Well, I've done it!

I'm sure you've done the Maths. I'm living on a lot less than when at the height of my earning power yet seem to have more cash in hand. Using less petrol, no need for clothes that meet a dress code, used my lump sum to pay off mortgage, etc..

If you're 69 in January (all the best people are born in January ) you've earned your retirement.

You certainly have! (69 !)
I thought I did well retiring at 56, then found several little part time jobs to fill the gap.
But I did miss the company of work colleagues, still do.

I'm 70 in December I was until recently working 3-4 days a week. When ATOS threw in the towel, the appeal work fell to 1-2 days a month.
I'm getting quite used to not working and wouldn't dream of working more than 2-3 days a week when the work picks up again. The talk is about October/November.

It's wonderful waking up on a Monday morning knowing I don't have to go to work.

Retirement makes me

Working til 69 must have been your choice, and having an understanding employer.
ri.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A7x9Un1ni3JT8l4ADT13Bwx.;_ylu=X3oDMTByNGxmazk4BHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMQRjb2xvA2lyZAR2dGlkAw--/RV=2/RE=1400044519/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fwww.thisismoney.co.uk%2fmoney%2fpensions%2farticle-1679780%2fNew-state-pension-age-retire.html/RK=0/RS=lYFmPPdZ1d_29JjG383AILhbK.c-

My employer isn't understanding, it's just that the office lease runs out in December! I've worked nearly three years longer than I needed to already...

It's so good to open the curtains , see the rain, and get back in bed with my kindle.

I have to finish at 72. It's ironic that the ministry of justice are ageist?

Interesting, Galen. Most people on here are complaining about having to work longer than they thought they would. You are complaining at having to retire at 72.
Is that legal now? I thought there was no age limit any more.

Only if you work for the ministry of justice!

I don't need to work, but I enjoy it, and it gives me a raison d' etre!

I am sure Galen you will find a reason to be when you retire. There is so much out there to do as a retiree. I am equally as busy as when I was working, the only difference is I have choice now.

nankate not everyone looks forward to a life of endless leisure or enjoys it when they retire. Some people are happier working, specially if they can do so in a flexible way i.e. not full time.
I think there was a Hoo-ha some years back about judges in their 80s not keeping up with the times (telling rape victims they asked for it and that kind of thing) and an age limit was set which applies to other categories of employees as well. I think it is a valid argument (sorry Galen) when judges have to maintain their concentration for days on end and the issues are very complex. And the world is changing rapidly e.g. cases involving social networking etc
Who would want the job of gently hinting to the lord chief justice that it was time to hang up his wig.

It's 70 for new appointees, but I was recruited so long ago it was 72 and apparently that still stands.

I could have carried on. There was no one pushing me to leave. I could have stayed on another year or two. And I do love the job and the people I work with. BUT I don't have time to 'smell the flowers' as they say.

Belated congratulations, janthea. Have a well deserved happy retirement.

Point taken JessM I have been lucky thay I have taken to retirement like a duck to water, but I do understand others may not see it as I do.