Well firstly, like many of us, realising you've got to an age when you actually are near to retirement and taking it all in. Seems like yesterday I was the young, vibrant teacher who gave everything to my job above and beyond because I cared and I could. The bonds, love, after school clubs and revision sessions, holiday classes, trips away, fundraising evenings and weekends, I was there. Even with my own DC I worked extra hours but reduced the amount of time I was able to put in.
Suddenly, I'm at an age (56) where I can take my pension early and I've done it! Having calculated, I would have to live to about 86 to make the difference of higher amount 60 plus.
I still work as supply but find the suffocating environments of academies unbearable... assigned 5 different classrooms, login, behaviour for 'hey we have a sub' though I do take control of this attitude but it's repetitive and tiring, dealing with behaviour. You've got to get to know your students and unfortunately we can't do this, but I have had some meaningful encounters where I would love to help them more.
I have another job as well, online tutor, which doesn't have these stresses but the sessions are only a couple of hours here and there and I put in a lot of hours for individual learning.
I'm not 'retirement' age but taking my pension early and still working. I get £867, enough to pay my part of bills while DH works FT WFH. With my earnings to top up all is fine financially as I did also get a payout which has been used for us all as a family.
The thing is, a neighbour at age 55 said Im retired now, she's so young and vibrant so I asked what she will be doing and she said nothing. Good for her, her DH has also retired, have a lovely big house all paid off.
So part of me is thinking why can't be the same as this couple? Well, because we've taken on a bigger mortgage and house move (which I didn't want)
Anyway, this is a situation I feel privileged for. Even though I've worked since age 16 and was fortunate to go to university when loans were zero procent, have worked for 30 years plus as a teacher, part of me feels guilty for retiring so early! Yes I'm still working but not in the role I was, suppose the stepping down and back from a career feels strange 🤔