I have retired!

[FlipFlops4Me]

At last. I have - according to my Gateway - 50 full years of contributions but I have finally retired. I can only think that my teenage weekend/evening jobs counted as I didn't leave school until I was 17 when I went into training.

I don't get my pension for six months but the stress of wfh and caring for my DH (who is a stroke victim with serious cognitive issues) was making me ill and I knew I couldn't last until December.

My leaving lunch was wonderful - we are a tiny firm but an ex-colleague and a client I've known since 1995 both came, and my DH. I was so grateful for how kind everyone was to DH and it didn't matter that I needed to cut up his food etc.

But now I am retired and I still can't believe it. I'm tackling my morning tasks like a whirling dervish because normally I'd do them and then settle down to wfh for 5 hours. Not any more ....🤗

@RaraRachael countdown to freedom has started for me. Had a discussion with a parent who gave me grief last year saying how pleased she was new academic for her boy guiding him on his gcse journey. I am just going to spend the year nodding and waving until I hand in my notice at Easter😂

enjoy your retirement from teaching 🍾🥂

Congratulations OP. I've retired early at 58. I haven't regretted a single day. And I'm pretty skint but happier. Much happier. Just about to complete on a smaller more manageable property. Another few years when the state pension comes into fruition I might move to the seaside all going well.
Always look forward not back. 💐

Congratulations! Personally I am no where near retirement but my mum is the busiest retired person I know and loves it. Her social life is way better than mine!

@Countdown2023 Thanks - I got to that stage too. I was even expected to go to staff meetings up till the day before we broke up even though as 0.8 I'd done more than my quota for the year.
I used to worry about money but now I just don't care. I'm so much happier not having the stress of all the unnecessary shite that goes along with teaching these days.

Enjoy the countdown!!

Oh, you lucky thing, congratulations!
I have 2 more years, I'm desperate to go but I just can't manage until I get my pension, so I have to keep going.

I’ve just committed to (very early) retiring in February. I am very much looking forward to it but worried about the amount of time I will have and using it wisely.

Oh this was wonderful to read. I’m very happy for you! Congratulations on your retirement. 💐

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone’s posts on their retirement. Enjoy every moment OP, you absolutely deserve this xxx

Congratulations - great decision.

I kept all my teaching resources as I intended going back on supply but once the term started back I didn't want to do it so this week I've been getting rid of all my teaching stuff and it's been such a great feeling! I'm sure I'll find plenty to occupy my time.

Three months on and nearly all of the stress related physical conditions have gone - totally. I'm left with just one, and hopefully it is reducing.

Retiring was the best decision - my DH is calmer, and I have time for him - it doesn't matter that his aphasia makes conversation slow, I'm not in a rush and because of that he is a little more fluent.

I always thought I was one of those people who'd go on working for years past retirement but honestly, I'm soooo much happier for being at home, caring for DH, spending time with DSis and having some time for me.

Great to hear it flipflops. Have you picked up the needles yet?

Congratulations. I retired a week ago. It's such a relief as I look after my dad and have more time now. How did we all find time to work

I'm enjoying my retirement so much. Great to hear of others taking the decision. I thought of taking a little part time job but I'm managing to fill my days, so don't think I'd have time for it!

I am retired and have no spare time at all!

Congratulations. How lovely.

Congratulations, I can only imagine how wonderful it must feel for you, to get up every day and be your own boss 🙂

My revised figure is 3.5 years to go ...

Today is the first day of my retirement too, I am 58. I have so much to do to get my house in order etc and go to the gym, get body (and mind) fit. I am sure I too will wonder how I ever found time to work.

While I may pick up a bit of consultancy (DH still working), it will be part time and occassional and I will never have the grind of a full time high stress and permanent role which is what has really taken its toll the last few years.

Feeling great and congrats to all of you on the count down to your day of freedom.

Congratulations toast.

I have 2.5 months to go!

Congratulations!

There are no words to describe how wonderful it feels to know that you will never have to sit through another boring meeting, listening to someone wittering on and on...... trying to look interested.

Congratulations and best wishes on this wonderful life change! I've been retired just over a year and I honestly feel as though I've got my life back.

My people ☺️

Thanks for the lovely thread Flipflops.

Retired a year,and, like you wfh with a stressful job and ill DH.

It has taken me a year, and I felt a lot of grief/guilt at first but am blossoming into it.

A friend who was a nurse retired over lockdown and she said it took her three years to grieve, and to settle into retirement.

I love it. My time is full. DH also has benefited by me being here, de stressed.

For those who are waiting to finish, it will happen. Don't over commit yourself and take time to find out what you really want to do 💐