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?

@BG2015 I feel free.😊

@Lifeisntadressrehearsal yes, that’s how I felt the day I handed mine in. A complete maelstrom of emotions. But I’ve moved past that and I feel free and very excited about this next chapter.

I've decided I think I need to do a few months into 2027 - just one more annual bonus, it was a decent amount this year and went straight into my pension. But I'm going to ask for a 3 day week from January, just to wind down. They can only say no, right?

Morning, having posted early in the thread I've been MIA for a month or so. I'm really sorry to have missed recognising those who have retired or made big decisions in those weeks. Congrats to everyone, support to those that need it 🌻

I have 10 days to go until I finish. My manager is barely speaking to me, the Chief Exec hasn't acknowledged my departure despite my level and the organision is an absolute circus.

Despite mixed emotions it is clear that leaving is the right decision, it's a reputation destroying environment. One of my colleagues has firmly been thrown under a bus by our Directors in an appalling way.

I'm still not sure what this means, is it retirement or a break? I'm 56, financially we are sound, DH is older than me. It just feels early to stop, Gen X work ethic i guess 🤷‍♀️. The initial plan is 6 months to recover from burnout and loss of confidence and then see. I've put some gentle feelers out for professional roles for the autumn which have had an encouraging response. Maybe I'll work in a shop and get a discount. Dunno, I'm not going to decide. It's liberating (and terrifying at the same time! 😀)

I’m counting down until July. I’ve absolutely lost interest in anything but the bare essentials. I have developed an email delete trigger finger that is quite satisfying - wish I’d used it way earlier in my career as it doesn’t seem to have impacted on anything.

It's quite liberating isn't it? I feel the same, maybe if I'd embraced an ability to be mediocre or less earlier on work would have been easier!

@Seasidewalker I'm framing my retirement as I did in Junior school and the big 6 week summer holidays were due to start. When you're that age September seems a lifetime away and the prospect of weeks and weeks of time and space and freedom is intoxicating.

Such a good approach!

What time of year do you think is best to retire? I’ve always worked places where they have shut down between Christmas and New Year and have often thought it would be nice not to have to go back in January. Equally just been on a spring week holiday and think it would be nice to come off a holiday and not have to go back. Or is it right what most people say that spring is best as you then have the whole of the summer

Most people say Spring so after an Easter break would be good. I can see why people go at Christmas though but, if you want one, may be harder to have a retirement do as it's Christmas do season. Not going to work in January is tempting though.

I'm retiring at the end of April, I've got mixed feelings (toxic work environment negatively impacting health) and I think I would have found it more difficult finishing in the winter, I'm really looking forward to having time for campervan trips, summer days out etc.

We used to have two weeks in the Canaries in January after a Christmas/New Year shut down and that was fab, if you could, I'd do that (maybe 3 weeks?) have a great break and then return for a spring retirement.

Did you get an answer to this possibility from your work? I'm considering something similar at the moment. It feels easier, to work ft up the Christmas, then have my usual 2 or 3 weeks off and return to 1/3rd of my work load and hours for a limited lewis of time before stopping altogether. I didn't want that at first, I just wanted out, but I'm now hoping this will work out.

@dudsville no not yet. They don't even know I'm planning to retire. I'm going to speak to my boss in September which is when I would have to hand in my notice for the end of the year.

Hello everyone.
I've been stalking this thread on and off for the last year or so, but now retirement is (very) immenent, I thought it's about time I contributed.
Reality hit this afternoon as I was counting out tea bags to take into the office to last me until I leave - only 6 days worth!. I work 3 days a week and leave on Friday 1st May.
I do love my job, but equally, I've been planning this for a long while, and even delayed it by several months to get a project seen through, so I'm now ready. I think....
I know I won't have finished everything I need to do before I leave and I hate loose ends. Luckily I have a VERY competent replacement and we have already started a handover so I know the work will be in safe hands.

Congrats!

Well today is my last working day!! Official last day is end of June, I have leave to use up until then. Bring on the retirement life. ❤️

I only have 2 more days at work! Final date is 1 May but holiday thereafter. I have been massively touched and moved by the emails, cards and leaving coffees/meals from colleagues in different bits of my service. I'm 60, - been in current unit for 13 years - and plan to work part-time in a cafe or similar after the summer, but am leaving my professional role due to stress of care responsibilities. I've been frank whats going on and that I'm feeling a bit wobbly, that it isn't a standard retirement yet, but this has led to some really supportive and helpful communications. It has helped me see I have made a big difference there, people have seen what I've done and valued it, and this feels a really good end to an era. Wishing others the same.

@Lifeisntadressrehearsal congratulations on your retirement. Enjoy the next phase of your life.

Congratulations! Have a wonderful retirement.

I am done and finished! 🥳 I had a lovely last day yesterday with lots of really nice comments from colleagues about the support, assistance and advice I have given to them. In an environment where many of us are being treated as paid up members of the awkward squad by poor management it was a nice reminder of the value I have brought and validation of my decision to go! Onwards to the next chapter whatever that night look like.

I've been thinking about retirement for a wee while now - initially thinking I'd stop at 65, then 62, then 60 and two days ago I decided to go for it at 59! Which is next year, and in exactly one year's time I'll be enjoying my first day of retirement!

Congratulations. Enjoy not going to work!

Just checking in. Congratulations to those who've managed to retire! As for me, after a bit of dithering, I decided last night to just retire full stop instead of doing the reduced hours for a bit. I woke up happy, free of a burdon, planning my future, it's such a relif. I still have several months to go, but from my current perspective that now feels very manageable.

Best of luck to you @dudsville

Congrats to all who have retired recently. I'm away on holiday and due back at work on Thursday. Trying to enjoy my last few days away without getting work dread!