I retired at 57, AMA

[PuzzledObserver]

Six months in, no regrets.

@OnceuponaRainbow18

Did you always plan to retire early?

Do you rent or own your own home?

No, we both assumed we would retire at 65. When state pension age went up, we both still expected to retire at 65, as that’s what our private pensions were aiming it. But the last few years, work was getting me down and DH had already gone part time. So we looked at the numbers and realised we didn’t need to wait.

We own our own home. We married late 30’s/early 40’s, and selling one house paid off the mortgage on the other.

@Toddlerteaplease I feel the same about my job.

OP I wish you well and it sounds nice and everything.....but don't you worry you'll get bored of doing jigsaws?

@dreamersdown

what is your planned annual income?

£30K (between the two of us). Since we are drawing it from ISA’s, that’s tax free.

Well done you, my parents retire at 50 thanks to my dads very successful career. They are early 60s now and have a wonderful life. I hope dh and I can retire by 55. Enjoy.

*retired

@SwedishEdith

Aren't U3A groups a bit old for you? My ILs are always going on about U3A but they're 20 odd years older than you.

There are quite a lot of 60 somethings, who are not that much older. In particular the Longer Walks group are all very fit (for their age), but don’t go too fast for me (I’m not very fit).

If a group is boring, we don’t have to go back.

I should have said - we have also moved to a new area, so joining things is a way to meet people.

@PuzzledObserver thank you, that’s really helpful advice. I try and save as much as I can in a S&S isa and I contribute towards my workplace pension and a SIPP every month so I feel like I’m (hopefully) on the right path to early retirement.

I’m full of admiration (and envy!) for anyone who can early so well done

@JesusInTheCabbageVan

Do the weekends still feel like weekends?

Our weekends weren’t normal weekends anyway, as I worked 6 days a week including Saturday and Sunday. So it’s a nice change.

We have regular activities on Saturday and Sunday.

DH and I were secondary school teachers who retired at 56 and 57 respectively. He was fed up of the conditions endemic in academies and my job was to change to something I had never signed up for...

There are NO regrets.

We are not big spenders and live in the home that we bought in 1988.
Life is lovely.

Glad you're enjoying it op. You are younger than me.

For me, retirement isn't something I aspire to for many years yet. I only have 1 friend the same age as me (59) who is officially retired. He now does some lucrative consultancy work as he found his days very empty when all his peers were still working.

@Crazykatie that sounds great.

@dementedma the one thing I will never be is bored - I have so many things that interest me. And now I have the time to do/learn about them.

@SvartePetter - hmmm…. not sure. I finished at the end of a sort of contract, so that decided it really.

So basically, don't have children and then have a nice little inheritance pay out...

@Shadappayourface

So basically, don't have children and then have a nice little inheritance pay out...

I don't think it sounds remotely enviable, do you? My parents in their 80s have more exciting lives.

@RJnomore1

Is that all you are planning to do for the rest of your life?

No. I was pretty battered by the time I finished work and needed some space.

I’ve just volunteered as a community car driver taking older and disabled people to appointments etc. I have a couple of other volunteering possibilities I am mulling over. At some point I’ll probably plan a long distance walk. And then another. Once Covid calms down, there are places DH and I want to visit. I want to pick up one of my languages again. We live near a national park, we’ve already had some friends/family to visit and are expecting more.

Basically, there is no shortage of things I would enjoy doing. I don’t need to do them all in the first year.

@Clymene - À Chacun Son Goût.

[quote rosegoldwatcher]@Clymene - À Chacun Son Goût.[/quote]
Indeed! I'm the same age as the OP and can't think of anything worse! Just started a fantastic new contract and really excited about the opportunity. I love my job

@Cottagepieandpeas

Fantastic! I won’t be able to do it, but if I could I would retire now, at 53. I have so many things I enjoy doing- life is too short to work

I’d modify your last statement - life is too short to work at something which takes more than it gives.

For most of my working life, I enjoyed it and thought it was worth doing. Somewhere along the line, that changed.

Those of you who love your jobs and would be lost without them are very fortunate. I’m happy for you.

The people I feel for are the ones who feel trapped in their work and can’t afford to leave. And of course those who want to work and can’t find any.

Good for you op. You're an inspiration.

And to those bored in retirement? Get real

@ontana if I do get bored of jigsaws, I’ll do something else. Have people no imagination?

I have ADHD. There is always something to be interested in.

What's your annual travel budget?

I'm envious. I have one of those pensions will be about 3k on top of the state pension and that's IF I work til 67.

[quote PuzzledObserver]@ontana if I do get bored of jigsaws, I’ll do something else. Have people no imagination?

I have ADHD. There is always something to be interested in.[/quote]
now you're making me more jealous! the other night I was up half the night watching north koreans escape to south korea!

I'm building clay sculptures. I want to make my own clothes. One day it's a dream of mine to sashay in to some get together and when people say oh I like your jumpsuit, I'm going to say ''I made it!''.

@Clymene - if my job had been allowed to continue as it was I would have loved it too, for 3 more years at least.
But struggling on in an unfulfilling job when you can, just about afford to, step back and choose your own daily timetable is fabulous.

Excitement is not what all of us need. Peace and contentment is my bag!

I think I have ADD or ADHD as you have to call it now.

@INeedtobealone @Sweetchocolatecandy thank you.

@Shadappayourface some things in life are not within your control. You have to live the life you’re given.

@Clymene I’m pleased you enjoy your work and are excited by your new contract. Also happy for your parents, assuming they like excitement. I am also very happy with my life, and don’t need anyone’s permission to enjoy it.