Well, I've done it!

All the best with your plans, but do be prepared to feel a little lost at first, once the excitement and leaving do's have subsided. It took me a year to find my feet following retirement from a very busy job, but now I wouldn't go back for a million pounds! I find from speaking to others in the same situation that they all went through a tricky period of adjustment at first - but we do live in a fairly rural backwater, I'm sure it would be easier in town.

ooooooh. Good luck and enjoy

Hi Janthea I also took that deep breath earlier this year and told my employers that "I'm out of here" come my 65th birthday in July, which more or less will coincide (depending on when bubba comes) with the birth of my first grandchild. Like you, I also just knew that the time was right. For me it had to lot to do too with "trains and boats and planes" (well not quite, but I could no longer even face London-Birmingham and back in a day let alone Manchester or Liverpool.

So... having retired from full time employment, and I will have most of July and all of August off, I'm then going to freelance for my project for 10 days a month as and when I can or please, working from home, until at least the end of March next year. So yippee I've got a win-win situation. I am cashing in my pension.

I also have my moments where I panic about income (I have a husband who will still be working for a few years), but I know I'll adapt. I hate not having my own money. But I'm not a consumer, so I'll be just fine.

All the best for your planned retirement.

Well done, you will never regret it.
I worked until 66, cutting down to part time after 60. I worried that I'd barely survive on the state pension plus a tiny one from work but you adapt and watch the pennies carefully if you have to.
Life is one long holiday and I've never been happier. I thought I'd miss work but I don't.

I do hope you enjoy your retirement as much as I enjoy mine. I THINK I retired 9 years ago but working was what I did in a previous life so unless I look it up I really can't remember !

Happy retirement janthea

Well done, I hope you enjoy your retirement.

Thank you, everyone, for your very kind wishes. A little daunting. I will miss the job and my boss, but not the commuting.

Sometimes you just know when the time is right!

Congratulations and hope it all goes smoothly for you.

Can I add my best wishes too, Janthea.
You'll have a ball

Well done Janthea

Good decision - I have never regretted it, even though the finances sometimes look a bit sick. I am now living my life and not someone else's.

See you at the racetrack!

Excellent decision Jan......roll on September when the world will be your oyster.

You'll love it, janthea. I think I was born to retire

Good for you janthea, September won't come soon enough!