I started work at 16 (I'm now 61) and worked hard to increase my level of qualifications along the way having had a terrible education.
I've worked at my present company for 20 years, three days a week, close to home and have complete autonomy to undertake my work. I know how lucky I am to have that but it has always been an extremely frustrating place to work. The frustrations are typical of the industry. I have just got on with it and tried to do my absolute best, always being grateful for a secure job, particularly when I left my first husband to get my DS and myself free from physical, emotional and financial abuse. At that time my job was a life saver both financially and emotionally.
In my role, there are many days of feeling like I am hitting my head against a brick wall when all I want to do is help people develop and thrive in their roles. There is virtually no recognition of a job well done within my own departmental function and employee engagement is a big challenge which I cannot say I am any nearer winning and right now I feel I never will.
Having paid into pensions from every job I've had I have established that I could afford to retire (I'm 61). I have a lot of hobbies so I am not worried about filling my time. I am very grateful for a lovely DH after leaving my long and abusive first marriage 11 years ago and I have a wonderful and financially independent DS. But I'm scared! And I don't know what it is I'm scared of?
I know this isn't a first world problem and many will say, just do it - what are you waiting for? The only breaks I've had from getting up and going to work were maternity leave and lockdown. I feel that I don't know how to get off that merry go round because it's all I've ever known. Being an employee, doing the best job I can, and having the security of being paid every month.
It would be great to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation and what it was that made you just finally take the leap.
Thanks for reading if you got this far!