As some of you know, I've been seriously thinking about my work and whether I should retire.
Well, I made the call to my boss on Monday and am now officially retired, or at least I will be on 25 May when my notice period ends. I won't be going back to work at all, even though I have no sick certificate (thanks to lack of care at my surgery and I will be changing surgery as soon as I've had my blood test there next week).
I am just going in to work for a formal goodbye (oh dear, I don't like those formal presentations and tearful goodbyes) and a handover with new person in due course. Lunch with a few colleagues next week also.
Funnily enough, I'm ok about it, sort of. Having been at home for so long, work is quite removed in my mind. I'm also really going to concentrate on my painting, something other artists have really encouraged me about, having seen some of my work and I've booked a 14 week course of 3 hours per week, starting mid June. By then, I hope to be feeling more relaxed and fit to go out more. I'm really excited about being able to develop my skills and am busy networking online.
So, overall feeling good about being retired. As a friend said to me, be thankful that you had that wonderful job, it was a special experience.
I feel very happy for you, and I found that it was the best thing I have done in years. Don't get me wrong as I thoroughly enjoyed my job and all my colleagues were great (I still meet up with them), but it is so lovely to enjoy my home and relax.
Hi Susanne, good on you! You know it doesn't take long before you won't miss it. I love the idea of you pursuing your art. We'll all be sending you photos of our furry friends for painting! Only one thing more to sort out - a GP that knows what they're doing, now that may take a little longer!!!
Hi Susanne, in a short time you will wonder how you ever had time to go to work! Remember as one door closes another opens! The very best of wishes for a long and happy retirement, with GCA disappearing over the edge of the cliff sooner rather than later.
Hope you last longer that me, I was fit when I retired at 60 but only lasted 5 weeks before I went back to work. Retired from this 7 months later, I was working longer than before retirement and only at a fraction of the pay - stupid move! Got bored again so started up a business from home which went on for 10 years! Also got involved in school governance - started in one Primary and then a few years later into a Secondary where I ended up as Chair. My thought have always been don't give up but you can slow up. Anyway - enjoy your retirement but don't fade away.
Well done and hope you have a long and happy retirement, when we decided to retire i thought another chapter in my life now, and you are not answerable to anybody but yourself. Take care
Congratulations Susanne on your well earned retirement.
As one who took early retirement last October due to Rheumatoid Arthritis and Polymyalgia, I can tell you that you will feel much better and more relaxed without the pressures of trying to get yourself well enough to go back to work. I wasn't well enough to go back for the lunch and farewells with my colleagues of 14 years, and like you, I'm not the type of person who enjoys these things, but I keep in touch with a few I worked closely with. Other than that, I don't miss work one bit. Retirement is a new beginning, not an end. Angela.
Thank you again. I'm going to be ok. I already have a sort of relief and feeling of calm, strange when I was so stressed about not being able to work early in the year.