Have you retired while most people you know are still working.

[Overcover]

I'm 55 next year.

I'm single and have worked really hard all my life in jobs I've mostly enjoyed, been good at, have paid well and given me a certain level of status.

I have a good standard of living but a simple "core" lifestyle. I.e. I do have holidays and meals etc out but my necessary costs are low.

DC are adults and I have some money put by to help them with house deposits if that's what I decide to do.

I have some good pensions and savings. Financially I could retire next year, and I'm finding I don't enjoy work these days. I changed my job and now work PT, but that hasn't helped, if anything I feel even less engaged. I also have some hobbies/projects I'd like to develop while I'm still young and fit.

So I'm thinking about retirement, but no friends my age will be thinking about that for at least 5 years. I'm not worried about company, I'll be absolutely fine filling my time while friends are at work, but I wonder if it will change relationships - "it's OK for those who don't need to work" bitterness. A bit like a lottery win might?

If they don't like it hard luck on them. Just do it, why work if you don't want to, don't need to and have plenty of other things to do.

I do 3 days now. All my weekends are filled with friends.

My mum and Dad both took early retirement at 54 they are both 82 now ,if you can why not?

Yes, give or take a 5 years or so.

Under 60 there seems to be a lot of resentment in my experience.

And mine. Lucky bastards. I'll be working until I'm 68. I'm nearly that age now and I can't believe they retired then

All except one working. Most, especially the women, not professionals.

I'll be off like a shot as soon as I can afford to retire - aiming for 48. I won't work a day longer than I absolutely need to.

If friends are bitter about that me being able to retire before them, then they're not very good friends are they.

Do what works for you, OP

Do it! You can always look for another job if you need to. Say that to anyone surprised - call it a career break if it stops any chat - do what you like!

What’s the alternative, keep working just so your friends don’t feel jealous or bitter?

Wow I am in awe.. What job did you do? You'll probably end up working what 30 years, possibly a third of your life.

I would be sooooo envious. But also so pleased for you. Absolutely go for it!!! Lucky thing!

She's a married woman with a very successful husband in a high profile role, so whilst she doesn't work herself she is fully occupied supporting his job/life.

Early 20s

I was in corporate banking originally, that's where the good pensions comes from, but unrestrained at 41 and have been in the 3rd sector since.

TBH the main reason I can do this is because I lived very frugally/well within my means when I was young and paid off the mortgage quickly, then diverted that money to savings. Never had any debt since that first mortgage was repaid.