NHS nurse. Flexi retire or just get a new job and work longer ?

[Clarkkentsmother]

I'm a relatively 'junior' nurse in my mid 50s but with many years experience working in a fairly stressful environment (crit care). Since covid my job has changed significantly - there's been an exodus of experienced staff and standards have dropped. The place is just not pleasant to work in. I have 2 options but haven't got a clue what's best..

1. Flexi retire and work 1 - 2 days a week to supplement my pension. So basically I'm at work less (I have special status in view of my long service so can retire early).
2. Carry on working in a less pressurised, less physically challenging environment for longer but possibly see a hit to my pension..I've seen a community post which I really fancy and am tempted to apply for. Very different to my current job in some respects but one which I could bring a lot of expertise to.

I'm so torn about what to do. Stick with what I know or move in the hope of less stress and better working conditions, particularly as I approach 60. I suspect not many have been in this situation but thought I'd give it a try. Maybe experiences from nurses or HCPs who have flexi retired ?

Can you afford to do the flexi retire option? If you can I would be inclined to do that. Don’t necessarily assume a different area of the NHS would be less stressful. community posts tend to have a huge workload, so they can avoid employing more staff!

@MissyB1 hi thanks for answering. I can afford to flexi retire but with cost of living increasing who knows ? The job I've seen isn't per se community but a very specific skill (without outing myself too much) in the community.

Can you do the flexi retire and then pick up bank shifts to get some extra cash every now and then? Or agency?

This might affect your pension though!

I flexibly retired at 55 and the combination of fewer hours and my pension means financially I am where I was before

Be careful if you feel you might need to up your hours though as your pension will be abated if you earn more than you did before. There is no going back on that.

@AnyFucker absolutely. That is what's concerning me. You can't earn extra if you need to. Who knows what will happen in the future re COL.
I hate the way my current job is. Potential job involves doing something that forms a big part of my current role minus the physical stuff and the stress of caring for extremely ill patients. Think I might ask if I can shadow someone there and see what it's actually like.

Good idea. Take your time to make a decision.