To ask if you think you'll flourish or flounder in retirement

[The3rdMrsdeWinter]

Potentially 25+ years of setting your own agenda without the routine of work.

How do you think you (and your DH/DP if you have one) will cope?

Work annoys me. I really don't have time for it.

I’m not planning to retire, I’ll just reduce the number of days I work.. I’m all about the here and now, so I’m living the high life without any preparation for retirement. Maybe I’ll regret it, but time will tell

DH is 9 years older than me and approaching retirement within the next couple of years. He is a very active chap but at 61, a FT teacher and with a 1.5 hour commute each way, he is knackered. I want him to stop now.
We both love gardening, birdwatching, walking, pubs. He is my best friend and I want to spend time with him.

Thanks for replies. The reason I said 25+ years is because many people retire early. My PiLs are already over 25 years into retirement and they're not yet 80.

I think I might flounder. I don't have hobbies other than arsing around on MN and reading.

I've got good friends but a dog walk + coffee and then I've had enough of them

Like pp we will find it difficult when DD goes.

I hope I’ll flourish.
Trying to sort out stuff now so that I’ll be financially stable, can retire at 67.
Planning on having a dog, which because of my long hours, I haven’t been able to have for years.
I’d like a part time job which I can do without the stress and responsibility of my current career. More time for long walks, seeing friends, and possibly, buying a home with my sister so we can look after one another as the years roll on.
If fit and well, I’d like to go to India for a few months, as it is the one place I’ve always dreamed of visiting.

As with anything, basically it depends how much money you have.

I'll work til I drop.
If not, I am pretty good at keeping self busy.

Flourish...not bothered about work when i'd rather potter, do hobbies, keep fit etc. Money is useful though so will keep working for now!

Flourish. I literally cannot wait (tho I don't really want to wish my life away). But the free time, the lack of obligation. Bloody hell it sounds so good.

I took early retirement 3 years ago and I was flourishing until lockdown. I had lunches out with friends 3 times a week, went to my hobby (car shows and meets, track days etc) I was learning basic car mechanics too. Since lockdown I've sunk into misery. Hopefully this summer will improve.

DH is still working, but from home. He's at his desk at 8am and is often still going strong at 7pm. He is 67 and has no intention of retiring. He took a week off last month and was bored out of his mind. Ended up decorating rooms that didn't need decorating.

I’m already retired in my 50s. It’s great, not enough hours in the day. My husband still works, but for himself, so can arrange his own schedule to a certain extent

I’m already retired in my 50s. It’s great, not enough hours in the day

But what do you do and will it fulfil you for 30 years?

@thenightsky - sorry you've sunk into misery and hope as lockdown lifts, so will your spirits.

Most people currently under the age of 45 won't really retire, so not worth thinking about. State pension age will probably be means tested and kick in at age 75 or so. No idea how much private pension I will have, but certainly not enough to live without working for 25 years.

There’s plenty to do in retirement. Too many books to read for a start. Plenty of fresh air and exercise, visiting friends and grandchildren, pottering around, cooking for pleasure without being rushed, gardening, holidays, eating out. There’s so much to do and anyone who thinks otherwise lacks imagination.

I’m 32 and feel like I could happily retire right now to be honest. Work is already a massive inconvenience.

Somewhere in between I think. We won't have anywhere near the money to be able to live the sort of retirement we would like (health allowing) but neither will we be totally on the breadline. Judging by the large number of people I see working past age 70 either a lot of pensioners are bored or in need of a better income.

I don't plan to retire, more of a gradual slowing down. OH is the same.
I would have to be infirm or ill before I stop work of some sort.
I wouldn't want to.

Lockdown has retaught me that I enjoy spending time with DH. I’m looking forward to both retiring even though it’s nearly 20 years off...we have a plan!

Flourish. We both have lots of joint and own interests to enjoy. Work intrudes too much into our lives for our taste!

I love work and I really don’t want to retire. I will probably be one of those people who go they have to manage out with some kind of “celebration of your contribution” drinks where I don’t realise it’s my last day

I guess it depends on your work.

I love what I do. A paid hobby in a creative field. I am nealky 60 and won't consider retiring anytime soon. I get paid to have fun.

My job is definitely a career and it’s something I’m passionate about, but I still only do it to pay the bills. I don’t need work to fill my days. I always have a million projects calling my name that I can’t even start because I have to work. Instead I have to pick just a select few and let those be enough to fill my soul until the day I can retire.

My partner and I ran a retail business aiming to retire in Jan this year. However the downturn in high st retail forced us to go 30 months earlier. Financially we are OK. We have to care for an elderly relative, MIL, which restricts what we can do, but gives us structure to every day. Covid has put the mockers on our travel plans, and even with the easing we do not want to put MIL into a care home while we are away. We are loving retirement. I was 100% committed to our business, loved dealing with the customers, but from the day we closed I have not missed it at all. I haven't worn a watch since closing day either. We are working our way through the house smartening up every room. We are both in Rotary, so that has given us a lot of social events, on Zoom during covid, and the volunteering side has kept us involved and busy. Biggest tip I would give is make sure your mortgage and other debts are paid up, and have something to do. Rotary is brilliant for just retired people, highly recommend joining your local club.

I love being retired although money is tight as I only have state pension. I have a leisurely morning in bed then spend a lot of time gardening ( I have a very large garden so lots to do-weeding, planting, growing veg), also pets to look after. I swim 3 x a week and help with the school pick up for grandchildren, if needed. I see friends and family during the week for lunch or tea once a week and prefer to grocery shop in person. I spend a lot of time online and enjoy watching the daytime quiz shows. I read and do crossword puzzles. I used to travel a lot but have decided not to have the vaccine so accept that I may not be able to in future. I have a large house to clean and maintain. I don't know how I found the time to work.

I think it will be good! Love my DH and am looking forward to spending time with him. We enjoy active stuff for the early retirement years (travelling, hiking etc), but I also love reading for when I get older and need to slow down. Also looking forward to being an active grandparent if my DC choose to have kids.

I actually do like my job. It’s rewarding, well paid and related to my degree. It’s just I’ll always like being at home more.