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Original poster

Has anyone retired early and regretted it?

206 replies

50andup · 28/09/2021 14:40

I'm in my 50s, have always saved into pensions/ISAs and am now in the very fortunate position of being able to afford to stop work if I want to.

I know lots of people would think - that's brilliant and be off! But I'm wondering if I'll regret retiring early? After all, if I live to 100 Grin, that's 45ish years of effectively being on holiday!

I've got loads of friends, already volunteer and have interests I could invest more time into, but is that enough? No desire to travel the world (done that already) or any very significant plans, so wondering if I'll get bored after a bit...

Has anyone else retired early and then regretted it later?

OP posts:
Viviennemary · 29/09/2021 16:35

Why not reduce our hours first down to two or three days a week if money isn't a problem. If you have doubts don't give up work entirely.

Mimilamore · 29/09/2021 16:49

Retired into first lockdown...
Absolutely no regrets, it wasn't early, had been counting the weeks as I never seemed to have time to appreciate anything before it was Monday morning once again, felt like a treadmill although my colleagues (mostly) were lovely and the work could be rewarding.
I love having time to sit and stare with a coffee, watch a film in the day time, explore different walks, go at the grandchildrens' speed. Also like the fact that if I have a bad night's sleep or feel poorly or not want to do people I can turn over and ignore the time.
I don't have a lot to spare but I have enough for my needs...
All is good!

Washeduponthebeach · 29/09/2021 17:15

@peaceanddove

It's little to do with chronological age and everything to do with your personality and attitude to life.

My Auntie is 78 but still great company because she has a lively, enquiring mind and has lots of interests and a large circle of friends. But she has always been like this. I think you're either young at heart or not. When I first met my MIL she was only 48, that's 3 years younger than I am now. But she was already elderly in her outlook and behaviour and attitude toward life in general.

I agree with this.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Retirement & pensions
Larryyourwaiter · 29/09/2021 17:31

This is true. MIL thought she was ‘old’ at 50.

I honestly ran into someone I vaguely know today. She’s about 72 and working freelance and volunteering in her particular area. She’s very sprightly!

peaceanddove · 29/09/2021 17:36

I am horrified by the 'but we always do our grocery shop on a Friday' mentality.

Antinerak · 29/09/2021 17:56

@episcomama I'm disabled and ill, can't work but can look after my husband and family. I don't feel very young at 24 so it's not like I've signed away a life of fun things.

@CityCommuter I'm sorry you have issues with how others live, perhaps you're projecting, hope you work through that x

@AnyFucker See above, sorry that having a purpose in my life upsets you. I'm sure you're a delightful person, I hope you don't end up in my position x

@shinynewapple21 Not sure why you're not worried because I have a health condition but thanks?

Washeduponthebeach · 29/09/2021 18:57

@peaceanddove

I am horrified by the 'but we always do our grocery shop on a Friday' mentality.
It’s easy to judge isn’t it? Each to their own.
HoikingUpMyBigGirlPantss · 29/09/2021 19:09

I took early retirement from a very stressful job during lockdown so I could care for very unwell DH. I volunteer a few hours a week and I'm also studying online and start some freelance work from home next month. I enjoy a couple of hobbies and try to get to the local gym or trot round the park 2 or 3 times a week.
It took almost 2 months to feel calm and positive after all the stress and I did feel some grief for my previous work life, even though the stress of it had been affecting my own health.
I have a purpose every day and can still challenge my brain, have become a lot fitter than when I was working fulltime with a long commute, and help care for DH. Friends say I look 10 years younger!
I think if you have interactive hobbies you enjoy with good friends and can volunteer or maybe work part time or travel now (hopefully), you should retain a lively mind, positive mindset and healthy body.
Go for it!

Cruiser11 · 29/09/2021 19:24

peaceanddove

I am horrified by the 'but we always do our grocery shop on a Friday' mentality.

Why if they are happy, they’re independent and not causing harm to anyone?

RampantIvy · 29/09/2021 19:25

Working part time has made me realise that I am absolutely not ready to retire. TBH it was being able to work last year during lockdown that kept me sane.

Original poster
50andup · 29/09/2021 19:32

Thanks for all the comments, which are certainly giving me food for thought.

I always had early retirement as an aspiration, but now that it's a possibility I'm in two minds. I suppose that just shows it's not quite right yet.

It's great to see that retirement is no longer the cliff-edge that it used to be (unless you want it to be.) I do have a second, very casual job which I could do more of if I wanted to. Or indeed, pick up something new, which PPs have done.

I know I'm very fortunate to have the choice. Maybe one day I will just get sick of what I'm doing and flounce off in a huff! Grin (I've never flounced off in a huff, but there's always a first time.)

OP posts:
CurlyhairedAssassin · 29/09/2021 19:33

@Elphame

No. I retired at 53 and loved it. I still do.

I'm young enough and active enough to have picked up new hobbies and I can finally have the dogs I always wanted. I feel very lucky.

I imagine that I will get a dog when I retire (hopefully in around 10 years' time when I'lll be 58). But then I wonder if they're a bit too tying - you can't go out for the day and leave them, can you? And I quite fancy the idea of going off on impulse if there's a good last minute deal on a hotel room somewhere nice.

I'm interested to know how it's working for you, @Elphame?

RampantIvy · 29/09/2021 19:47

Pets are very tying @CurlyhairedAssassin, which is why we don't have any.

shinynewapple21 · 29/09/2021 19:57

Apologies @Antinerak I didn't word my comment well . Of course it is a worry that you have a health condition. What I meant was that if you have a health condition it is very understandable that you are not working outside of the home . I was concerned that if this wasn't the case you were maybe being subject to some kind of control whereby you were not being allowed to work outside the home . Thanks

AnyFucker · 29/09/2021 20:19

If my health was affected and my energy in short supply I would not be using it on picking up after a grown-ass man

Keep your stamina for yourself and those that are not in a position to look after themselves (kids/pets/ elderly relatives etc)

peaceanddove · 29/09/2021 20:42

@Cruiser11

peaceanddove

I am horrified by the 'but we always do our grocery shop on a Friday' mentality.

Why if they are happy, they’re independent and not causing harm to anyone?

Because, to me, they're not living. They're just existing.
IjustbelieveinMe · 30/09/2021 05:46

@FrownedUpon
Paying off my mortgage early will help me retire in my 50’s. I’m also lucky to have a very good local government pension & have invested money each month to fund the gap between retiring early & collecting my pensions.

That's so great. I unfortunately spent 12 years in a relationship with a guy who sold it to me at the start we were going to buy land and build our own house. Our relationship broke down last year due to me sick of waiting for him to commit to this (and everything else in a relationship), so now I am 48, single with savings, but not enough to buy a property on my own having wasted the last 12 years renting when I could have bought something before the property boom happened. It does make me feel like I am at least 10-20 years behind everyone else, but I have to accept that I suppose.

lifehappened · 30/09/2021 05:50

My Dad retired and he was suddenly very old very quickly. Not saying that happens to all, but he shouldn't have retired at 50, he needed his brain to be more active so should have replaced with something engaging. Poor guy

MarieG10 · 30/09/2021 05:58

I "retired" early as I could take my pension at a pretty early age (lucky I know but made some wise financial decisions around it). So retired to another job But hated it within days ...working for a large local authority in a fairly senior role but found that 1/3 of staff were basically incompetent! So I resigned and took time off as I was retired.

Frankly I soon got bored and itchy feet. Still have a youngish family around and felt out of place doing nothing so am now back at work leading projects and a team and best thing I could have done. Don't need the money so it is getting saved for when I retire properly with DH then we will be more extravagant or more likely help the kids on the property ladder

So my advice @50andup is early retirement can be great but you need to be in an environment whereby others around you are in a similar position otherwise you feel old and out of the busyness of life and having something to discuss. I was fortunate that I'm skilled and experienced at senior level in a niche market and walked back into a job.....but that soon wanes once out of the job market.

SpeakingFranglais · 30/09/2021 06:02

I’m going to do it OP. I’m 55 and I can afford to, 36 years of pension contributions, and DH on a good salary and not ready yet.

I went part time last year, but now I’m holding out for a voluntary redundancy package which is likely in the next 12 months.

I won’t look back, I have far too many other things to do outside work, not all fun, to be either bored or mentally unchallenged.

WindyRose · 30/09/2021 07:05

Retirement is just great and I don't have enough hours in the day. However, SiL (4-5 yrs older) asked my thoughts on retirement as she was thinking of it herself, but after a year decided she didn't like it and went back to work.

She didn't have any hobbies and just watched TV all day, then said it was a boring lifestyle. I barely watch TV at night let alone during the day but I do lots of sewing and have other hobbies as well. So I guess it makes a difference how you spend the time.

My job was made redundant and at the time I planned to get another job and continue working, but after a bout of illness those plans were changed for me. Now, I wouldn't have enough time to go to work!!

GreatPotato · 30/09/2021 07:08

I'm 51 and I could comfortably afford to go now on a FIRE basis (I've only learned that term from this thread mind).

The things that are stopping me are if I spend the capital DC can't inherit it/I can help them less with house purchases, but OTOH I'm not sure it's entirely good for them to have too much help.

I'm a widow and all my friends will still be working, so who will I spend all this time with?

I had a brief period as SAHM to school age children and I was busy with hobbies and volunteering. I had plenty to fill the time, but it never quite had the same purpose/fulfilment as working.

I do actually quite enjoy my job (most of the time) and it's where I have my most stimulating conversation re current affairs etc. The conversations I have outside work are much "lighter". I can't put my finger on why.

Plus, when I have plenty of time, I'm very good at doing nothing. I need a bit of pressure to make me apply myself!

Bluntness100 · 30/09/2021 07:12

It depends on the individual. We are friends with one couple who retired early, she went first early fifties, and he went a couple of years later, he was police and could have kept working but she wanted really him to retire so they could do stuff together

The reality is she loves it, and he does some of the time, but he is bored a lot, and tries to find random things to do with his time. He definitely retired far too early

The reality is it’s difficult to find something good to do every single day, and the days can loom long,

RampantIvy · 30/09/2021 07:19

What hobbies do people have? I like gardening but only have a small garden and it isn't something I can do in winter or when it rains.

I hate sewing or any kind of crafting.

BertiesShoes · 30/09/2021 09:14

The reality is it’s difficult to find something good to do every single day, and the days can loom long

I have not yet found any day looming long, quite the opposite, too much to fit into the hours, although I am only 6mths in, plus have DH and young adult DC around so that may change in time. Like a pp, I barely watch TV in evening, never mind daytime.

I do love not having to set my alarm, unless I am having an early start, and having time in bed (on MN!) with a cuppa. I have a busy October, with 2 trips away, and already planning things for Nov/Dec - meeting friends, Xmas markets/visits etc.

As for keeping sharp, I am definitely a lot sharper mentally than some of my local friends who work, even though they are 6-8 years younger. I guess time will tell if that changes.