I’m looking for opinions on my current situation.
I’m 56 and I was a SAHM for a long time, and also worked outside of the UK in my younger years and so my state and private pension were screwed.
I’m working p/t, 3 full days a week. When I’m there it’s hard work, the commute is a bit of a bitch, but outside of my working hours my life is really good. I can do what I want, when I want and I have a good time.
We are ok financially, as we saved hard overseas and paid off our mortgage, but my pension pot is not great and I’m ploughing money into it every month and making sure my state pension is being clocked off every year. I’ve 7 years to go till I am fully paid up on NI to qualify for a state pension at 67. The company pension is really good and I’ve already amounted a fair whack in the pot.
So, my job can be boring and stressful and I’ve been looking for another. I’ve come across 2 issues. The first is that hardly any employers are hiring full time. It’s all contract, low hours on offer (but you’ll get more we are sure they tell me), seasonal or temp. The second is I think my age is going against me. In a few applications I’ve been asked to tick boxes including age range so it’s the 55-64 box. Even though I’m really fit and hard working, I think my age goes against me. I saw a job I really liked but it was just seasonal. With my goals (fattening my pension) I can’t afford to just work peak months. When I look at my friends they all seem to switch jobs and have months off at a time, which I don’t want to do as I don’t want NI gaps. I’ve applied to jobs and heard nothing back, even ads appearing desperate for staff!
So, I’m trying to decide what to do. I’m trying to come to a decision.
AIBU - look MoaningMinneMouse, you have a steady job which in some ways is super cushy. You’re pushing 60 and you need to get your head down and beef up your pension. It’s just a job, suck it up 😝
YABU - age is just a number, there are loads of jobs out there. Keep looking.