Join me in a 2026 retirement countdown

[loveawineloveacrisp]

Next year is the year I'm going to hang up my corporate boots and retire and I can't wait. I'll be 57 and I want to finish just before Christmas, none of that arguing over who's going to cover the Christmas period nonsense.

Not really sure when I should let my boss know. I'm on 3 months notice so I guess that's plenty of time.

Anyone care to join me in a countdown?

Yeah this was a benchmarking thing. I have to stop myself from thinking they've been underpaying me and take the upside!

So exciting for those of you moving ahead with your plans.
I have decided I need to get to the savings goal that I originally set myself & if I went earlier & the government then changed the goal posts for my dependent young adult (SEND) that I would have regrets & I don't want that over my future plans. So for now I will keep juggling everything (work/caring) & hope Trump doesn't trash my investments even more!

Three more work get ups! This time next week I’ll be retired. Mixed feelings but it’s good to be leaving when I still feel I could go on a bit longer. I’ll miss my colleagues however I’m excited for the next stage of my life.

Negotiated from three to two working days a week from July, then one day a week July to December. Off on holiday next week so March is effectively done then barrelling into April! The months are flying.

One week, one day to go, so very real now, waiver between jubilation and worry of impact of reducing income (we have worked out that we can afford to do, as long as not too extravagant). The weather this week has added to the excitement of impending freedom. @loveawineloveacrisp congratulations on your pay rise and thank you for creating this post as it has really helped me with my count down x

Has it changed your plans to retire? My boss has just offered to reduce my hours to keep me on fire a bit and that's thrown me.

i bought a little battery operated ‘ Count Down to my Retirement’ Gadget that I have stuck to the Whiteboard behind me! It’s the little things - it’s busy counting down seconds, mins, hours & days!
Makes me smile whenever I look at it!
’

I may ask for a 3 day week for an extra 3 months after my original planned date. I could easily live off 60% of my salary - it would delay drawing my pension and be a nice wind down.

I’m 54 and was approved for ill health retirement last month, just completing the paperwork now, which seemingly takes longer than I thought lol - I’ve been in 2 Monday as worked hard getting a degree and PhD for my career but I know I’m doing the right thing so my auto immune issues hopefully settle whilst I’m able to rest more and not have the stress of work

That’s it! I’m done! I retired yesterday! I’ve had meaningful career and worked with fabulous people. I’m lucky to have retired whilst I still got enjoyment from my job. Now the rest of my life awaits……

Yay, enjoy!

Congratulations!

I think a wind down period of fewer hours did work well for me as it’s a huge change

@EndofDazecongratulations 🥂 it's great.

Congratulations @EndofDaze!

I'm joining you, my last day is today, so as of not very long ago at all I am officially retired!

Congratulations @EndofDaze and @BridgeBurners2ndArmy my last day is Monday, now feels very surreal that I have worked my last Thursday. Here’s too enjoying the rest of our lives. X

Well things just got a bit more real for me. The next part of my contract that I expected to be full-time for 12 months, I’ve just been told will be three days a week. I think this would start my wind down to retirement, I doubt I would go back to full-time after this and I really don’t want to go and look for another job. I will focus on other sources of income and start building up a small business that I run.

I waiting for more details about how this is going to play out, but I think part of me is relieved because the decision is being taken away from me.

four more months at full-time, and then 12 months of part-time. I think I will be more than ready by then.

Sounds ideal @tryingtobesogood

@tryingtobesogood That could be perfect!

I posted earlier in the thread that I was aiming for next March but I've gone rogue and resigned this week!! Just had simply had enough. I finish at the end of this month! I cannot wait.

@macaroonmayhem well good for you! I don't bloomin blame you. I'm sure you'll soon get into the swing of it. How do you feel?

@macaroonmayhem I’ve just done the same! 🤣

I was planning on next March and gave notice this week. Nauseous, teary, delirious and elated at the same time. Just agreeing an end date. 💪

@Lifeisntadressrehearsal I handed my notice in to finish next Wednesday - my 28 day notice. Work wanted me to go until the following Sunday - we compromised on next Wednesday. 🤣

Wow, that must be such a relief to you all!!! I've brought mine sooner, to December, and told my manager, but she has offered me part time hours for a little while, and I'm considering it.

I’ve been on leave this week, it’s quite amazing thinking that this will be my actual life come October!
Been very productive, done some stuff in the garden including just an hour sitting enjoying the sun yesterday, got my car cleaned, been to the gym all much more enjoyable than being at work!
Bring it on!