Semi-retirement, what do I need to do?

[GreatGranny]

Hi all,
After a long deliberation I've decided I'm going to semi-retire as of next March when I turn 60.
I say semi-retire because I still want to work maybe 2-3 days a week but in a less stressful role to my present job.

I won't need to access my pensions straight away due to my wife still working and income from the 2-3 days a week job.
Is it best to contact my pension providers now to let them know of my plans?
Apart from my small local authority pension my others are geared to retirement at 65.
Never been one for planning but my wife says we can afford for me to semi-retire at 60.

Any other advice would be welcome.
Thanks

[GreatGranny]

ARHarh said:

Just cut down on your work days no need to tell anyone except your employer.

It's the actual job/role/company I've had enough.

The job is very technical and I'm finding it harder and harder to keep up with new software, standards etc..

Hence why I want to leave and do something completely different 2-3 days a week.

Thinking about it all I'm going to do is leave my present job and find another job

[GreatGranny]

lizardbrain said:

No need to tell HMRC just sign up here

https://uk.indeed.com/q-delivery-driver-jobs.html



Or is it more the psychological task of chucking in your identify etc?

Pappa John's just opened near me so lots of possibilities

No issue with losing my identity re. work.
I've never been a 'my work defines me' type of person.
I'm just ready to leave.

[GreatGranny]

brownspeed said:

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

Does Loose Women count?

[GreatGranny]

martinbiz said:

Go for it, is there another less stressful role within your present co that they could offer you part time. They are obliged to evaluate any request properly, not just give a blanket no. There are usually quite a lot of benefits to staying with same co especially if you've been there a long time, continuous employment, death in service etc.
Of course if you are just sick of the place then probably best to find something else

No, less stressful role wouldn't be an option.

It's been a great company to work for over the last 24 years, I feel it's just time to leave.

Driving a van for 2-3 days a week even on or near minimum wage would suit me fine.
It would bring in approx. £1000 - £1200 pcm which is ok.
Wife has decent income and we have minimal outgoings.

[GreatGranny]

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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.