Early retirement - would you?

[Sensateria]

DH and I are figuring out if we want to do this. We can definitely manage it financially. We are thinking we will take a “year out” to start with and see how it goes rather than calling it retirement which seems a bit too final. We are both in our 40’s, fit and healthy, children are older teens, we have 2 dogs.

How would you spend your days?

I’m not sure I would. My mum retired 10 years earlier than my dad and I think it really aged her, losing the responsibility and sense of being important that work can give you. Small things took on an outsized importance, things that I know she would have brushed off as insignificant before suddenly became a massive deal to her.

If you’re going to do it I think you need a solid plan of what you’re going to do with your time.

I could easily do it. I’d spend my days cycling, dog walking, down the gym and meeting friends for lunch.

Small things took on an outsized importance, things that I know she would have brushed off as insignificant before suddenly became a massive deal to her.

Yes, I've seen this happening. Or someone can't come to visit you that day because they "have a really busy day planned". Turns out they have a dental ccheckup in the morning and then have to wait in a delivery over lunchtime. I mean, if you just didn't want to FILL your day then say so, but don't say you don't have time.

Yes, but do stuff don't just give up. I'm sure you won't.

I've sort of done it. Sold my business but now work for them 3 days a week (because I enjoy the work without the extra that comes with ownership) and I do something else which I love, which happens also to be another self employed role, approx one day a week.

There lots of things you can do from voluntary work to reading and exercise challenges.

Just make sure, if you have children, they grow up with a work ethic as seeing you not working might rub off.

I retired in my 40's due to health concerns. Both sons were in their 20''s and living in their own places, my mortgage was paid off by downsizing some years ago.

But mine's a simple life...my choice,, and I'm not a great consumer or traveller, although I love countryside, woods and beaches in the UK. It's been great. I am by no means lazy and am busy nearly every day, days fly by. There is always something to do, so many things to do in this life. Personally I do a lot of DIY, house maintenance, do up/recycle furniture, walk a lot, lots of gardening [fruit, flowers, veg], read loads, browse the internet, watch good TV in the winter months, see grandchildren...amongst other interests and activities. I used to cycle and swim but not so much now. Always have a project on the go. If not I take off for the day to wherever I fancy or [pre covid] go to the cinema and/or browse local markets and have a leisurely coffee.

So I would recommend it. Be your own person, feel free and able to pursue any hobby, find new interests, volunteer, start anything new. Life can be enjoyed on not too much money.

JeanClaude: I also think that things like keeping the house maintained seems to become more of a burden as you get older and have less energy. When I was in my 20s and bought this house, I thought nothing of doing a full day's work then coming to the house to spend the evenings stripping wallpaper or ripping up carpets, then driving to my parents' where we were staying temporarily. Even the THOUGHT of doing that now I'm nearly 50 wears me out. Even the thought of visiting carpet shops to choose carpets and arrange for a fitting date just sounds like something that's a major project. We used to get that stuff done and dusted in a couple of hours at the weekend in the past.

I do think a lot of things come down to decreasing energy as people get older. So if people retire early they should make an effort to keep fit, keep to a good daily routine, getting up at a reasonable time etc. Otherwise before you know it you'll be having an afternoon nap in the chair in front of Homes Under the Hammer. THe lifestyle of a 70 year old, , not a 50 year old!!

Ahh you like gardening! Well that will keep you occupied for a few lifetime.

I have trained/worked full time in plants, landscape and horticulture for just over a decade. I can say its only the last couple of years that I am confident I really know my stuff; and thats based on an acknowledgment that I still probably know c. 5% of what there is to know, but thats 5x more than others who call themselves gardeners or designers.

It really is a subject/hobby for life

As someone in the fifth year of a retirement that started at 62, I think you’d be mad. I really regretted retiring slightly early long before lockdown, it’s been worse since. I’m deeply envious of people with purpose, focus and a reason to leave the house. If I had my time again I definitely wouldn’t do it.

I think the year off is a good idea. You should look to fill your days. Dh take on a directorship, yoh do a voluntary role, something to keep your CV looking current. I think if you're well off and can live a nice lifestyle (whatever you're acustomed to) for the rest of your life then go for it.

I know people who retired but then get a little job which seems the worst of both worlds. Still tied to employment, not making money.