In the UK now there is no such thing as “early” Retirement. You don't HAVE to retire at 65, 67,68 or whatever age it moves up to next. I guess the Goverment want you to work until you drop down dead at your desk / workplace to avoid paying you your Pension dues. I worked in the “Blue Light” manufacturing industry and got out after the London Olympics. I had previously told my Company that I would work on for a couple of years so they could do some clever Succession Planning and get a replacement in who I could work into my Job, so I could ease out. A year in and they had done precisely nothing..The 6 months prior to the Olympics were utter Madness (from a Blue Light POV) and I was burning up 12 hours a day, 6 days a week to hit the ever-changing targets. But – hit them we (my wonderful, dedicated Team) did.
After all the Fuss had died down, my wife said to me “you know ,if you carry on at this rate, you won't get a Retirement. You'll have worked yourself to Death.” I thought about that a lot and in the end decided that she was right and retired September last.
Best thing, next to marrying “Beloved” that I ever did.
1) I dont miss the Workload at all, although I DO miss the Team I had – the cameraderie, the strength of all pulling together and getting the job done, the laughs, of which there were, happily plenty.
2) If I'd waited longer, the benefit wouldnt have been worthwhile IMO and I would have been X years nearer slipping off this Mortal Coil.
3) Inflation is a factor I have to consider. BUT – there are so many fewer Outgoings these days.
Lifestylewise we are actually better off than we were when I was working and I was on a damned sight higher salary than the Pensions will ever be, Go figure it yourself – I can't!!!
4) No time to waste time! Since I retired we have been so busy that I'm thinking about going back to work to take it easy! Lol !
5) Quality of Life is better, no doubt. OK, you can't splash out cash without too much thought any more on “nice to haves” and pay back from your monthly salary – these things now have to be Planned. I often felt “Used” rather than “Useful” at work and now I feel Fulfilled. On balance Retirement IS the “high ole' time” - for us anyway. That description will differ from person to person but for us – You Betcha.
6) I guess we miss the Money. Our budget is HALF that of when I was working. Make sure that you are DEBT FREE at Retirement or it will suck out all your money. Make sure you have your Interests / Hobbies. Mine are my music and trying to fathom this darned BIAB/RB (lol), spoiling our very young grand children and doing things to the house and around the house that I was always promising to and never achieved. Now Beloved KNOWS what I meant when I said I was no good at DIY!!

Old Guys Rule.The older I get,the better I was!
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