"Retire" early...?

[DodgyAgent]

Part-time is a sensible option. Or, get a job doing something totally different but fun... selling lawnmowers, fixing bikes, whatever you find interesting, safe in the knowledge you don't need the job to survive. Or, do some hands on stuff on your own project just for fun, without necessarily even planning to market it, if your skills suit that?
Or push further into property if you find that interesting, make it your career?

I think with that deathly dull attitude you should send yourself off to Switzerland

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...itter-business

[Crossroads]

Cheers all. D000hg presents some good advice (as have others), but you can count on you guys to deride any such sensibilities!

Part time, perm or otherwise with the role being the key, rather than the money is an attractive option.

I'd happily do something new (in or out of IT) but I'm not sure I have much appetite to risk something / everything on it... or maybe that is because I haven't found the right "thing" to risk it on!!!

[TestMangler]

Part-time is a sensible option. Or, get a job doing something totally different but fun... selling lawnmowers, fixing bikes, whatever you find interesting, safe in the knowledge you don't need the job to survive. Or, do some hands on stuff on your own project just for fun, without necessarily even planning to market it, if your skills suit that?
Or push further into property if you find that interesting, make it your career?

I don't like the idea of agreeing with something DOOOhg says but, WHS.

[Fronttoback]

But you could be billing and chilling.

You need to change your outlook on your current work.

Find interesting ways to solve boring problems.

Spend less time working and more time exercising.

If you start selling lawnmowers you will be dealing with idiots, and that will get you down eventually.

Make hay while the sun shines because the grass is always greener.

[SueEllen]

But you could be billing and chilling.

You need to change your outlook on your current work.

Find interesting ways to solve boring problems.

Spend less time working and more time exercising.

If you start selling lawnmowers you will be dealing with idiots, and that will get you down eventually.

Make hay while the sun shines because the grass is always greener.

The bit in bold.

Dealing with members of the public is a lottery. One reason why all teenagers should work in shops etc is so they realise how thick and annoying the public can be.

[vetran]

The bit in bold.

Dealing with members of the public is a lottery. One reason why all teenagers should work in shops etc is so they realise how thick and annoying the public can be.

Hell yeah! The stupidity and attitude of the public will almost certainly turn you Postal.

Plenty of things you can do as recreation. I have a large workshop where I destroy bits of wood & metal making stupid projects. Doesn't need to cost much.

[d000hg]

If you start selling lawnmowers you will be dealing with idiots, and that will get you down eventually.

You know, some people actually like talking to other people. Of course most of them don't work in IT.

[d000hg]

I think with that deathly dull attitude you should send yourself off to Switzerland

Doing something you enjoy is dull? I'm sure it doesn't compare to wearing a crap suit and telling lies all day...

[Fronttoback]

You know, some people actually like talking to other people. Of course most of them don't work in IT.

You are encouraging the OP to take his "b&q" job in order to get out of the house to chat to anyone. I'm saying chatting is good, but pitch yourself at the right level to make it engaging for you. The transition will be hard otherwise.

Finding common ground with proper retired people is hard for a young retired guy too. Seperate point, but generally avoid retired people. They are heading towards twilight years. You are near your peak as a man and need to be challenged, at 40. Problem is , who do you hang out with - your real peer group will be working.

[Hobosapien]

You are near your peak as a man and need to be challenged, at 40. Problem is , who do you hang out with - your real peer group will be working.

That's a problem I find whenever on the bench as everyone else is working.

In the past I've done a few 'car boots' during the week at local markets offering casual first come stalls, to get rid of old tat and get out of the house. Quite enjoyed the banter with other stall holders and bartering with people trying to get a discount.

During longer bench time I've created a new 'product' for my Ltd to upskill or learn new tech for the CV. Never been pulled up on it by agent or at interview, passing it off as a normal contract to fill the gap in the CV. Ideally one of these would become a proper plan B but so far not had that luck.

Been on the bench for a few weeks now and so far just can't get motivated to do anything at all apart from read a few books.

Currently thinking rather than hit retirement age and abruptly stop and go into a 'now what' boredom phase it may be better to set up some activities and income streams I'd like to do now and continue when retired. No idea yet what those would be, need some inspiration or a light bulb moment. Until then I'll snooze for a while.