Oh the joy of being retired...

[ThreeWiseWomen]

DS needed a lift to the station, (doesn't happen often) so DH did it, he was back by six, he came up with two tiny drops of white wine and some cracking manchego, we have turned the leccy blanket right up and stuck on Classic FM and are drifting off for a nice long snooze.

I love being retired. Don't miss work in the slightest. Have stuck to early morning tea as opposed to early morning vino, but why not!

It probably helps that I never had a job I really loved and where I felt I had a vocation - I wish I had had, but there we go, we're not all blessed in that way. I worked hard when I was in employment and I felt valued (some of the time), but there is so much nonsense that goes with the territory - internal politics to negotiate, difficult colleagues/other contacts, staff recruitment freezes meaning workload goes up massively with minimal concern from senior management, new brooms attempting to sweep clean and making a huge mess in the process, ill-thought out policies designed to solve a problem that didn't really exist, or not in that form anyway, etc etc. Blood pressure going up just thinking about it all, making me mildly and but mostly that I'm out of all that now.

More for you, OP! I'll stick to for now, with no concern about who last used my mug or whether anybody's nicked my milk or left something indescribable in the communal fridge for a month.

This sounds rather nice to me. On Monday 22 August I will be in bed, with a pot of keemun at my side, a plate of croissants with apricot jam and my lovely dog curled up next to me - I have big plans for the first day of my retirement and savouring not having to go to work on a Monday morning is my starting point.

@Bluebluemoon

Aren't you worried about having to spend so much time with your DH though? What do you talk about? That's all that worries me.

I remember experiencing a similar feeling when I went off on maternity leave with 2nd dc knowing I wasn't ever going back to that hellhole. I remember thinking "this is the last time I will ever have to catch this stinking bus". It was the best feeling ever!

Never been an issue for us. Nearly 40 years married and we haven't run out of things to say. My parents are well over 60 years married and together a lot as they get less and less mobile, and they are absolutely devoted to each other, and never struggle for things to say. They're not joined at the hip, have some separate interests/activities, which I think is important, but during lockdown it was, literally I would say, a lifesaver for them to have each other for company. Dad was shielding so they had minimal contact with anyone else.

Breakfast of champions

Many years ago on a long weekend in Tallin, I was surprised to find that most set breakfast menus in cafes in the old town included something alcoholic. Your people are out there

It sounds like bliss - I totally get it! I am ten years and 7 months from retirement and fantasise about it quite often.

Enjoy.
I'm 54 and retirement seems to get further away!

Having taken early retirement at 55 just a few months ago, I understand the bliss! Having spent 30+ years in teaching, I love waking up every day with nobody to answer to. As for the snarky poster who said "I love being busy" - well that's nice but some people like doing feck all. And I'm one of them.

Retirement is all about doing just what you damn well Like .

How lovely. I can’t wait to retire which in some ways is sad because it’s wishing my life away. I’m hoping to do it by 55 which is 17 years. If it’s 68 then it’s 30 😭

Sounds lovely! I love hearing about life after work, gives me hope for the future!

Oh I LOVE this! My incredibly hard working parents both finally retired last year and it’s an absolute joy to hear when they’ve done random shit like this! Enjoy it!!

(And “show the dog some love”?! Oh please! Stupid comment )

I love it. We took early retirement last year and moved to France.

Today is a horrible rainy day so I've stayed in bed til 10, the OH is making blueberry jam on toast with coffee and we are having a hunker down day.

Sounds perfect OP! Enjoy your lazy morning!

Sounds wonderful! Enjoy

I have 33 years to go before I can draw my pension (on the current scheme, let’s face it this date will probably get pushed back even further). Not sure I could handle Manchego and white wine at 7am but otherwise super jealous. Enjoy!

Five and a half years to go and counting every single day!

You're living my retirement dream. Only 33 years left of mortgage and work for us what a fab way to start your retirements, enjoy your snooze!

@Noshowlomo

Sounds delightful! I’m 42 this year and starting to count down the years.. wishing my life away maybe but I’m so looking forward to it. I’m aiming for 60… we’ll see!!! Maybe not the cheese for me but I’d take a load of pastries with my morning wine

I’m aiming for 60 too. Budge up and save me some of that wine and an almond croissant please!

Well done OP, enjoy every second!

You enjoy every minute of it, now you are wild and free !!

I was aiming for 60 but we paid the mortgage off early and drew down pensions into funds that give us monthly income. So i retired at 53.

That's what we call a Spanish breakfast ;)

You've painted such a soothing picture OP. Enjoy!

I've got some Cornish Yarg and an already chilled Manzanilla . . . F* it, I'm joining you in solidarity!!! I plan to be tucked up with most cuddly cat and latest 'Bryant and May' book in approximately 5 minutes.

An old friend of ours when asked what she was going "to do" upon her retirement replied sweetly"Im going to do nothing,and Im not starting that till after lunch!

I bloody love being retired! I enjoyed my career but I don't miss it one bit. The only drawback for me is that I spend far too much time on Mumsnet!
Enjoy your cheese and wine, you deserve it.

Sounds amazing OP, as a one off I'd have had a large glass !

Can't wait till I retire ! 17 yrs and counting !