retirement yes or no?

Hello netflixfan, I just wanted to respond to your post because there are two sides to this issue. If you are in a job you love and you are not unwell or totally stressed or exhausted there is good evidence from research that this can actually be rather good for you. People who work longer tend to be healthier and less likely to succumb to dementia or depression, or if they do suffer from either it has a later onset. Of course it rather depends how you spend you retirement, if you take up fell walking, or rowing, or swimming you can end up healthier as a retiree (my local U3A has a rock climbing group, six walking groups and a rowing club!). I retired two years ago at 62 and love every minute, but then I disliked my job. Husband is now 65 working full-time and has no intention of retiring - he loves his work. My son, who lives in the States, has a line manager who is 78 and isnt planning on retiring anytime soon and is apparently brilliant at his job. Sorry if this doesnt really give you any advice, but I suppose my conclusion is there is no single answer for everyone.

Having read through the posts I think it depends on what you get out of your job. Apart from the money of course. A sense of self worth, respect, mental or creative fulfilment etc. Can you find other outlets for these sort of things when you retire? Personally I need to do some things for others, some things to challenge me mentally and some that are creative. These I have found easily in retirement.

I am one of those who say retire now, if you can afford it, unless that is, your husband is very much opposed to the idea.
We were both unemployed five years ago, before either of us could retire, but we sold our flat, bought a boat and realized my DH's dream. Now, I am glad we did, as we are back onshore, in a house we own, and since then DHs health has not been super good, though nothing life-threatening.
You don't know any more than the rest of us what life will bring, so if you have plans for your retirement I think it makes sense to start putting them into action.

I do realize that with your DH being 11 years younger, it will be some time yet before he can retire, but you surely weren't thinking of continuing at work until you both could retire, were you?

Do look into the finacial ins and outs of it and discuss it with your husband, so you both are happy with the arrangement you agree on.

I’m with Newquay - best job I’ve ever had! But if you have doubts do it gradually. Maybe DH will retire early if he sees you’re enjoying it!

I retired early at 58 as I felt my job was taking over my life too much. Mostly, I loved it, but the hours, the responsibility and the expectation that I would always do that little bit more for no appreciation finally swayed me. I thought that having worked full time + all my life, I’d miss it. The opposite has been true. I didn’t miss it for a moment. My garden looks beautiful, i’m a whizz at IT, I have time to hunt for bargains. I do a little volunteering, sell on eBay, read the books I always wanted to, see friends I never had time to visit, go for long walks - the list goes on for pages.
I want to feel like I’ve had fun and done things that are good for me while I’m healthy enough.
Everyone is different, & you do need a plan. A “For & Against” is a good start. Then a frank discussion with your OH regarding finances, future plans etc.
Good luck with your choices.

My last day of work is 15 December 2017 and I am 59 and I am worried if I will be bored. So I understand your feelings. But everyone that I know that is retired says it's wonderful.
Here in the States it's difficult to retire
before 65 because of health care. I am taking a gamble on that one for sure I am taking the government marketplace insurance because I don't make a lot so it's fairly inexpensive. So fingers crossed I made the right choice and good luck with your decision!

I retired at 69 from a job I loved for the most part but in a number of ways had changed. I thought with my education and experience I could get a part time job in my field after I left. not so, perhaps due to my age but I could not even find volunteer work in my area. I finally did become a volunteer at an animal shelter which I love in a whole different way from my work previously. for long time I dreamed that I was still working and glad of it. I often wish I had not retired. I felt as a therapist I was helping others, had a reason to get up each day and put my best face forward. I have been single for many years so only myself to consider. I do manage to fill my time for the most part but even over 7 years later I still have regrets. I am lucky as my health seems to be good, so perhaps I could still be working even if conditions were not ideal. so there is my story. good luck with whatever decision you make'

I am also 66 and thinking of retiring. I am on my own with children 45 minutes away. I bought a narrow boat this year and I live on her....my retirement adventure. I could just manage without touching my savings if I quit my job now. Still work to do on boat so will continue but plan on cutting back hours. My sister in law dying recently made me realize that tomorrow is not promised so this coming summer I will quit completely and spend it cruising the rivers. Will come back to my mooring for the winter and hopefully get a part time job. So I say plan what you are going to do and work out your finances and go for it...have fun x

Like you I was in a job I loved but knew that it was taking a toll on my health. Both my parents had died in their early 70s which would mean that I might just have a few years of retirement. I made the decision to retire early, meaning that I will not receive a state pension for another 4 years. I sold the family home and downsized to a small flat, with a garden.

I now have a smaller income - an occupational pension - than I have had for years. I have never been happier. The pressure was lifted. I volunteer and have joined lots of different groups. I am out and about nearly every day. I have time for what I want to do instead of having to try and fit it in - and usually failing. I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made.

If you can retire gradually but use your time, join groups, go on special interests holidays, meet friends, have fun. I know many people who have said 'I'll do X when. . .' And have not been in good enough health to be able to do it. Don't leave anything longer than you need to.

I am nearly 73 and still working in the job I have had since 1994, although I have reduced my hours. I enjoy my job and my salary allows me to enjoy more activities than if I had only my pension to live on. If you are happy in the job, and are fit enough to continue I can see no reason why you should stop.

I had to retire early on health grounds, I was devastated as I loved my job. I fought to keep working, but all the medical professionals insisted that I couldn't continue working any longer. It was actually my job which was exacerbating my conditions, I thought I was indestructible. It all happened so quickly.
I had such plans for retirement, but now I'm not fit to fulfil some of my dreams.
If you can afford it, retire or go part time while you are still healthy and fit enough to enjoy things.
In saying that, I love being retired, I just cut my cloth to suit and seem to have less free time than when I was working.

I’m 61 and work part time I love my job but also love time doing what I want. I think a big factor is do you like your own company and are you confident to start exploring ventures on your own.Good luck in whatever decision you make.

I retired at 65 when I was in good health. Living alone I can please myself what I do and have had some good holidays. Now I am quite a bit older I am not so mobile and have an argument with my loving family whenever I mentioning holidaying abroad. A cousin of mine, who is a vicar in Australia, told me he knows so many people who have just retired, their Winniebago on their drive ready to go travelling and he is putting them in the ground

If you love your job, stay with it. I missed my job for years after I retired and still do sometimes. You've hopefully plenty more years to do retirement things.

I am 65 and retired last March reluctantly as I was going to carry on to 70. Unfortunately due to a new computer system at work there was a lot of pressure put on us to meet targets so I left. My partner is 10 years younger than me and when i retired he managed to get a job after 3 years out of work. I don't miss working now as I have a new puppy to keep me occupied plus I've joined a rock choir and a ladies who lunch group. My partner comes over to mine on Friday afternoons and leaves Sunday evening. We manage to get out and about and so I'm quite happy to have Monday to Thursday just me and the pup. I suppose its what you make of it in retirement, there's always lots of groups and clubs to join.

My health was poor, constant cellulitis every six weeks or so, I felt I was letting the students down, so I gave up teaching at aged 56 last July. Since retirement I have not had it once. My dh says it is because I am no longer standing on my leg all day. Anyway I have not been bored and found plenty to do. I can't get my occupational pension for another 4 years but my dh who is almost 5 years younger than me is still working and so we can afford for me to retire early. I had a five week holiday in France in the summer and really enjoyed it. I would say cut your hours back for 3 months and if you can afford it do it. One thing that made me go for it was seeing a couple of good friends retire at 60 and then within a couple of months both diagnosed with cancer. All those years of working and looking forward to retirement and then one with breast cancer so hopefully will make full recovery and one with pancreatic cancer and told about 3-6 months to live.

I cut my hours when I reached State Pension age, and was very happy, and the extra money funded my foreign trips. Sadly, ill-health forced me to retire, so I’m not really fit to do much, which is distressing in itself.
I’m hoping to take up some voluntary work when I feel better, but I’d say try fewer hours first, and do as much as possible while you’re fit.

my husband is 11 years younger than mr . l am 70 he has years left at work. l did miss my job but l found loads to do. my worry is on the days my husband is working from home l find it very stressful. no pleasing some people

I stopped working and hate it. If you like your job, going part time is a good compromise.

I agree with Friday. You love your job, so would it be possible to cut your hours thus allowing you to pursue other things like hobbies etc indoor spare time ? It would prepare you too for the time when you do finally retire completely which some people do find quite difficult if done suddenly.
I have reduced my hours and it has made such a difference. I have more time to do what I want + I am still earning.

I retired at 63 when I was lucky enough to get my State Pension and a small redundancy package. I lasted 6 months, then I went back to the same company to cover a colleague's maternity leave. When that finished I had another few months off, then I returned to another old employer for 3 months, then I returned to the first company to cover someone's long term sick. Another few months off then back to the second company for supposedly 4 weeks, I'm still doing that one 18 months later! I keep saying I'm going to retire again now I'm 66, but I do believe the work is good to keep my brain exercised and the money has meant some nice holidays. Everyone is different but there is lots of temp work out there if you want to dip in and out of work.

Keep working! if you are in a job you love, and if you husband can't yet retire, why give up your current pleasure?

You’ve been so helpful and understanding all of you, thank you so much. Actual experience of my dilemma. I'm going part time after Christmas I think.

I see my retirement as more playtime for me!
And I love it!
When I was thinking about retiring, a much older lady said to me 'You'll know when it's the right time for you'
She was absolutely right.
Never looked back,and no regrets.