Enjoying Retirement
Discussion
A few months in and things are setting down.
I've been asked by a lot of friends how it feels to be retired. My reply was often a little bit vague, I tried explaining it didn't actually feel 'real', there was almost a niggling feeling at the back of my mind that I'd get a message asking me to come to work tomorrow. This isn't because I was special or indispensable. Just that I didn't feel like I'd fully left.
Went out for drinks and a meal with a few colleagues last night, one who retired from my team 3 years ago. The evening absolutely flew by but when I got home I tried articulating to my wife that I felt different.
It was as if that evening was like closing the book on work and giving me closure I didn't even know I needed.
That sounds like I'm a deep thinker and rather grandiose in how I view things, but that's definitely not the case
I now feel fully retired and definitely view work differently than before last night.
The mechanics of day to day are still taking getting used to. The weather has been glorious and we've had loads of bbq this last couple of weeks. I've been doing bits on the car, but there is no pressure. I don't have to get it done over the weekend ready to go to work on Monday. It's certainly changed my outlook on how I plan my day.
My wife has started volunteering to help the local village when they fill planters and borders in the town. A few hours here and there when she fancies.
I can see how it would be easy to drift into a lifestyle where you don't do a great deal. We're way too young for that to happen, but it's something we've discussed and are keeping ourselves busy to avoid falling into that trap.
I've been asked by a lot of friends how it feels to be retired. My reply was often a little bit vague, I tried explaining it didn't actually feel 'real', there was almost a niggling feeling at the back of my mind that I'd get a message asking me to come to work tomorrow. This isn't because I was special or indispensable. Just that I didn't feel like I'd fully left.
Went out for drinks and a meal with a few colleagues last night, one who retired from my team 3 years ago. The evening absolutely flew by but when I got home I tried articulating to my wife that I felt different.
It was as if that evening was like closing the book on work and giving me closure I didn't even know I needed.
That sounds like I'm a deep thinker and rather grandiose in how I view things, but that's definitely not the case
I now feel fully retired and definitely view work differently than before last night.
The mechanics of day to day are still taking getting used to. The weather has been glorious and we've had loads of bbq this last couple of weeks. I've been doing bits on the car, but there is no pressure. I don't have to get it done over the weekend ready to go to work on Monday. It's certainly changed my outlook on how I plan my day.
My wife has started volunteering to help the local village when they fill planters and borders in the town. A few hours here and there when she fancies.
I can see how it would be easy to drift into a lifestyle where you don't do a great deal. We're way too young for that to happen, but it's something we've discussed and are keeping ourselves busy to avoid falling into that trap.
Wh00sher said:
A few months in and things are setting down.
I've been asked by a lot of friends how it feels to be retired. My reply was often a little bit vague, I tried explaining it didn't actually feel 'real', there was almost a niggling feeling at the back of my mind that I'd get a message asking me to come to work tomorrow. This isn't because I was special or indispensable. Just that I didn't feel like I'd fully left.
Went out for drinks and a meal with a few colleagues last night, one who retired from my team 3 years ago. The evening absolutely flew by but when I got home I tried articulating to my wife that I felt different.
It was as if that evening was like closing the book on work and giving me closure I didn't even know I needed.
That sounds like I'm a deep thinker and rather grandiose in how I view things, but that's definitely not the case
I now feel fully retired and definitely view work differently than before last night.
The mechanics of day to day are still taking getting used to. The weather has been glorious and we've had loads of bbq this last couple of weeks. I've been doing bits on the car, but there is no pressure. I don't have to get it done over the weekend ready to go to work on Monday. It's certainly changed my outlook on how I plan my day.
My wife has started volunteering to help the local village when they fill planters and borders in the town. A few hours here and there when she fancies.
I can see how it would be easy to drift into a lifestyle where you don't do a great deal. We're way too young for that to happen, but it's something we've discussed and are keeping ourselves busy to avoid falling into that trap.
I fully understand how you feel, I was the same way. I retired in 2021 while our offices were still closed and people were working from home. having recruited my replacement in the spring of '21 I started handing over to her during May and by end of June I was off the payroll. No beer out with my team, no taking stuff from office, I just drifted away. It took at least a year before I felt retired and a few months ago I had lunch with some of my old team and as they went back to work I suddenly thought, this is what retirement is like. I've been asked by a lot of friends how it feels to be retired. My reply was often a little bit vague, I tried explaining it didn't actually feel 'real', there was almost a niggling feeling at the back of my mind that I'd get a message asking me to come to work tomorrow. This isn't because I was special or indispensable. Just that I didn't feel like I'd fully left.
Went out for drinks and a meal with a few colleagues last night, one who retired from my team 3 years ago. The evening absolutely flew by but when I got home I tried articulating to my wife that I felt different.
It was as if that evening was like closing the book on work and giving me closure I didn't even know I needed.
That sounds like I'm a deep thinker and rather grandiose in how I view things, but that's definitely not the case
I now feel fully retired and definitely view work differently than before last night.
The mechanics of day to day are still taking getting used to. The weather has been glorious and we've had loads of bbq this last couple of weeks. I've been doing bits on the car, but there is no pressure. I don't have to get it done over the weekend ready to go to work on Monday. It's certainly changed my outlook on how I plan my day.
My wife has started volunteering to help the local village when they fill planters and borders in the town. A few hours here and there when she fancies.
I can see how it would be easy to drift into a lifestyle where you don't do a great deal. We're way too young for that to happen, but it's something we've discussed and are keeping ourselves busy to avoid falling into that trap.
Wh00sher said:
A few months in and things are setting down.
I've been asked by a lot of friends how it feels to be retired. My reply was often a little bit vague, I tried explaining it didn't actually feel 'real', there was almost a niggling feeling at the back of my mind that I'd get a message asking me to come to work tomorrow. This isn't because I was special or indispensable. Just that I didn't feel like I'd fully left.
Went out for drinks and a meal with a few colleagues last night, one who retired from my team 3 years ago. The evening absolutely flew by but when I got home I tried articulating to my wife that I felt different.
It was as if that evening was like closing the book on work and giving me closure I didn't even know I needed.
That sounds like I'm a deep thinker and rather grandiose in how I view things, but that's definitely not the case
I now feel fully retired and definitely view work differently than before last night.
The mechanics of day to day are still taking getting used to. The weather has been glorious and we've had loads of bbq this last couple of weeks. I've been doing bits on the car, but there is no pressure. I don't have to get it done over the weekend ready to go to work on Monday. It's certainly changed my outlook on how I plan my day.
My wife has started volunteering to help the local village when they fill planters and borders in the town. A few hours here and there when she fancies.
I can see how it would be easy to drift into a lifestyle where you don't do a great deal. We're way too young for that to happen, but it's something we've discussed and are keeping ourselves busy to avoid falling into that trap.
Good that you've settled into it now Wh00sher, I guess you're right about having some sense of closure, which to be fair I did at least have (regardless of my many other gripes about the firm). I was invited to attend a manager's 2 day meeting which was really to introduce my replacement and another new member to the rest of the managers from the other countries. It felt a bit weird sitting in, though I did feel able to add something to the conversations and of course in the evening we had a meal/drink out with them and the rest of the UK office staff a few weeks before I actually finished. It did feel slightly surreal I recall and it was only really when I watched my old company car being driven away a few weeks after that I felt like I'd finally left the company.I've been asked by a lot of friends how it feels to be retired. My reply was often a little bit vague, I tried explaining it didn't actually feel 'real', there was almost a niggling feeling at the back of my mind that I'd get a message asking me to come to work tomorrow. This isn't because I was special or indispensable. Just that I didn't feel like I'd fully left.
Went out for drinks and a meal with a few colleagues last night, one who retired from my team 3 years ago. The evening absolutely flew by but when I got home I tried articulating to my wife that I felt different.
It was as if that evening was like closing the book on work and giving me closure I didn't even know I needed.
That sounds like I'm a deep thinker and rather grandiose in how I view things, but that's definitely not the case
I now feel fully retired and definitely view work differently than before last night.
The mechanics of day to day are still taking getting used to. The weather has been glorious and we've had loads of bbq this last couple of weeks. I've been doing bits on the car, but there is no pressure. I don't have to get it done over the weekend ready to go to work on Monday. It's certainly changed my outlook on how I plan my day.
My wife has started volunteering to help the local village when they fill planters and borders in the town. A few hours here and there when she fancies.
I can see how it would be easy to drift into a lifestyle where you don't do a great deal. We're way too young for that to happen, but it's something we've discussed and are keeping ourselves busy to avoid falling into that trap.
It is easy to drift into a lazy lifestyle. If I'm totally honest, I do have a lazy streak though, so I have to watch for that: I'm OK once I actually get going on a project, but when there isn't any rush to complete I know I can be slow to actually start (RS2000 I know, I know!!). I always feel better once I've completed something too, even if it's something minor like a guitar repair I've been doing for a friend this week and some Ka repairs/bodywork prep. I do seem to have managed to keep busy over the last year though.
I met up with my replacement/former colleague a few months back for drinks near me. It seemed like little had changed since I'd left, so all the things I was promised would change to relieve some stress hadn't happened. It wasn't so much closure as just confirming what I already expected. I felt sorry for my old colleague though...
Lucky you and Monaco is lovely for a piston head. Always rare tackle being driven about, especially around casino Square in the evening.
Took the posh car out yesterday for a nice lunch with the missus to a country pub in the sunshine. As you can see we weren't the only ones with the same idea
Took the posh car out yesterday for a nice lunch with the missus to a country pub in the sunshine. As you can see we weren't the only ones with the same idea
[quote=Longy00000]Lucky you and Monaco is lovely for a piston head. Always rare tackle being driven about, especially around casino Square in the evening.
Took the posh car out yesterday for a nice lunch with the missus to a country pub in the sunshine. As you can see we weren't the only ones with the same idea
Looks perfect
Took the posh car out yesterday for a nice lunch with the missus to a country pub in the sunshine. As you can see we weren't the only ones with the same idea
Looks perfect
Longy00000 said:
Lucky you and Monaco is lovely for a piston head. Always rare tackle being driven about, especially around casino Square in the evening.
Took the posh car out yesterday for a nice lunch with the missus to a country pub in the sunshine. As you can see we weren't the only ones with the same idea
Lovely Longy . Saw a 360 coupe over the weekend in Essex on my travels . Took the posh car out yesterday for a nice lunch with the missus to a country pub in the sunshine. As you can see we weren't the only ones with the same idea
Much like the 996 series 911’s they are now looking more attractive.
My only concern is running costs having had a 355 some years ago
I would expect a 360 to be a little more sensible than the 355. I believe they have an internal hatch behind the front seats for access to cam belts avoiding the engine out job. Of course your still left with the other ferrari 'frailties' if that's the right word. I still have a longing for a nice 308 at some point even though I don't appear to fit properly. I could at least look at it though as I still think it's one of the most beautiful creations ever made. A lot of money for an ornament though 
RichB said:
fully understand how you feel, I was the same way. I retired in 2021 while our offices were still closed and people were working from home. having recruited my replacement in the spring of '21 I started handing over to her during May and by end of June I was off the payroll. No beer out with my team, no taking stuff from office, I just drifted away. It took at least a year before I felt retired and a few months ago I had lunch with some of my old team and as they went back to work I suddenly thought, this is what retirement is like.
I suspect it would have taken a lot longer for it to sink in if we hadn't gone out last week.This weather is definitely showing the benefits of not having to go to work isn't it.
So far I can say with 100% confidence that I don't regret retiring at all!
Longy00000 said:
I would expect a 360 to be a little more sensible than the 355. I believe they have an internal hatch behind the front seats for access to cam belts avoiding the engine out job. Of course your still left with the other ferrari 'frailties' if that's the right word. I still have a longing for a nice 308 at some point even though I don't appear to fit properly. I could at least look at it though as I still think it's one of the most beautiful creations ever made. A lot of money for an ornament though
And there was me thinking it was your Golf in the first picture. 
Lovely car even if it's 'less sensible' than a 360.
With this hot and humid weather I'm certainly glad I'm not working. I could do with getting something out of our loft, so I'm trying to raise the energy to go up there before it gets too hot. Have a new spray gun and some paint arriving this week for a few little jobs I need to do at least the paint will dry quickly in this heat.
Much stress in the GT3 corner at Mo -
Lots of forms to complete to secure the rental flat for July and Saturday night it turns out there was a terrible house fire just 3 doors along from the house we are buying .
I’ve booked the survey in for next week and made the surveyor aware of events over the weekend.
I drove past y’day and our house is looking all good but the devastation left from the fire is heartbreaking.
Hoping all are insured as the fire took out a house the other side too .
Lots of forms to complete to secure the rental flat for July and Saturday night it turns out there was a terrible house fire just 3 doors along from the house we are buying .
I’ve booked the survey in for next week and made the surveyor aware of events over the weekend.
I drove past y’day and our house is looking all good but the devastation left from the fire is heartbreaking.
Hoping all are insured as the fire took out a house the other side too .
Edited by GT3Manthey on Monday 12th June 10:36
Longy00000 said:
I would expect a 360 to be a little more sensible than the 355. I believe they have an internal hatch behind the front seats for access to cam belts avoiding the engine out job. Of course your still left with the other ferrari 'frailties' if that's the right word. I still have a longing for a nice 308 at some point even though I don't appear to fit properly. I could at least look at it though as I still think it's one of the most beautiful creations ever made. A lot of money for an ornament though
Simple answer to that is to drive the thing then it's not an ornament 
The F430 is even better, there is no cambelt. Although my indie said that in reality although the 355 can be expensive it's a lot simpler than the 360/430 so although it's an engine out every 3 years, it's probably on a par cost wise with the modern cars.
Don't let that put anyone off though, I happen to know of a loverly 430 that's for sale
It would make a perfect retirement gift 
I certainly can't wait to spend more time driving, it always seems to be sunny during the week whilst looking out from a desk and rubbish at the weekend 
Only a few more years to go.
supersport said:
Simple answer to that is to drive the thing then it's not an ornament
.
You didn't register the bit about me not fitting into a 308 properly. Feet catching in the pedal box area, couldn't reach far enough to depress the clutch fully etc etc, so alas without some modifications a 308 would be little more than an ornament if I owned one..
Anyway for now, I'm.very happy with my aston, just visible in the background of one if the pics I posted above.
Longy00000 said:
Anyway for now, I'm.very happy with my aston, just visible in the background of one if the pics I posted above.
Doh, caught out by my own lame attempt at a joke. The Aston looks lovely too of course. 
I have driven an F430. Only 4 laps of Silverstone, but the person with me got me to push it harder than I expected they would and it's the only car I've done 150mph in (albeit briefly down the Hangar straight). Probably the most expensive car I'll ever drive and certainly 'bucket list' material for me.
Meant to say that I was sorry to read about the fire close to your new house GT3. I hope everyone was OK? I also hope it doesn't impact on you/Mrs GT3 wanting to move there now too.
OldSkoolRS said:
Doh, caught out by my own lame attempt at a joke. The Aston looks lovely too of course.
I have driven an F430. Only 4 laps of Silverstone, but the person with me got me to push it harder than I expected they would and it's the only car I've done 150mph in (albeit briefly down the Hangar straight). Probably the most expensive car I'll ever drive and certainly 'bucket list' material for me.
Meant to say that I was sorry to read about the fire close to your new house GT3. I hope everyone was OK? I also hope it doesn't impact on you/Mrs GT3 wanting to move there now too.
Tks Mate. I have driven an F430. Only 4 laps of Silverstone, but the person with me got me to push it harder than I expected they would and it's the only car I've done 150mph in (albeit briefly down the Hangar straight). Probably the most expensive car I'll ever drive and certainly 'bucket list' material for me.
Meant to say that I was sorry to read about the fire close to your new house GT3. I hope everyone was OK? I also hope it doesn't impact on you/Mrs GT3 wanting to move there now too.
Nothing changes with regards us wanting the house still, in fact the wife was there today measuring up .
There will be a period of disruption whilst the two houses concerned are rebuilt but it’ll come back as was eventually .
If anything it’ll stop any other potential buyer trying to snaffle it from under our noses .
Bottom line is regardless of the disruption it’s the house for us and hopefully our forever home.
Chain is now competed and been ‘chain checked’ by the agents so hoping to really move forward quickly now
Longy00000 said:
supersport said:
Simple answer to that is to drive the thing then it's not an ornament
.
You didn't register the bit about me not fitting into a 308 properly. Feet catching in the pedal box area, couldn't reach far enough to depress the clutch fully etc etc, so alas without some modifications a 308 would be little more than an ornament if I owned one..
Anyway for now, I'm.very happy with my aston, just visible in the background of one if the pics I posted above.
I once drove a 308, had a similar problem. I’m 6ft 4 with size 12 feet. Could press all the pedals at once with my big toe and had to take the roof off to get my head in
Saw the Aston, very nice.
Wh00sher said:
I can see how it would be easy to drift into a lifestyle where you don't do a great deal. We're way too young for that to happen, but it's something we've discussed and are keeping ourselves busy to avoid falling into that trap.
I was retired/ semi retired during COVID in Perth Australia. Not doing a great deal was fantastic! supersport said:
Must have mis-read thought you meant the 355.
I once drove a 308, had a similar problem. I’m 6ft 4 with size 12 feet. Could press all the pedals at once with my big toe and had to take the roof off to get my head in
Saw the Aston, very nice.
I've driven a couple of Caterhams with the exact same issue. It was almost impossible for me to be on the gas without also being on the brake, I had to take me shoes off in rhe end. Car ergonomics are a complete pita I once drove a 308, had a similar problem. I’m 6ft 4 with size 12 feet. Could press all the pedals at once with my big toe and had to take the roof off to get my head in
Saw the Aston, very nice.
supersport said:
I once drove a 308, had a similar problem. I’m 6ft 4 with size 12 feet. Could press all the pedals at once with my big toe and had to take the roof off to get my head in
I was similarly disappointed at an auction - I'm about (probably just under) 6', and the only way I could have a 308 would be if I could have a GTS and drive it with the roof off all the time. My head brushes the inside of the roof of a GTB and that would be really annoying, and probably painful on a bumpy road, which is basically all the local ones.Oh well, that's saved me a bit of cash.
Sounds perfect for me; 5' 6" and I have size 6 feet. I could drive one, just have a slight shortage for the purchase price. On the other hand I have long arms/short legs, so I actually fit quite well in my Mito; the classic 'Italian Ape' all the car reviews used to refer to years ago.
Just booked a break that we saw when I was idly looking at glamping. Decided that was a step too far as I don't fancy shared loos and showers, but a 6 berth static caravan for two of us seemed a better option. I haven't stayed in one since 1977, so this could be a total shock, but it's only 3 nights. We don't plan to visit the site 'entertainment' it's just a base to walk from and crash at night. Just caught it before the school summer holiday price increase as a week later would be 2-3x the price...no wonder parents take kids out of school and just pay the fine.
If it works out we're thinking we might try some other places and tour around next year. Gives us a change of scenery for not much money in between the more extravagant holidays we have booked.
On the other hand I have long arms/short legs, so I actually fit quite well in my Mito; the classic 'Italian Ape' all the car reviews used to refer to years ago. Just booked a break that we saw when I was idly looking at glamping. Decided that was a step too far as I don't fancy shared loos and showers, but a 6 berth static caravan for two of us seemed a better option. I haven't stayed in one since 1977, so this could be a total shock, but it's only 3 nights. We don't plan to visit the site 'entertainment' it's just a base to walk from and crash at night. Just caught it before the school summer holiday price increase as a week later would be 2-3x the price...no wonder parents take kids out of school and just pay the fine.
If it works out we're thinking we might try some other places and tour around next year. Gives us a change of scenery for not much money in between the more extravagant holidays we have booked.
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