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[Lincs Robert]

Hi,

You may recall that I posted some time ago that I'd been ill following a November business trip to the Far East. DVT & then kidney failure, 3 weeks in hospital & then a long recuperation.

Well, I went back to work on the 18th April feeling good, however ...... It soon became obvious to all that sitting at a desk all day was causing discomfort in one leg which accumulated during the week - until by the end of the week it was quite painful. Being an international sales engineer who can't fly to customers (middle & Far East) or even sit at a desk isn't any good to anyone. The recent drive to/from Scotland was ok though for some reason. To cut a long story short and after seeking legal advice, having a supportive wife & GP, I finished today. An amicable agreement was reached.

So, all options are now open. I have a cushion for a while but may just retire a tad early - all to be decided in the coming weeks. In the meantime I'll just enjoy the summer, my grandchildren & eldest sons wedding in July. SWMBO has ideas involving a paintbrush & some gardening - both of which have been neglected & badly NEED doing.

So, it looks like my working life may be over, I started first "proper" job in Sept 1976 - almost 41 years ago - maybe it's time to stop, or at least have a break.

That's my cathartic outpouring- thanks for reading ......

Rob

[STEMO]

Hope it all works out for you Rob.



Does sitting on the cushion help? 

[Lizzie Zoom]

Whatever decision you make I hope all goes well for you.

Believe retirement is to be recommended providing the pension / cash is behind you

[Varche]

I have a friend who had a serious health upset. He gave up the 9 to 5 he had for about same time as you. He now has three part time jobs and is enjoying life. One is one or two days each week, the other is home football matches only. Quite a lot of opportunities out there the minute you arent tied to a desk.

I would say you are doing the right thing. You have done your main stint. My wish is it works out and your health improves. You can adapt to reduced income.

[BazaJT]

Hope things work out well for you The situation you're now in could open up exciting new opportunities,meanwhile enjoy time with your grandkids

[Doctor Gollum]

Varche speaks sense, given his sangria intake

Plenty of options, take your time and don't rush any decisions, but equally once you decide, don't dilly dally

Retiring early on health grounds may mean taking a full pension sooner... depends on your scheme though.

Enjoy the summer though

[Andy B]

Good luck Rob. Hope it all works out in the end. You can't ignore your health 

[symes]

Look after yourself as unfortunately we dont have a reset option

[Lincs Robert]

Thanks all. It's actually interesting that working for a small company is totally different to a large corp - which would have seen a nice payout / proper early retirement. None of that here unfortunately. I'm lucky I suppose in that I've only got 12 months to go before my main frozen pension pays out. Also, my 2 years service with current (actually last) lot only kicked in when I was off sick - I would have been in a right pickle without the 2 years service from a protection perspective. So I've only got to muddle through the next 12 months - it will be fine hopefully.

[Varche]

That all seemed positive up to you last line  it will be fine hopefully.

It is a huge step stopping work after such a long time. I indicated other completely different lines of employment are available. Maybe you could do temp work via an agency in your field of work .

Maybe it s time to down tools permanently and just enjoy life. I found when we down shifted , we had been spending a lot of money "going to work"  like dry cleaning , suits etc or because we hadnt the time. So your money goes further even though you have less.

I suspect given a few weeks you will be able to see the wood from the trees. Your health is the key issue.

[TheBoy]

Even if you have to skrimp and save until the pension kicks in, it might be the best option, as symes points out, there ain't no reset button on your health.

I think its worth seeking proper advice, both medical and financial.

Good luck, whatever the decision and outcome is.

[Lincs Robert]

That all seemed positive up to you last line  it will be fine hopefully.

It is a huge step stopping work after such a long time. I indicated other completely different lines of employment are available. Maybe you could do temp work via an agency in your field of work .

Maybe it s time to down tools permanently and just enjoy life. I found when we down shifted , we had been spending a lot of money "going to work"  like dry cleaning , suits etc or because we hadnt the time. So your money goes further even though you have less.

I suspect given a few weeks you will be able to see the wood from the trees. Your health is the key issue.

I've got a few irons in the fire which should come true in a month or so. I suppose the only "risk" I'm taking is if they don't - that's when I would have to bridge the gap until next year financially, or just take the pension a tad early. I suppose it is a risk but a calculated one. Could I have stayed at last work longer - yes, but being physically uncomfortable was bad enough after 5 weeks, I was also under pressure to travel again with a trip to Cairo needed in July. It was too far too soon so things came to a natural conclusion ........ I'm just weighing up the list of jobs that need doing & have no idea where to start 

[Lincs Robert]

Even if you have to skrimp and save until the pension kicks in, it might be the best option, as symes points out, there ain't no reset button on your health.

I think its worth seeking proper advice, both medical and financial.

Good luck, whatever the decision and outcome is.

Did the advice bit, saw a solicitor last Friday & my Doctor on Monday - their advice allowed me to conclude things amicably and as it happens very quickly ......

[redelitev6]

Must admit I'm currently looking at early retirement options , just lately I've seen too many people in poor health nearing the mid sixties "proper" retirement age , how they expect people to work until 70 and beyond beats me 

[Lincs Robert]

Must admit I'm currently looking at early retirement options , just lately I've seen too many people in poor health nearing the mid sixties "proper" retirement age , how they expect people to work until 70 and beyond beats me 

I agree. I'm lucky in that my main pension kicks in at 60 & im 59 next week. Taking it a year early means a 4% reduction. I'll see how things pan out & then decide at my leisure.....