My partner is easing off, down to 4 days a week plus buying extra leave. Due to life and health issues, I find myself apparently retired early so I'm going to try for part time work next year, wish me luck. Having multiple surgeries this year hasn't allowed me to enjoy a retirement lifestyle and with Nick working, we can't get away as much as we are planning to soon.
Yes. This is us! One working part time to prop up the finances 'til the pension kicks in. The other, pursuing part timecwork because of a passion for "parts of" the profession, with options for flexible times and wirk places beying fulltime permanent work. A much gentler transition.
My wife loves her job and is happy to keep working. After opting for voluntary redundancy at 48 I had lunch with my neighbour and asked him about his part time school bus driving. My minimum hours are 30 /week but there is always extra work so I do the weekday work offered but politely decline all evening jobs and most weekend jobs so it can be 30 or 55 hours a week but it’s not demanding work and I get time to relax/walk/read/journal/plan holidays/exercise at the zoo, the park and all the other places kids go for sport, camps and excursions. I call my self semi retired because it’s as much about your mindset and staying busy and active.
I do it another way, I take on casual contracts at full time hours that run for 6-12 months and then take some time off in between. I had 2 years off before my last contract which started in March and ended in July. After 3 months off, the same company called me and asked if I'd like another contract for a project which will run from the end of October (this month) to 30 June (8 months). I am 64 and may be starting to feel the full time hours, but I'll hang in there and see how I go. They may be open to reduced hours if I find it too much after a little while.
It was an approach that worked for me the past 4 years. But had to find a new employer and never mentioned it was a soft retirement as it wouldn't have gone over well.
I am blessed to be in a job that I really like, and is perfect for slowly cutting back. I have made all my days a bit shorter, but still like the routine of going to work every day. But nice to have some free time in the afternoons!
It’s wonderful that these options are now available. Unlike in the past where you hit a certain age and BAM!! You were out! But what about those who are forced out? Part time not an option? Or those needing to work but unable to find anything? I believe there is a real problem for those not “privileged” to work for corporates who allow a reduction in work days. What do you suggest for them? These people are definitely not looking forward to an EPIC retirement!
Thanks for all the great info - is there a space for people who have assets, pension in the UK, investment property in UK as well as superannuation and property in Australia too ? Consideration around where you are domiciled, balancing tax considerations for the 25% tax free withdrawal from pension at 55 years old etc - I am interested in not just either UK or Aus but how to best balance both for an Epic International Retirement ! Thanks
My partner is easing off, down to 4 days a week plus buying extra leave. Due to life and health issues, I find myself apparently retired early so I'm going to try for part time work next year, wish me luck. Having multiple surgeries this year hasn't allowed me to enjoy a retirement lifestyle and with Nick working, we can't get away as much as we are planning to soon.
Yes. This is us! One working part time to prop up the finances 'til the pension kicks in. The other, pursuing part timecwork because of a passion for "parts of" the profession, with options for flexible times and wirk places beying fulltime permanent work. A much gentler transition.
My wife loves her job and is happy to keep working. After opting for voluntary redundancy at 48 I had lunch with my neighbour and asked him about his part time school bus driving. My minimum hours are 30 /week but there is always extra work so I do the weekday work offered but politely decline all evening jobs and most weekend jobs so it can be 30 or 55 hours a week but it’s not demanding work and I get time to relax/walk/read/journal/plan holidays/exercise at the zoo, the park and all the other places kids go for sport, camps and excursions. I call my self semi retired because it’s as much about your mindset and staying busy and active.
I do it another way, I take on casual contracts at full time hours that run for 6-12 months and then take some time off in between. I had 2 years off before my last contract which started in March and ended in July. After 3 months off, the same company called me and asked if I'd like another contract for a project which will run from the end of October (this month) to 30 June (8 months). I am 64 and may be starting to feel the full time hours, but I'll hang in there and see how I go. They may be open to reduced hours if I find it too much after a little while.
It was an approach that worked for me the past 4 years. But had to find a new employer and never mentioned it was a soft retirement as it wouldn't have gone over well.
I am blessed to be in a job that I really like, and is perfect for slowly cutting back. I have made all my days a bit shorter, but still like the routine of going to work every day. But nice to have some free time in the afternoons!
It’s wonderful that these options are now available. Unlike in the past where you hit a certain age and BAM!! You were out! But what about those who are forced out? Part time not an option? Or those needing to work but unable to find anything? I believe there is a real problem for those not “privileged” to work for corporates who allow a reduction in work days. What do you suggest for them? These people are definitely not looking forward to an EPIC retirement!
Thanks for all the great info - is there a space for people who have assets, pension in the UK, investment property in UK as well as superannuation and property in Australia too ? Consideration around where you are domiciled, balancing tax considerations for the 25% tax free withdrawal from pension at 55 years old etc - I am interested in not just either UK or Aus but how to best balance both for an Epic International Retirement ! Thanks