What does retirement look like for you?

[NotAllThere]

...
I've started counselling that is interesting and opening up my eyes to maybe volunteering at some stage. I've started an introductory counselling course too, and depending how that goes make take it further. There are a lot of people out there who need help, but a shortage of people to help them (unless they can afford to self fund), so maybe that's a 'retirement' option? Not sure...

The right kind of voluntary work can be tremendously fulfilling.

[DoctorStrangelove]

It (retirement) was going ok until the plague kicked in.

The increase in price & lack of availability of building materials is particularly irksome.

[ladymuck]

T
What I can say though is money really doesn't make you happy. Yes it gives you options, but all the money in the bank doesn't bring back a lost loved one or restore the hopes and dreams that you had.

There's your problem! Having hopes and dreams - sets unrealistic expectations those do. Just accept that life is tulip and then you die, and all becomes much simpler

[SueEllen]

I'm a long way off retirement but I will be working and volunteering until I drop.

I've got plenty of older family and friends. The ones who seem to live longest and happiest work and/or do volunteering stuff from very formal stuff to things like making props for the local panto.

[vwdan]

I really don't know - I have a million hobbies, but they're all expensive. I imagine scaling back - hopefully get the mortgage and any and all debt paid off, take a part time job running a school network or something, and then start drawing down to enjoy life. Other options floating around becoming a Flight Instructor or a motorcycle instructor. Neither pay particularly well, but make for nice hobby-jobs and would hopefully cover the core bills.

Can't really imagine full on retiring - but the same time it's at least 20 (realistically, more like 25-30) years away, and while I know it'll come round quick, it's also far too far ahead to truly plan.

I am trying hard to get a decent pension pot by that point though - one way or another, more cash can only be a good thing!

[vetran]

But how do you retire at 51 when single? I have some hobbies, but I've just gone back to 5 days working from 2 just to get some social interaction during the day. Mrs W and my plan was to retire at 55 and go travelling, so i guess that's still an option but not sure I fancy it on my own.

I guess my take is, don't just focus on the money. It's experiences and who yo get to enjoy life with that is more important. You can always earn more money, but you can't get back more time with those you love once they have gone.

Random drivel over .... and today I'm on a good day mentally!

51 and fit you can still be very active.

I actually love travelling alone especially historic sites. My family tend to get bored looking at 1000s of year old artefacts, I can spend all day.

So maybe concentrate on travels on stuff you personally want to see and / or find like minded people. I prefer to take my Family somewhere they want to be.

I was lucky enough to travel for work doing installations and fixing issues. I saw some great places you wouldn't normally go and ate with the local workers.

My ex Neighbour used to help on the Bluebell railway, another neighbour runs a charity which is always looking for volunteers, we volunteer for various youth organisations. I used to volunteer for Foodbanks.


Glad you are getting there. Helping other people will definitely help.

[vetran]

There's your problem! Having hopes and dreams - sets unrealistic expectations those do. Just accept that life is tulip and then you die, and all becomes much simpler

we know a song about that!

[Paralytic]

So for me, I'll be looking to find a new companion that I can enjoy some life with, and see how that pans out.

Please apply for First Dates. I can see you and Fred having a bit of a bromance

[Gibbon]

Having spent quite some time off with various maladies, I don't fancy been idle. Also given that I don't expect to get beyond 70 I don't have that much planned. Ideal for me would be part-time on current project, that then frees me to do a PhD and probably get my play sorted out. Couple of trips to Italy a year and really don't want much more.

[ResistanceFighter]

A family friend of ours has it quite right. Ex-accountant and is quite wealthy. Mixes golf and other stuff while offering free accountancy advice to local firms just to keep the brain moving. Said he's busier now compared to pre-retirement