive side the enforced break has allowed us to revisit some of our original plans and reprioritise.
I always thought I might go back to work if I got bored and was offered a opportunity with one of the big 4 early last year which I took but after a couple of months I couldn't stand all the politics and arguments between competing internal factions so called it a day and embraced retirement full time. If money ever gets tight I'll go back again but otherwise I know that's it.
Like many, our finances have and continue to be on a bit of a rollercoaster as well but fortunately we're debt free and more than 50% of our income is fairly secure which more than pays all our bills and day to day expenses. On the less secure part I've learnt to look at the balance infrequently and just get on with life whilst we're fit and able too. Hopefully we'll also be at a point in our lives where we're incapable of doing much if and when that pot runs out.
We've also adjusted fairly quickly to the slower lane. Having 2 dogs means we have to get up to take them out every morning but enjoy the exercise especially as we've got fields and woodland just over the road. When it comes to keeping busy, things like cutting the grass and house maintenance are done as and when we feel like it, for example this week I've been pretty busy with all sorts of jobs around the house but today I've decided to do pretty much nothing at all so after getting back with the dogs I sat down, had some breakfast and that's it.
We do feel fortunate to be in the position we're in but also know that it only happened through both of us working bloody hard all our working lives and making some good decisions early on around pensions etc. and hopefully we'll get to tick off our bucket list before we say the final goodbye.
Before Pic
After Pic
We technically retired at the end of Jan 2020 and went on a long trip to the Caribbean and Florida to celebrate only to get back in to the UK a week before the first lockdown. In some ways it feels like we lost the last 2 years as most of our plans, mainly travel, went out the window.
However we took a step back and decided to replace a 20 year old conservatory with a more permanent solution which was completed late last year (before and after pics below). We have also managed a few trips away in between lockdowns and we've got a few more planned already this year and next. On the positive side the enforced break has allowed us to revisit some of our original plans and reprioritise.
I always thought I might go back to work if I got bored and was offered a opportunity with one of the big 4 early last year which I took but after a couple of months I couldn't stand all the politics and arguments between competing internal factions so called it a day and embraced retirement full time. If money ever gets tight I'll go back again but otherwise I know that's it.
Like many, our finances have and continue to be on a bit of a rollercoaster as well but fortunately we're debt free and more than 50% of our income is fairly secure which more than pays all our bills and day to day expenses. On the less secure part I've learnt to look at the balance infrequently and just get on with life whilst we're fit and able too. Hopefully we'll also be at a point in our lives where we're incapable of doing much if and when that pot runs out.
We've also adjusted fairly quickly to the slower lane. Having 2 dogs means we have to get up to take them out every morning but enjoy the exercise especially as we've got fields and woodland just over the road. When it comes to keeping busy, things like cutting the grass and house maintenance are done as and when we feel like it, for example this week I've been pretty busy with all sorts of jobs around the house but today I've decided to do pretty much nothing at all so after getting back with the dogs I sat down, had some breakfast and that's it.
We do feel fortunate to be in the position we're in but also know that it only happened through both of us working bloody hard all our working lives and making some good decisions early on around pensions etc. and hopefully we'll get to tick off our bucket list before we say the final goodbye.
Before Pic
After Pic
OldSkoolRS said:
Had a brilliant week; picked up our 'new' car on Tuesday: We decided to go down to one car after my work one went back, but needed more than 2 seats that my wife's SLK had. We had set aside money for this, though it still made me wince a bit spending it. However, we now have a very similar car to the one I used to drive for work. OK it's a little older (2016) but half the mileage (30k) and it's petrol. Plus of course it's ours. C Class C200 auto in AMG Line spec.
Consequently I've spent the last few days giving it a major clean and DA polish, though the irony of me finishing work and then spending time polishing a similar car isn't lost on me.
Had a band rehearsal one night this week (can't remember what day ) and last night we went to a local 'jam night' and played with the house band. First public outing of my Rickenbacker guitar that I'd bought just after my Dad died: He loved red and this guitar came up for sale..he would have loved it I'm sure.
I also got my wife's garden room floor finished on Monday, so that job is almost ticked off, bar some skirting I'll have to fit. She's already moved her art stuff inside, so she's been happy using the room for it's intended purpose. We may sit in there and have a G&T or two this weekend too.
A bit of gardening too, so the outside is looking a bit tidier too:
Looked after the Grandkids for an hour or so one afternoon while their Mum went to the dentist too, which was a nice change as I'd have been at work typically and missed the visit.
After seeing my new car and hearing of the jobs I've done/plan to do a friend of mine has asked if I'll do a couple of jobs on his car for him, so that'll be a few handy beer tokens/payment in Gin. Another friend has asked me to look at a second guitar for him when I finish the current one and he has friends that also need work doing; I'm risking not being 'properly retired' but it's on my terms and the guitar stuff in particular is fitted in whenever I feel like (usually wet days).
I think we're off out tonight to watch a band play; I've got all afternoon to get ready for it.
Thank heavens it's Friday.
Wow oldSkool look at you go ! Guitar player too . Consequently I've spent the last few days giving it a major clean and DA polish, though the irony of me finishing work and then spending time polishing a similar car isn't lost on me.
Had a band rehearsal one night this week (can't remember what day
) and last night we went to a local 'jam night' and played with the house band. First public outing of my Rickenbacker guitar that I'd bought just after my Dad died: He loved red and this guitar came up for sale..he would have loved it I'm sure.I also got my wife's garden room floor finished on Monday, so that job is almost ticked off, bar some skirting I'll have to fit. She's already moved her art stuff inside, so she's been happy using the room for it's intended purpose. We may sit in there and have a G&T or two this weekend too.
A bit of gardening too, so the outside is looking a bit tidier too:
Looked after the Grandkids for an hour or so one afternoon while their Mum went to the dentist too, which was a nice change as I'd have been at work typically and missed the visit.
After seeing my new car and hearing of the jobs I've done/plan to do a friend of mine has asked if I'll do a couple of jobs on his car for him, so that'll be a few handy beer tokens/payment in Gin. Another friend has asked me to look at a second guitar for him when I finish the current one and he has friends that also need work doing; I'm risking not being 'properly retired' but it's on my terms and the guitar stuff in particular is fitted in whenever I feel like (usually wet days).
I think we're off out tonight to watch a band play; I've got all afternoon to get ready for it.
Thank heavens it's Friday.
Very envious . Had lessons once but I was totally useless despite lessons each week so have it up. I just don’t have any music in me.
Seventyseven7 said:
Anyone here retired relatively young, as in late 30’s to early 40’s? What’s your experience been like, how have you filled the time without working?
I was kind of forced into retiring at 37. I was in the police and also had a business interest. It was deemed there was a conflict of interest between my day job and the business so I was required to choose one, albeit reluctantly, and I disagreed that the conflict existed but I chose the business. The business ran itself while I was in the police so I decided to change nothing and let the business continue with minimal input from me. I built a camper van and toured Europe in it with my partner and dog. I did a few Iron Man triathlons. We climbed in the Alps mainly, saw a couple of tour de Frances and got as far east as Russia and as far South as Greece. We returned to the UK due to the changes in Brexit and the pandemic. I'm still in the same position but feel that I'm naturally taking a larger interest in the business just because I'm here and not travelling now so I guess I've kind of un retired myself.
I went from a very high pressure role in the police where I worked in green rooms which are used to manage the covert response to live crime in progress incidents such as kidnaps and extortion. I really struggled to acclimate to a role where my decisions only effect the bottom line of the business and don't have that pressure and thrill of dealing with live crime in progress and genuine risk to life. I hope it was just too early for me to retire and in future I'll find a sense of self worth regardless of my job but I've genuinely struggled to get used to a role where my decisions are no more important than having a purely financial impact. From a financial point of view it was a great choice to retire but from a self worth point of view it hasn't helped me and has been a real challenge. I hope that the older I get, the easier it'll become to try again. I think at 37 I just wasn't ready to stop challenging myself in that way.
Derek Chevalier said:
Not having a dig, and it's not the first time I've seen sequencing risk mentioned on the forum, but given the relatively modest market falls and inflation to date, surely a plan would've incorporated this (and worse?)
What kind of plan (other than a lot of contingency) could mitigate sequence of returns risk when equity markets are down 10%+, bond markets are down 10%+ and inflation is up 10%+?Carbon Sasquatch said:
Do you already have a proper plan in place ?
Carbon Sasquatch said:
Sequence of return risk is the concern right now
Somebody said:
The Leaper said:
A downside day for being retired today....wife is dragging me to Bluewater for a shopping trip!
R.
Brave indeed. Friends had their car's catalytic converter chopped out in broad daylight when they last went there. R.
A bonus: nice meal at Cote Brasserie, and it was bombed out too.
R.
DT1975 said:
Voodoo Blue said:
Wow that's different, I really like that. I Iove the way the doors open fully up to the garden, it looks very contemporary but fits nicely.MrsMiggins said:
This thread is driving me crazy. I keep shuffling numbers round on my spreadsheet hoping it'll tell me I can retire now instead of in 6 year's time. So far it is refusing. 
And you can all stop sounding so happy all the time as well! You buggers!
Depends what you want out of retirement, is it travelling the world in 4/5* hotels for several months a year or would you be happy pottering around at home with a few hobbies to keep you occupied?And you can all stop sounding so happy all the time as well! You buggers!
Everyone is different.
OzzyR1 said:
Depends what you want out of retirement, is it travelling the world in 4/5* hotels for several months a year or would you be happy pottering around at home with a few hobbies to keep you occupied?
Everyone is different.
I'm firmly aiming at the latter, but with a couple of motorcycle tours each year while I'm able. Other than that it'll be walking the dog and mucking around at home. Everyone is different.
LeoSayer said:
Derek Chevalier said:
Not having a dig, and it's not the first time I've seen sequencing risk mentioned on the forum, but given the relatively modest market falls and inflation to date, surely a plan would've incorporated this (and worse?)
What kind of plan (other than a lot of contingency) could mitigate sequence of returns risk when equity markets are down 10%+, bond markets are down 10%+ and inflation is up 10%+?Carbon Sasquatch said:
Do you already have a proper plan in place ?
Carbon Sasquatch said:
Sequence of return risk is the concern right now
I guess at this point it's not a 'risk' but rather just a fact.....particularly if you're referring to a plan you made a year or more ago.
My 'plan' was to have a couple of years in cash - and overall it works as long as long tern, the investments at least match inflation. I also have a holiday home I can sell at some point if I need to. -Not sure whether that counts as 'a lot of contingency'. So whilst I clearly don't like the current environment, I have some time for things to change before I start to panic.
Anyway - I retired yesterday so fingers crossed
MrsMiggins said:
I'm firmly aiming at the latter, but with a couple of motorcycle tours each year while I'm able. Other than that it'll be walking the dog and mucking around at home.
That’s pretty much where I am, fortunately since moving to west wales the wife’s travel itch seems to have vanished too, it’s amazing how little you actually need when you are happy with your surroundings.Gassing Station | Finance | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff