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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to feel resentful about work, money and commuting in my 50s?

55 replies

Highnone · 15/06/2026 08:17

I’m early 50’s and I am really starting to find my long commute and stressful job a lot harder than I did 5 years ago - I’m physically so exhausted most of the time.
This is compounded by not feeling the financial benefits I thought I would at this stage of my career. My children are finishing exams and I’d love to take them away for a few days as a treat. But there just isn’t the spare money to do this - everything costs so much!
How do I move on from feeling resentful and how can I keep going for another 10 years!

OP posts:
Highnone · 28/06/2026 06:18

Hello all. Apologies that I’ve not replied to my thread for some time, as ever work got in the way!
I wanted to say how sorry I was to hear of so many other women in this position, it’s soul destroying. I hear you entirely, it’s a very tough phase of life.
I’m trying to manage my mindset and say that in a couple of years I’ll hopefully find a different job and the intensive commute will not be forever.
I’m finding it hard to be full hearted with some of my friends, and I want to get out of that feeling as I know it’s not healthy. Two friends this week who are not working, yet have cleaners etc have said just how exhausted they are. I have almost wanted to cry in response to them!

OP posts:
Icanseeasquirrel · 28/06/2026 06:49

My friends and I often talk about that switch that turns on in your brain when you get to late 50s and you’re just run out of enthusiasm for work.
We are genetically the same people who left at 60 through most of history but now have dependent children for longer and parents living longer. My parents retired at 55 and 59 and were grandparents with nobody at home. My peers that age have young adults at uni or home to support. And the prospect of waiting to 67 to afford to retire.
I have requested partial retirement at 61. 3 days a week. But my Civil Service role can’t manage without me and won’t allow recruitment so we can train up a younger person.
I just want to potter about and read and garden and cook!
Also in SE/outer London. Could downsize or move out but all my life and friends and children are here.
At least you have a partner. Massive difference to being able to retire early.
Anyway. Solidarity sister.

Bjorkdidit · 28/06/2026 07:22

Can you relocate? Have you reviewed your budget and spending?

It doesn't sound right that someone who’s in a senior role in the NHS with another working adult in the house is so financially stretched that they can't afford a short break.

Something is off with your day to day spending or your mortgage and commuting costs are disproportionately high.

3oldladiesstuckinalavatory · 28/06/2026 07:35

JustSetFireToIt · 17/06/2026 16:55

God yes, late 50s here and absolutely sick of it all.

I think things changed rapidly after Covid. So much regulation now it's beyond a joke, new systems, CRM, AI, GDPR, ICO, HMRC, Cyber Essentials, ISO, make tax digital, all the scammers, cant speak to a utility company or bank without it taking 50 minutes and having to give your life story, account no, two random pin digits, wait for a code sent to your mobile, then you get cut off.

The mountain of regulations coming from all sides is ridiculous and dont get me started on all the employment law changes. The online training, all information is now delivered by video or in realtime online - I loath Teams and Podcasts - which takes hours. Before, you just read a document in ten minutes.

Ive had enough. I'm tired of absorbing work everytime someone leaves.

Nailed it. The workplace has changed and is much harder than it used to be. Combine that with midlife malaise, the menopause and caring responsibilities and it just all
feels impossible some days.

JustSetFireToIt · 28/06/2026 17:44

Work is no longer enjoyable due to senior leadership bollocks and KPIs. Everything is a meeting - I had a pre-meeting meeting on Friday which they admitted during the Teams call was pointless and the two supplier team leads didnt even show up. We are the customer for Christ's sake!

I thank god every day that I always joined company pensions and now have a good chunk which will allow me to sit on my arse for a bit.

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