"Retire" early...?

[vetran]

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

Honestly try it, working for the general public is pants, you will be insane in months.

I did a little PC fixing on the side,sometimes for free or for beer. I fix things (remove virus & malware normally) and a few days later they have disabled AV and its infested again, why didn't you fix it properly? Not any more.

Used to wait in restaurants when I was a teenager, some of the rudest most unpleasant people ever. (Restaurants at both ends of the Spectrum)

Used to work in a TV service shop - now that was really an eye opener, If you want to see people at their worst wait for their TV to break.

[DodgyAgent]

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

I cannot argue with that

[Fronttoback]

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.

That's exactly right. Successful retirement needs careful planning. Not least regarding your social circle.

Retirement is a myth. It's rubbish. Ask those that are retired. The only reason contractors in IT want to retire early is because a lot of the work is well paid enough to fund that, but it can be stressful and yet dull. Change the work, don't stop working.

The other thing is, once you stop working expect sexual dysfunction. A big part of your maleness has been taken away- what use are you? Oh, and depression if you are not careful. Oh, and to socialise you will be hanging out with other retired people - in my experience a lot of them
are p1ssheads. So welcome to your alcoholism. You can't go on holiday all year, you need meaningful activities, not time killers.

Also, taking yourself out of the workforce in your peak, is somehow morally wrong given the social debt you owe due to your excessive take. But I can't put my finger on it.

[ChimpMaster]

That's exactly right. Successful retirement needs careful planning. Not least regarding your social circle.

Retirement is a myth. It's rubbish. Ask those that are retired. The only reason contractors in IT want to retire early is because a lot of the work is well paid enough to fund that, but it can be stressful and yet dull. Change the work, don't stop working.

The other thing is, once you stop working expect sexual dysfunction. A big part of your maleness has been taken away- what use are you? Oh, and depression if you are not careful. Oh, and to socialise you will be hanging out with other retired people - in my experience a lot of them
are p1ssheads. So welcome to your alcoholism. You can't go on holiday all year, you need meaningful activities, not time killers.

Also, taking yourself out of the workforce in your peak, is somehow morally wrong given the social debt you owe due to your excessive take. But I can't put my finger on it.

Wow that's harsh stuff.

I can see the alcoholism part though - I've seen people fall into (and fortunately out of) that trap and it's an easy temptation to succumb to. Fun for a while no doubt, but dangerous.

I would have thought family (kids) could keep you busy some of the time. Put some quality time into them.

Part-time projects/business/property is probably where I am heading.

I think in many cases, 20 years is a long hard slog and all that is needed is a break - say 6 months out - to re-energise, to get bored, to get activities/holidays/tasks out of your system... and then you can get back into working in some way or form.

'Retirement' is a term often confused with 'financial freedom'. Those who are in the know, know that achieving FF doesn't mean you are retiring; it just means that you can choose to 'retire' from the rat race, and you can choose to do what you want with your time from thereon. Work hard to earn your freedom so that you have the choice.

[DodgyAgent]

That's exactly right. Successful retirement needs careful planning. Not least regarding your social circle.

Retirement is a myth. It's rubbish. Ask those that are retired. The only reason contractors in IT want to retire early is because a lot of the work is well paid enough to fund that, but it can be stressful and yet dull. Change the work, don't stop working.

The other thing is, once you stop working expect sexual dysfunction. A big part of your maleness has been taken away- what use are you? Oh, and depression if you are not careful. Oh, and to socialise you will be hanging out with other retired people - in my experience a lot of them
are p1ssheads. So welcome to your alcoholism. You can't go on holiday all year, you need meaningful activities, not time killers.

Also, taking yourself out of the workforce in your peak, is somehow morally wrong given the social debt you owe due to your excessive take. But I can't put my finger on it.

[MrMarkyMark]

Good old Dodgy, doesn't want anyone to retire, always thinking of potential loss of margin










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[SueEllen]

That's exactly right. Successful retirement needs careful planning. Not least regarding your social circle.

Retirement is a myth. It's rubbish. Ask those that are retired. The only reason contractors in IT want to retire early is because a lot of the work is well paid enough to fund that, but it can be stressful and yet dull. Change the work, don't stop working.

There is a reason councillors, charity organisers, etc are healthy people in their 60s, 70s and 80s.

[lukemg]

Ouch, I share most of the sentiments expressed here, looks like we are a pre-programmed bunch of worker drones. Add in 20 years of doing it and we don't know anything else.
Richer people/people who haven't had to work seem to manage well enough in the main cos its what they have always done.
I am work optional now and I am planning to take summers off from this point and see how that goes and I loved having 8 weeks off a couple of summers ago BUT I also really struggled when between contracts over winter before that. Money wasn't tight but I just got a bit stir crazy.
Hoping golf will save me...

[scooterscot]

I may be mistaken but it seems the IT burnout rate is higher than most other industries I've come across. I imagine a job where the fruits of your labour are visible, such as a carpenter, you'd be not near as glum.

[DodgyAgent]

Good old Dodgy, doesn't want anyone to retire, always thinking of potential loss of margin












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keep working everyone