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AIBU?

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What would you do? Work / resign??

79 replies

ImGoneUnderground · 15/11/2025 00:27

Sorry if this sounds like a bit of rant - its more a request for advice -
I have been off work for about 10 weeks due to a bad / painful physical condition, awaiting an operation (waiting time is about 4 + months now, if I am 'lucky'), currently signed off work by GP, but that can't go on indefinitely, so I am due back to work shortly. (In a job that I used to love, but now fear I cannot continue in it - I have lost all confidence & feel very anxious about returning to work - & yes, I know that is probably normal).

I am about a year away from retiring altogether (recently partially retired, 3 day week, so already living on reduced income) - I own my house, have a small pension, could cover basic bills with pension, plus using my quite limited savings to live on - I am SO tempted to resign altogether, & live frugally until I reach state pension age, and then would also get a small bit more personal pension - scared about any unseen bills (repairs etc) - and so many people / friends advise to 'just carry on & see it out' - I kind of know I am in a good position with regards to owning my home - I feel like I would be letting myself down if I did just go ahead & leave work. Any thoughts - please be kind, I have worked for almost 50 years - this is more of a 'what would you do? xx

OP posts:
ImGoneUnderground · 15/11/2025 02:30

HarrietofFire · 15/11/2025 00:37

Might you qualify for early retirement due to ill health?

Hey, Thank you for the reply - Not sure, as its acute pancreatitis / due to sudden onset gallstones (getting stuck in the bile duct, sorry may be TMI) - so not life threatening so far....just so bliddy painful so often, & cannot trace it back to anything - food / drink etc...but that may be something to consider, thank you xx I will probably have to take advice from my Union, as GP just prescribes painkillers & pretty much fobs off with 'the Op will 'probably' cure it' etc...and that may not be enough to allow early retirement xxx (whenever the 'OP' may be......) xx

OP posts:
Callwaiting2025 · 15/11/2025 00:55

I say retire if you can manage financially to do so.

HarrietofFire · 15/11/2025 00:37

Might you qualify for early retirement due to ill health?

lazyarse123 · 15/11/2025 00:36

If you think you'll manage financially I'd retire.
I worked 50 years and it's more than enough. You wouldn't be letting yourself or any one else down. It will give you time to prepare for your operation and then recover without worrying about work.
Good luck whatever you choose to do.