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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think about retiring at 56

30 replies

WetAugust · 07/11/2011 22:56

I never planned on working past 60 but have the opportunity to go earlier.

It's just that 56 seems too young?

When are you planning to retire?

OP posts:
ViviPru · 07/11/2011 23:00

I'm 32. I'd retire tomorrow if I could. True story.

Selks · 07/11/2011 23:04

Lucky you if you can, basically, Go forth and enjoy.

ilovesooty · 07/11/2011 23:10

Each to her own. I'm glad the mandatory retirement age is going: I'd be upset if I were forced to retire. I love my job!

Original poster
WetAugust · 07/11/2011 23:16

I don't Sad

OP posts:
cjbartlett · 07/11/2011 23:18

Most of my colleagues have retired at 60

auntiepicklebottom2 · 07/11/2011 23:20

i plan to retire when i can possible afford to retire, i am only 25 so got a good 40 year left

cat64 · 07/11/2011 23:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

ViviPru · 07/11/2011 23:23

If you don't love your job and have the opportunity to retire, I'd say go for it, OP if you can afford it?

Don't hold back because it "seems" too young! Think of all the relaxing/exciting/stimulating/life affirming things you could be doing.

LesserOfTwoWeevils · 08/11/2011 01:18

I would love to have a decision like that to make! I will never be able to retire, can't afford to. No pension from work, and I live in a place where you have to be very nearly destitute to get a government pension and it's a pittance.

Earlybird · 08/11/2011 01:27

Can you afford to retire?

How will you support yourself?

Would you hope to work somewhere else at something else?

Stupify64 · 08/11/2011 01:31

Go for it. Just so long as those of us who now have to work to interment age aren't paying for it.

AnotherEmptyNest · 08/11/2011 07:44

I retired at 64 and wish I could have carried on. It depends on how interesting your job is though. Or how restricting. For me, it was lovely to have a holiday during term time. Now and again though I wish I were still in work.

NinkyNonker · 08/11/2011 07:57

Why not? My dad retired at 54 and does various things...lecturing, coaching and a very part-time job doing what he used to do. He has renovated his boat, taken on lots of voluntary projects...very happy. There is more to life than work, if you can and want to then why not?

Strawbezza · 08/11/2011 08:08

If you can afford it then go for it. And even if you can't, why not do something part-time and wind down towards your real retirement? Old saying but true - nobody lies on their death bed and says they wish they'd spent more time at work.

lesley33 · 08/11/2011 11:10

I think it depends on the type of person you are. If you are the kind who can keep busy and still find things you enjoy doing and challenges then go for it. If you are the kind of person who needs structure in your life and will sink into watching tv every day, then don't. I think this is more important than your age.

I have seen some friends/relatives relish retirement and enjoy doing things they love. Others hate it and wish they could be back at work. Remember its not like taking a holiday, most people eventually get bored of doing not much. So you do need to have things you plan to do.

Also don't underestimate the social side of work. Will you be seeing people during the day or be on your own. Often when people retire young, their friends are still working. If you will be on your own are there things you could do that would bring you into contact with people during the day?

PigletJohn · 08/11/2011 11:24

Are you single?

If you have a DP it makes a difference, especially if they continue soldiering on and would rather not.

jandymaccomesback · 08/11/2011 11:29

I retired at 56 and it is brilliant (mind you I am only 3 years in!)

NinkyNonker · 08/11/2011 11:34

Don't get me wrong, it looks like we'll be retiring at 68 (bearing in mind both ny grandfathers and my fil were dead by then I think it is a joke) so I am jealous, but I still think why not!

pootlebug · 08/11/2011 11:39

Depends on the kind of person you are I think. Why does it seem 'too young' to you? Because you feel you still ought to be working? Or because you feel you want to still be working.

My Dad retired at 52. His criteria were:

  • Can we afford it?
  • Can I cope with the idea of it all going on without me? Will I feel like I'm missing something without the recognition and respect I got in my job?
  • Do I know what I'm going to do instead?

As a pp said, if you are the type to veg all day watching telly then maybe it's not the ideal move. My Dad has done various bits of consultancy work, voluntary stuff, watched a lot of live cricket, various other hobbies. Don't think he has any regrets at all.

5Foot5 · 08/11/2011 13:38

Lucky you!

My sister retired at that age but still keeps busy. Well she has three teenage children so that is inevitable. But apart from that she has used the extra time to indulge in more of her own interest and has joined a club that interests her. She does actually work 2-3 days a week on a seasonal job right now but that is just to get extra dosh for Christmas and it is in something she enjoys which has nothing to do with her previous occupation.

Go for it I say. Wish I could see myself doing that at 56 (7 years away) but I doubt it.

Original poster
WetAugust · 08/11/2011 18:12

Hi
Thanks for all your encouragement.

Yes I'm single but very used to my own company and there's no social side at work at all.

Could afford it - mortgage paid - pension just below national average wage.

I'm not one to sit around all day.

What's stopping me:

  1. The 'Is this it?' factor. Haven't had any job saisfaction for years and always hoped it would improve.

  2. An old chap one said to me "You can retire too early and regret it" - that's stuck in my mind. I might regret it later.

  3. Perhaps not being able to get something to do outside the home in future (thinking of voluntary work or casual / seasonal)

  4. Been working since 17 - retirement would be a huge step.

Arghh I hate decisions.

OP posts:
KittyFane · 08/11/2011 18:33

Retire!! You don't like your job and you can afford to.
My DM retired at 52, no partner and no mortgage. She had a decent monthly pension.

She has done so much over the last 10 years, her social life took off as she did all sorts of things- dancing, walking, music and crafty things. She travels a lot and just enjoys seeing friends etc.

The only downside is that she seems to forget how hard it can be working full time and having DC. Well, working full stop- she thinks that the leisurely pace she enjoys is achievable by everyone. Bloody annoying!!

OP, seriously, just retire and do whatever you want to do!
There are so many young retired people, make new friends and enjoy your life. If you find you miss the structure of work, volunteer in something that interests you.

The 'chap' who says you'll regret is may be a tinsy bit jealous IMO.

Don't be scared!! Go for it!! Best of luck to you!

KittyFane · 08/11/2011 18:38

BTW, you will find some volunteer work or seasonal- start researching and planning now so you have something to look forward to!

Original poster
WetAugust · 08/11/2011 18:52

Thanks Kitty for telling me about your Mum. I think I need to draw up a 'plan beyond work' and go for it!

OP posts:
KittyFane · 08/11/2011 19:04

Yes, a plan is the key.
Mum was scared of becoming isolated. Her job was full on and it was a big change but she needn't have worried. Don't be scared of doing thing by yourself or joining groups etc. I'm quite a solitary person myself so it's easy for me to say, I know.
Oh, you'll love it! Just make your plan and looooong list of things you want to do!!!