Retirement

[T1 Terry]

Seven years after retiring I still get the odd call from past customers about servicing or repairs to their water heaters , showers etc. They seem surprised to find I’ve retired - I am surprised but heartened to find my last work has worked so well for so long but give them details of the “new” guy.

I still get calls, well, the wife does, we have one in the yard at the moment.
If I let it get away from me again, I'd be working 7 days a week, 12hr a day inside a month, there is just that much demand for what we did and we very quickly became very well know, even though we never ever advertised ....

If the workshop hadn't burnt to the ground, with everything in it, I doubt I could have escaped .... I still get the "Terry, great to finally meet you, could you just have a look at this for me" at just about every free camp we stop at .... it does make you feel good though, and I don't think I've ever said no about taking a look for them and giving them advice, I just don't want to do any more hands on work, do it once and it will hound you forever .... but I do tell them I'm powered by beer

T1 Terry

 

[Eclectic]

I was able to go part time at 55, and carry on working in the same capacity and grade, but for only 3 days a week. This was an excellent way to ease into full retirement, and allow me more time at my hobby (archery) as I then had long weekends off.

My workplace had a gym, which I used lunchtimes, so when I finally retired at 64 (workplace was shut down) the first thing I did was join a gym, and set aside time time for keep fit. Grandchildren have kept me on my toes, and gardening is now more of a hobby rather than a chore.

Now approaching 77, I still do the gym thing three times a week, meet up with old workmates once a month for breakfast, and with other friends for lunch.

Keep busy, keep fit, and most of all, enjoy yourself!

 

[Gadget Geek]

Took my NHS pension at 60, which was 8 years ago now.

"What are you going to do?" friends and colleagues asked.

"As little as her indoors will let me get away with," was my reply. I then redecorated the house.

I already volunteered at a hedgehog rescue centre, so I had an interest. I started regular swimming to keep fit, and rekindled my interest in hobby electronics as I have a City & Guilds in electronic servicing. During lock down, I bought a Drayton Wiser central heating hub and TRV's, and upgraded the system.

I have recently started to re-learn classical guitar, and of course I run a non profit buisiness called "Dad's Taxi".

 

[boyfrom64]

Thanks to all for your replies. It's good to hear how so many of you have made the transition into retirement and that it was a lot easier than imagined.
I already have a list of jobs to do around the house as well as some decorating for my mother-in-law, so that will keep me busy in the early days.
My main hobby is cycling and now I will be able to get out on my bike more often or simply for longer when I do go out.
Since I have made people who I do business with that I am retiring a few of them have asked me if I would do some work for them, which I am happy to do. Especially, if it can be in short bursts with a break in between.
I would have happily dropped down to three days a week, but I work for a small company and owner felt that as I have a senior role in the business, he needs someone working five days a week, which makes me smile, because I have been working four days a week for the last 12 months, and the business has coped. Plus he himself is dropping down to four days from the start of July.
Any, two days left, and then the next chapter begins