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?

I'm 48 and stopped working this year. However I still have DC 10 and 13 at home so I suppose I am a SAHP! I did feel a bit anxious telling my peer group I was stopping work but after the initial shock most of my friends said they were envious and if they could afford to do so they would.
I've had my fair share of illnesses the last few years including cancer so my husband suggested I stop work, look after the house and kids and basically enjoy my time! We did have major discussions before hand re finances and expectations both sides.

I agree with this, I work with a senior professional who is approaching 80, he’s as sharp as a tack, works the hours that suit him and will continue to do so I feel as long as he’s able. Working I think has kept him mentally sharp. The use it or lose it.

however the friends who retired in their early fifties, I also can see the sharp narrowing of their world, they also spend a lot of time with people in their 70s and 80s, other retirees nearby and it impacts their behaviour. As their friends the same age are all still working. Now they watch home under the hammer, potter in their garden and seem to find what their neighbours are up to of great interest. Going to the supermarket or dentist is a trip out.They are no longer the same vibrant engaged people and are becoming home birds, their lives visibly narrowing.

and that’s scary. As unless you’re very wealthy how much time can you spend travelling. A language or dance class is an hour or so a week. It’s rhe all day and every day. It’s a lot of hours to fill and if you enjoy your job and make good money why go there, totally different for the op who doesn’t like her job

im just surprised all her friends also dislike their jobs.

My siblings are retired and do lots of things
It's not always becoming ' brain dead' or worrying about the neighbours
Many do loads of things and love not having to do what anyone else wants them to do.
Not everyone wants to work and some employers are just horrible. I don't blame them

My mum retired at 60 and threw herself straight into "serious" volunteering (charity trustee as opposed to occasional helper with things), U3A, gym, member of a political party, helper to various other charities as well as grandparent childcare, travel and socialising. He world has shrunk a bit as some of her friends have died, the GCs have grown up and she doesn't like to drive as far now but in her early 80s she's still going to the gym, dance classes, charity collector, U3A, goes to films and concerts, you name it. She's never watched Homes Under the Hammer, she wouldn't have time. I want to be like her. You don't automatically wither away just because you've retired.

Some friends might be envious, but maybe you could live with that in order to have the early retirement you've been looking forward to.

I admire that you think this way but do you mind me asking how many years you've worked and how old you're?

I'm 61. Worked for donkeys years - though was a SAHM for a long time. Mum died in her 40s so I know no one's guaranteed an old age but I'd rather spend mine working (at least part time!).

that’s… weird

@nutrosti Completely agree.

Even if you tried to keep it a secret from them (why?), would they not notice you were never at work but instead having days at home, midweek trips out, more holidays and generally just living your best life?

Retired at 56 and never made a secret of it.