Today I hired my successor. And it does not feel like I thought it would!

[2018SoFarSoGreat]

I work in a law firm that was founded 35 years ago by a group of partners who are all in or approaching retirement. Part of the reason they hired me (ten years ago) was to ensure smooth succession planning and continued success and legacy for the future. My own succession is also critical. I have twice hired and trained someone to become the 'me' down the road. Both ultimately decided (after 2 and 3 years) that no, it was not going to be their cup of tea long-term. Both still here happily doing their thing, but have no interest in assuming my role.

My plan was to retire early(ish) and am 60 now, so that ship sailed. I really could not bear to look far down the road at me still working this hard, this long, and getting even more tired along the way. I leave the house at 7:15 and get back at 7:00. On a good day. I'm always on for emails/calls. I've done this for almost 40 years. Yes, I love what I do, I am paid well. I'm not complaining. So many people I know drop dead before they get to enjoy retirement - I am hoping that is not the case for me. I have so much I want to do, and people I finally want to have time with.

Anyway, several months ago I was asked to mentor someone who was looking to make a career change to what I do. Great. We met, hit it off immediately. Several meetings in, I began to think she could be the one. Long story short, I hired her. She will work 100% at her current career, 6 months at 75/25% training with me, 3 months 50/50%, 3 months 75/25% then take over my role. That gives me two years. Great plan for the firm, great plan for her, great plan for me.

But why did I feel sick to my stomach the minute the offer was fully executed?

I have dreamed of this. I have a clear picture and a date certain (all being well!) of a future in retirement, and should be really happy. Why do I feel such a weight upon me? Is this just human perversity at work, or am I being a big baby? Am I too tied up in my worth as a worker bee instead of a human?

Any advice much appreciated. If anyone has done this, and successfully emerged at the other end, tell me how you felt.

Sorry. That was long.

You're looking back, not forwards. No one is indispensable, not even you. So you're 60 now; how long can you carry on? 60 is the age when we really do begin to feel our age, and it only gets worse, not better! What happens when you need a nap in the afternoons?

You need to look forward to all the things you've been planning - travel? Holidays? More time with family? I'm retired and it's wonderful, I promise.

I retired at 60 last November and have never been happier!
That said I have got involved in 2 voluntary roles which I feel are very worthwhile and will keep my brain alive and give me purpose.
I have currently a lot less money but a good pension plan which means finances will improve and I can spend a lot more time with my OH, friends and family.
Don't worry!

My dh's successor has been appointed and starts in December, as my husband leaves his job. We have 5 weeks back in UK, moving back to our house, before his final week at work. He has been working for 40 years, as is looking forward to retiring (for the second time).

I think the key is making plans for what you will do next. Dh has plans lined up to pursue his hobby, buy a sports car a tad more comfortable than the motorised skate board he currently has, and to take some time to be as opposed to doing all the time. There are books ready to download to the Kindle, a list of jobs for our house, friends to catch up with, so plenty to be going on with.

My Dad died at 60, so never really retired, so I am very eager for dh to stop working, as he is 58.

I think it's the unknown, and a worry as to how you will fill your days. Dh's weeks already have a tentative structure due to the times the flying club he will be joining meets. Everything else will hang off that.

Scaryteacher sorry about your dad. My best friend died at 62, right before her planned retirement. I think that's part of it - best laid plans, and all that.

Raera yes, I plan to volunteer. I have just been too busy to do much the last few years, although was very active in the community until I hit about 50! Glad to hear you are happy - that really helps. AND that money will be fine - I am ready for that bit, have been saving and hope it shall not prove to be too limiting.

SingleNotSingle you are right. I am looking back. Looking forward - it is still such a long way away, I can't imagine working for 2 more years (and two months!). I know I shall be able to go to 4 days in another year, so that will help. I have so much to look forward to - I'm just struggling with it being so far away. Yet so close.

Change. Big change- always scary. But as my 10year old likes to tell me all the time- feel the fear and do it anyway!

You’re doing the right thing, with the right person for the right reasons. Just keep telling yourself that x

I went from full time to three days a week and then two days a week. Then we moved to a different area where I knew no one, no job, DH still working.

I tried several volunteering roles and started to meet people and now I cannot imagine finding the time to work at all.

Your 10 year old is very wise, Atalune - I'm usually quite brave and love change, but this is a biggie.

Foxyloxy1plus1 you ramped down to a full stop, then moved. That's really brave! My DH has always worked from home (now mostly retired but doesn't like that word - he's taking a break :))

I always had the dream of moving back home at least half time, once I retired, and spending time with my mum. Sadly, too late for that. I did get lots of time off to spend good long visits with her, but still. That dream, and the other big one of spending half the year in Italy dream with best friend, both gone. Too late for both. I need to make new dreams.