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After 48 years of continuous employment, yesterday was my last day. Apprentice to Director, 6 companies, 3 continents, 20+ countries.
Were doing a grand tour of Eastern Europe & the Balkans over the next few weeks, then returning back to the UK at the start of July. Plenty of holidays booked. 40th wedding anniversary coming up, as well as both of our birthdays. Maybe buy a motorhome & do some touring.
A lot of cycling & swimming planned. Supporting the local council with planning leisure areas. My house & garden in UK havent been touched for 4 years, so recovering & repairing that will be the first challenge.
I welcome any tips, comments, ideas etc. Ive worked 60-70 hours a week, 6 days a week for the last 25 years, so winding down will be a challenge.
Cheers, Des
Don't draw up a plan as it will go by the wayside. I'm almost two years into my retirement and cramming so very much enjoyment into it. If you have your health it's a wonderful phase of your life. I travel more, I go on more walking weekends, my garden has never looked better, I attend four different language groups every week, I've dabbled with things I have never done before, I volunteer for a charity and help out a friend a lot.
It's the ultimate freedom.
Having retired at 59 at the end of 2019, I could probably write a (not very interesting) essay on the many, many pros and the one or two cons of retirement.
However I will restrict it to saying huge congratulations. With all your plans I'm sure you'll have a brilliant time.
Firstly keep yourself busy and focus on what you enjoy and engage with people with a positive outlook. Still in touch with many friends globally and visited folks in Canada, Sweden and Germany.
I got made redundant in 2015 forced by some Yanks who globally got rid of senior people to save $$$. My job took me all over the world and stopping work was a big shock. The week after I stopped we came to the alps, bought an apartment and I'm there now. Played tennis this morning, been riding ebikes and fly fishing. Ski here in the winter. Off home Sunday and lots of golf next week and caring for grand kids. Still travel a lot and also had a couple of years as a parish councillor.
Back out in France in July for the Tour and family out as well.
Yes you'll miss work but now you can focus on the good stuff and avoid the nonsense and keep travelling!
Good luck and have fun!
Don’t plan things for three years time or four years time , actually do them in three weeks time or four weeks time. Travel, get about and have fun while you can. Not being morbid but time and health isn’t promised.
Congratulations Des.
Enjoy yourself!!
Good luck Des and enjoy your retirement !
I concur with so many of the comments already made. As Splott Parker has already said, don't make long term plans, do things now. That's the best piece of advice I can give.
On a personal level, it took me about 6 months before I felt totally comfortable with being retired but it may take you a little longer because of the number of hours/days you put in whilst in work. It'll certainly be a culture shock but once you get over it I hope you have wonderful time.
Follow the City home and away to every game.
Congratulations Des. Enjoy your retirement.
I think its a challenge if you love what you do and it seems like thats where you are. My old man was a teacher, he absolutely loved it and would have carried on forever if it was up to him.
He found the first year of retirement very hard. I think over time he just ramped up doing the things he was interested in so that they filled the gap.
I guess if I was in your position, Id be doing a lot of travelling while I was able. Theres so many places Id love to go that I dont have the time or money to visit with a young family.
Well done that man 👏
Much is made of planning for your retirement and it has always been in the subconscious all through mine and colleagues working lives.
Unfortunately there are those who have passed without making it.
You have made it and sounds like you fully deserve it!
Travelling sounds perfect and whatever else you decide to do Des, enjoy every minute and experience life with positivity.
I suggest you start by not watching the news as much!
Thanks for all of the responses. Currently in Budapest, Hungary being the 4th country on our tour. Beautiful city, surprisingly expensive, more so than Berlin where we started, full of hen & stage parties, loads of Irish & Scots in town. Driving down to Mostar over the next couple of days. Travelling will be a big part of retirement.
All the best Des!
Sounds like a well deserved retirement 👏