Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To dread retirement

90 replies

citygirl1961 · 26/04/2025 18:12

I know a lot of people are looking forward to retirement but I dread it.

After thirty five years of working in the Civil Service I am due to retire in three years time which I know will pass quickly.

I work full time, always have done. I am divorced and live on my own, bills and rent to pay, don't own my own home.

I know I will get a good pension but I still worry about finances as I know I won't get housing benefit with getting a good work pension.

Not only do I worry about finances and not being able to afford to do things, I worry about being bored. I suffer from depression and anxiety and being at work keeps me busy and helps to take my mind off things.

People I know you've retired say they don't know how they found time to go to work and say they have more money than they had before, but then you've got more time on your hands to spend it. I have plenty of friends and like meeting up for lunch and coffees. I'd go mad if I couldn't do that.

Does anyone else feel this way? I just can't embrace the thought of it at all.

OP posts:
Kitkatfiend31 · 26/04/2025 18:22

Sorry cross post. Part time might be a good compromise. Or another job. Less well paid but social? Cafe work? Shop? No stress but keeps you busy.

SugarandSpiceandAllThingsNaice · 26/04/2025 18:21

You sound rightly concerned about finances and what you will be able to afford that brings you pleasure- seeing friends for coffee.

I would recommend having a chat with an independent financial advisor about retirement and how well you are prepared for it. It is only 3 years away so it’s definitely time to start planning for it.

I think a lot of your worries are because you’ve been burying your head in the sand.

Gymmum82 · 26/04/2025 18:21

Keep working if you want to. One of my colleagues is 73 and showing no sign of retiring any time soon

Kitkatfiend31 · 26/04/2025 18:20

Then surely you don't retire?? Why do you feel you have to?

Original poster
citygirl1961 · 26/04/2025 18:20

Thank you for your replies.

I don't have partner now and I don't have any children. I have hobbies such as ancestry, cross stitch, colouring and rock painting.

If I take partial retirement I will still earn the same money now but when I retire fully I will end up with less after taking part of my pension.

If I stay on in the same job after retirement age (which is 67, I will be 64 in November) I will be taxed heavily on my pension which is already happening to someone at my work who is working beyond her retirement age,.

Catch 22 situation.

OP posts:
Ramblingaway · 26/04/2025 18:19

My dad went part time for ages. Only totally stopped working at around 72. It really was the best thing for him, gave him company, money, stopped him and mum driving each other mad.... Lots of people will suggest voluntary work I expect, but why not get paid?

PonyPatter44 · 26/04/2025 18:19

Are your friends a similar age to you? If so, will they be retiring as well? You can go for coffee or lunch together during the week. Youcan still meet up eith work people, and when they have to go back to work after lunch, you can go to the park or the library. You can find a new hobby or do some WEA courses. You could join the U3A and meet loads of new people, and it isn't expensive. You can finally get that puppy and spend time training and walking him. If you are into crafty stuff, find a big project and use it as your "kicking off retirement " project. Learn a new craft. Do some volunteering with a local charity.

This is what people mean when they say retirement is busier than work.

RedRosie · 26/04/2025 18:17

Keep working! My DH recently started a new FT job after retiring at state pension age (he's deferred that pension as it increases the value, and taken his old workplace pension). If you enjoy working and are fit and well, keep working.

Ribenaberry12 · 26/04/2025 18:16

Do you have to retire from your current role? If you do could you take up some voluntary work? What interests you? I get charities near you would welcome your skills and your willingness to be busy.

Meredusoleil · 26/04/2025 18:15

Why don't you just semi-retire and reduce your hours first? Perhaps going part-time would help you ease into full retirement more easily?

Also, no-one is saying you have to retire just because you have reached retirement age, have they? Surely you can just keep on working if you want to?

SwedishEdith · 26/04/2025 18:15

Partially retire instead.

JBrumours · 26/04/2025 18:15

Why are you thinking of retiring given you rent? What’s your pension situation like?

how old are you?

HomeTheatreSystem · 26/04/2025 18:13

Do you have to retire if you'd rather keep working?

Amba1998 · 26/04/2025 18:13

Part time job?

do you have to retire now? Wait another 5 years?

JBrumours · 26/04/2025 18:12

You make no reference to a partner, children, , hobbies, interests,

Swipe left for the next trending thread