at 35 I want to retire

[Oranges836]

Changed name for this post.

35 and sick of working dont want to do it for another nearly 40 years.
Changed job and hate working in any job
dont want to do any job im happy doing nothing

thats it thats the thread

Why is ‘work ethic’ the gold standard? If I had money to retire I’d be happy to pitter and read and garden and walk and explore and volunteer. I’d probably say that was ‘doing nothing’ in comparison to work, but having a great ‘work ethic’ is only useful in a job, in the rest of life who gives a fuck.

I can’t stand it! Worked my way up to a reasonably senior position because it’s just what you’re expected to do, then realised that actually this isn’t what I want from life at all so cut my hours right down. I couldn’t endure 40 hours of drudgery a week any longer for a pension I might not even live to see.

We are in our early 50s, and we probably would have retired if it's financially viable for us.

If you are only 35, you have plenty of time to build your wealth to have an earlier retirement.

If OP actually can though - if she’s on minimum wage coupled with rising costs of living, I imagine she and many others won’t actually be able to build a decent nest egg.

Mid 50s and would love to retire but not an option anymore to take early retirement unless you're very lucky. At your age you can start to study for a different career. Mine is teaching and burnout is real! So, I changed paths a few years ago to teach in a different sphere, still a lot of work but not as exhausting as secondary.

If you have a talent you could try a sideline, reskill, try different areas?

I think most would agree if we didn't have to work we wouldn't (aka a lottery win).

You lot are fab. This thread reminded me to go and get a Euromillions ticket for tonight 😂

Same OP.

The job I have now is the best one I've had. It's still full of bullshit and stress. I've got to write mid-year appraisals for my team this week then have meetings with each of them to discuss it. I fucking hate it. They hate it. It's a waste of everyone's time. The job would be better without all the office bollocks that goes with it. I'm fed up of it all.
I am never bored when I'm at home. I just want to read, go to the gym, bake bread, do housework, potter around.
Working is shit. Alas, on we go.

I was looking at retiring as soon as I was an adult. I did actually really like my job but wanted to work in the charity sector but it was never going to pay enough.

I started my pension at 21 and dabbled with investing. Managed to retire at 54, took my pension at 55 and now work as a volunteer for 3 charities. I did do some voluntary work for charities when working but it was obviously limited. I did change career completely in my very early twenties. I worked FT and studied for years, the hours were crazy.

I’m absolutely sick of it. The second I can afford to I’ll be working part-time even if it’s only for a year or so. I just need a break.

To add, it's the simple things in life that make me feel happier and if I was on my own I would be more in a position to retire at 60. With DH and DC no chance, they have more of an expensive appetite than me. No idea why I'm saying this apart from the fact that if single or with a DP who likes a more frugal lifestyle then it can be done. Xx

I love my job (electrician) cannot even consider ever retiring, 45 now, hope to work to 80 or when I drop if I can.

That's a very sad post @Oranges836
Is there nothing that you'd really like to do if it were possible?

Work can be something to enjoy rather than just to pay the bills.

It sounds more as if you've never found what excites you and what you enjoy doing.

I'm still doing some work (self employed at just over 70.) It gives my life meaning and it also involves helping others.

Could you do one of those career online tests that kids do in school? It tells you the top 5 jobs to suit your personality based on a series of questions. I'm really happy in my new role as I enjoy it alot. Perhaps you could retrain?

You could bypass all of the actions given up-thread by @anitarielleliphe and do what @GAJLY says. The Skills Development Scotland website has a section for adults too. There are online personality tests, understanding what you're good at, what things interest you, and then not only suggests possible career options, but also gives you the education/training pathway to achieve your goals.

Alternatively, book an appointment with an adult Careers Adviser; they're not only for kids and it will help you to clarify exactly what you want.

I think that most people have about 5-7 career changes in their working life. I had 6.

I'm very over work but we are down to one income, mine, and that's all that is keeping the wolf from the door. I don't think I'm ever going to be able to retire. However I try to see the positive. I get to talk to interesting people and get out and about and there's only so much gardening, pottering, and eating lunch with friends you can do right. (Silently sobbing)

cant wait to die then i dont have to work

I feel the same. I'm absolutely done being the adult in the room. If I'd wanted to mother 13 extra people I'd have had more kids. I'm a manager, not a therapist, not a nurse, not a bloody miracle worker. I'm counting the days til I don't have to pretend to care about their drama or their lack of resilience. Every day one day closer.

I’ve been for years trying to write a Christmas song so I can live off the royalties. This year will be it so watch this space.

I tutor part time, and I love doing that, but it would be even better if I didn’t have to charge and could just work with the kids I like.

Probably(definitely) not helpful, but, decades ago I read that circus acrobats have a retirement age of 35 years. Could well be possibly that is out of date now.

Any chance you are a circus acrobat @Oranges836 ?

You can retrain whilst working. If you can't not work (this is me, many of us) then the only way forward is to change direction.
I have spent the best part of the last two years at college. Whilst working/ parenting / supporting older relatives. The joy of middle age .....
It has been so hard, but nearly there. Am hoping to lose the overtime / reduce my hours and at least be able to do a bit of something I really enjoy for some money.
Further education loans ( like higher education loans ) are available for a range of courses.
There are possibilities. But it does take am extra push to make any change. 🐬🌻

35 was about when I stopped caring about my 'career' too. I kept on working full time till 40 and then went part time until 46 and then was carer to parent until 52.

I'll be 53 later this year and I'm not going back to work. Caring was exhausting and devastating.

I'm still putting the max £2880 into my SIPP each year (max amount you can put in without working). My state pension is fully paid up so no benefit to me to putting more in there.

I have to be frugal but quite frankly I'd rather be home with my beloved dog than at work with more money to spend. Plus I'm still recovering physically and mentally from 5 years of hell (carer). I drive an old, small car and last holiday was in 2014. House is paid for though.

Agree.

OP - Just read your last post. Perhaps go and speak to your doctor as you may be depressed.

p.s. When I worked part-time I also had flats I let out plus I renovated a house so it was actually a busy time.

I mean don't we all OP.....but that's not reality, society or life!

I think it depends on the job. My last job was bearable.

My current job, i hate it. I hate the people , and they get me to do way too many tasks in this job. And then they are nasty to me.

Ive honestly felt suicidal in this job.

I think jobs are like relationships. If you get stuck in a toxic job with bad people, it can really affect your mental health.

A woman i once knew, killed herself because her job was so abusive to her.

I always vowed after her, to never let a job push me that far, that it ruins my life