Retirement

[Parafox]

Right, so... I've reached the age of 65 and had a decision to make: should I carry on, because I could if I wanted to, or do I take the decision to give up a profession and career that has meant so much to me for 34 years? I'm now at the point of reflection over my career.

I have to admit that Covid has been an influence on my decision. I want to be involved in responding to and helping those that need ambulance intervention regardless of how trivial (although those calls are so frustrating). However, I have increasingly found that having to wear mask, apron and gloves to every call and the requirement to wear full PPE: enclosed hood, respirator, coverall suit, 2 pairs of gloves and overshoes for a cardiac arrest, has become extremely challenging and tiring.

I could have retired 4 years ago but I wanted to carry on because it was my "raison d'etre". I know I will miss the job terribly and nothing I can think of will come close to giving me the fulfilment and sense of "making a difference" to peoples lives; the feeling of immense feeling of pride and humility by being present at the beginning and at the end of a life. The indescribable feeling when someone's potentially dire outcome has been improved by some intervention that I have done. 

Over the 34 years, I have met some incredibly brave and courageous people. People at the end of their life, at the end of the life of some one they love. Those in complete joy and in complete distress. Those who have no clue what to do except call 999. I've changed a lightbulb at 3 in the morning for a poor bedridden old dear who was in complete darkness and needed to go to the toilet. I've wiped the arses and other parts of complete strangers. I've seen people mashed up under a train when life became too much for them. I've had cups of tea with so many grateful patients and/or their relatives. I've said a few sad and lonely goodbye's to those who have died alone.. I've been in many scrapes and many hysterical moments. I've even been briefly, a hostage. I've driven a man to Papworth from Leicester on blue lights in the early hours of the morning in the response car so he could have a heart transplant.

It's not always been easy. At times it's been a mystery as to how and why or what people do and how some people live. So many times I've been amazed and humbled by the humanity of people It's been an entirely unique career. There's so, so many things I would never have experienced or have been challenged by have or been brought to tears of laughter and of sadness.

My one abiding feeling is that the spirit of human kindness is within us all at times of crisis. People do look after strangers and do make sacrifices for the sake of others, whether that might be missing your bus home so you can be by the side of a person fallen in the street, taking the day off work to go to hospital with your neighbour or donating an organ to save the life of another human being.

If I could do it all again, I would without hesitation.

Now... what do I do on Monday?

 

[Aus Fox]

Monday is where you put pen to paper and write some funny stories. I have had the privilege of sharing stories with a few paramedics over the years, most with far less service that yourself and they have some absolute crackers of stories.

In amongst all the really impressive work you do to save lives, be first on the scene to horrific events and all the sacrifices you make - there is the amazing stories of something stuck where it shouldn’t be, or someone doing something completely stupid requiring your assistance.

So nows the time to share your stories - best day on the job, funniest call out, best person you’ve worked with? Etc.

 

Thank you for 34 years of service to your community.

[jonthefox]

I'm not sure if its possible in your job, but maybe you could ease yourself into retirement. Maybe consider a three day week for a year/ 18 months. 

 

Also. i'll repeat what Aus Fox said and thank you for all you've done. Actually, given some of my drunken antics over the years i'm surprised we haven't met. 

[Parafox]

24 minutes ago, jonthefox said:

I'm not sure if its possible in your job, but maybe you could ease yourself into retirement. Maybe consider a three day week for a year/ 18 months. 

 

Also. i'll repeat what Aus Fox said and thank you for all you've done. Actually, given some of my drunken antics over the years i'm surprised we haven't met. 

Would you remember if we had? 

In response to your opening paragraph, I have been working a reduced hours "bank" contract for the last 3 years where I would only work shifts that needed covering due to shortfalls of staff or gaps in a rota. Usually 2 -3 shifts a week. And I could refuse nights, yay!

The downside is that I will no longer be able to be at the KP as medical cover when they allow spectators back in. 

Edited 30 October 2020 by Parafox

[Parafox]

31 minutes ago, Aus Fox said:

Monday is where you put pen to paper and write some funny stories. I have had the privilege of sharing stories with a few paramedics over the years, most with far less service that yourself and they have some absolute crackers of stories.

In amongst all the really impressive work you do to save lives, be first on the scene to horrific events and all the sacrifices you make - there is the amazing stories of something stuck where it shouldn’t be, or someone doing something completely stupid requiring your assistance.

So nows the time to share your stories - best day on the job, funniest call out, best person you’ve worked with? Etc.

 

Thank you for 34 years of service to your community.

Thank you . Maybe I'll start a thread of my stories on here 

[Izzy]

38 minutes ago, Parafox said:

Right, so... I've reached the age of 65 and had a decision to make: should I carry on, because I could if I wanted to, or do I take the decision to give up a profession and career that has meant so much to me for 34 years? I'm now at the point of reflection over my career.

I have to admit that Covid has been an influence on my decision. I want to be involved in responding to and helping those that need ambulance intervention regardless of how trivial (although those calls are so frustrating). However, I have increasingly found that having to wear mask, apron and gloves to every call and the requirement to wear full PPE: enclosed hood, respirator, coverall suit, 2 pairs of gloves and overshoes for a cardiac arrest, has become extremely challenging and tiring.

I could have retired 4 years ago but I wanted to carry on because it was my "raison d'etre". I know I will miss the job terribly and nothing I can think of will come close to giving me the fulfilment and sense of "making a difference" to peoples lives; the feeling of immense feeling of pride and humility by being present at the beginning and at the end of a life. The indescribable feeling when someone's potentially dire outcome has been improved by some intervention that I have done. 

Over the 34 years, I have met some incredibly brave and courageous people. People at the end of their life, at the end of the life of some one they love. Those in complete joy and in complete distress. Those who have no clue what to do except call 999. I've changed a lightbulb at 3 in the morning for a poor bedridden old dear who was in complete darkness and needed to go to the toilet. I've wiped the arses and other parts of complete strangers. I've seen people mashed up under a train when life became too much for them. I've had cups of tea with so many grateful patients and/or their relatives. I've said a few sad and lonely goodbye's to those who have died alone.. I've been in many scrapes and many hysterical moments. I've even been briefly, a hostage. I've driven a man to Papworth from Leicester on blue lights in the early hours of the morning in the response car so he could have a heart transplant.

It's not always been easy. At times it's been a mystery as to how and why or what people do and how some people live. So many times I've been amazed and humbled by the humanity of people It's been an entirely unique career. There's so, so many things I would never have experienced or have been challenged by have or been brought to tears of laughter and of sadness.

My one abiding feeling is that the spirit of human kindness is within us all at times of crisis. People do look after strangers and do make sacrifices for the sake of others, whether that might be missing your bus home so you can be by the side of a person fallen in the street, taking the day off work to go to hospital with your neighbour or donating an organ to save the life of another human being.

If I could do it all again, I would without hesitation.

Now... what do I do on Monday?

 

Nobody can really advise you on this mate, only you know. 

 

I know people who've retired in their mid forties and others who've worked until their eighties. Everyone has different drivers, motivations and circumstances when it comes to retirement I guess.

 

34 years sounds like a good innings and if you can leave with your head held high and knowing you made a difference then that's the main thing. And you definitely need to write a book! 

 

For me, I'm 47 now and will be retiring at 57 regardless so 10 years and counting. I started work aged 16 so that will be over 40 years working and I'll have had enough by then.

 

Best of luck whatever you decide 

 

[Wymsey]

It literally sounds like a 'roller coaster' of a career, highs and lows, for sure..

 

The question really depends in what you want at this stage of life, for example:

 

Do you still enjoy it/get much satisfaction from it (barring the PPE requirements)?

Do you want more family-time, that work may have affected at times over the years;

 

Or do you want to take on new 'project' away from work, but you still want to work but more 'flexibly' (I.e. if you have the option, choose to decide when you wish to work and forhe long etc)?

 

Etc etc.

 

I presume you've mentioned your potential retirement thoughts to your family; if so, how do they feel about his views in this?

 

 

Edited 30 October 2020 by Wymsey

[fuchsntf]

52 minutes ago, Parafox said:

Right, so... I've reached the age of 65 and had a decision to make: should I carry on, because I could if I wanted to, or do I take the decision to give up a profession and career that has meant so much to me for 34 years? I'm now at the point of reflection over my career.

I have to admit that Covid has been an influence on my decision. I want to be involved in responding to and helping those that need ambulance intervention regardless of how trivial (although those calls are so frustrating). However, I have increasingly found that having to wear mask, apron and gloves to every call and the requirement to wear full PPE: enclosed hood, respirator, coverall suit, 2 pairs of gloves and overshoes for a cardiac arrest, has become extremely challenging and tiring.

I could have retired 4 years ago but I wanted to carry on because it was my "raison d'etre". I know I will miss the job terribly and nothing I can think of will come close to giving me the fulfilment and sense of "making a difference" to peoples lives; the feeling of immense feeling of pride and humility by being present at the beginning and at the end of a life. The indescribable feeling when someone's potentially dire outcome has been improved by some intervention that I have done. 

Over the 34 years, I have met some incredibly brave and courageous people. People at the end of their life, at the end of the life of some one they love. Those in complete joy and in complete distress. Those who have no clue what to do except call 999. I've changed a lightbulb at 3 in the morning for a poor bedridden old dear who was in complete darkness and needed to go to the toilet. I've wiped the arses and other parts of complete strangers. I've seen people mashed up under a train when life became too much for them. I've had cups of tea with so many grateful patients and/or their relatives. I've said a few sad and lonely goodbye's to those who have died alone.. I've been in many scrapes and many hysterical moments. I've even been briefly, a hostage. I've driven a man to Papworth from Leicester on blue lights in the early hours of the morning in the response car so he could have a heart transplant.

It's not always been easy. At times it's been a mystery as to how and why or what people do and how some people live. So many times I've been amazed and humbled by the humanity of people It's been an entirely unique career. There's so, so many things I would never have experienced or have been challenged by have or been brought to tears of laughter and of sadness.

My one abiding feeling is that the spirit of human kindness is within us all at times of crisis. People do look after strangers and do make sacrifices for the sake of others, whether that might be missing your bus home so you can be by the side of a person fallen in the street, taking the day off work to go to hospital with your neighbour or donating an organ to save the life of another human being.

If I could do it all again, I would without hesitation.

Now... what do I do on Monday?

 

First priority..Enjoy Leeds vs City..

 

You seem to enjoy Your lives calling...Bold letters..

* If it sits Deep Inside you & you can Count more positives...

* The daily grind & routine, still gets you up in the morning

* Life's competition is still rewarding in what it gives to you...

* Can you give and are you still willing, to give more of your life, than it can ever return...

* Try to Think deeply in These  Next two days,or give yourself Another week, how you will receive yourself  if you no longer Work in your "calling"

* Can you semi retire, or take probatory Retirement ,then return if    " your"   needs be...

* Do you consider yourself still fit enough physically & mentally, that you want to go through the Bad , mundane & good days...

 

You do something that many are glad they Dont have to, & many wish they could...!!

You answer or just Poker- over those questions above, then somewhere between those lines is your own answer....

 

I am Damn sure there are far better People that you can Sound out than me or this forum, but if our ten penny worth helps 0.6%.

Your more than welcome to Stay on & carry on Caring for us bumkins.....

 

Edited 30 October 2020 by fuchsntf

[Collymore]

How you or anyone can do a job like that is just beyond me. It is incredible. 

 

Surely there's volunteer work you could do, perhaps for a hospice? 

[String fellow]

I strongly recommend that anyone with the opportunity to retire should do so. Why anyone should want to spend a moment longer than necessary living their lives under the thrall of others, when we all only have a finite time in our lives to do our own stuff, is beyond me. Career slaves in particular forget that they aren't the only people capable of doing their jobs, and it's likely that they've also created career widows/widowers in their spouses. One proviso - make sure NI contributions have been maximised before making the move, to get the full state pension.  

[Mark 'expert' Lawrenson]

Wow, firstly what a fantastic post, congratulations on reaching 65, you of all people will have first hand experience that many of us don’t.

Secondly congratulations on a wonderful career, you all do an amazing job.

 

As for the reason you’ve posted, your retirement, if you’re unsure take longer to decide, I’m sure you’ve mulled it over constantly over the last few weeks, months and years so what’s a little longer....

 

Everybody is different, personally I can’t wait to retire and have some time for myself whilst I’m still fit and relatively healthy. To do the things I’ve always wanted and have been unable to due to work commitments. None of us know when our expiry date is, but like I say, everyone is different.

 

Good luck in whatever decision you come to. 
 

[Staff]

I just want to say thank you so much for your service and contribution in what must be one of the toughest jobs out there. You really are a hero and you should be very proud of your hard work over the last 34 years 

[Guest Fktf]

You've had an incredible career that all of us should be forever grateful for. A paramedic delivered my kid, and without her on the scene, I probably wouldn't have a daughter alive today. And I've no doubt people are probably alive today because of your actions attending a call.

 

You've asked a question only you can answer. All I'd say is, at some point, please take time for yourself. Were it me, I'd be thinking what can I do to fill my days if I don't work. If I can see my family more, take up a hobby I always wanted to do, perhaps volunteer to help train or give advice to the next generation of paramedics (unis would love this if you got in touch), I'd be thinking I can have a bit of the work life I loved, whilst enjoying all the things I wished I could do more of when I was working. On the other hand, if you think, christ, I'll just sit at home all day watching shite tv, then give it another year at work and see after that 

 

I guess what I'm saying is now is the time to be selfish. Be honest with yourself and do what will most enrich your life, without feeling guilty about whatever that decision is. 

 

 

[Sampson]

5 hours ago, String fellow said:

I strongly recommend that anyone with the opportunity to retire should do so. Why anyone should want to spend a moment longer than necessary living their lives under the thrall of others, when we all only have a finite time in our lives to do our own stuff, is beyond me. Career slaves in particular forget that they aren't the only people capable of doing their jobs, and it's likely that they've also created career widows/widowers in their spouses. One proviso - make sure NI contributions have been maximised before making the move, to get the full state pension.  

It depends what you mean by "living their lives under the thrall of others".

 

Having time to do what you want becomes pretty stale, pretty quickly. Just like solo travelling does. You realise it's just as lonely, pointless and unfulfilling having the financial freedom to do what you want as having to work is.

 

Work gives a lot of people meaning and structure to their lives. To at least contribute to society and towards humankind's own antfarm in some small way. And I'd say being a paramedic is likely one of the most rewarding jobs and most rewarding ways to give your life meaning there is.

 

My job isn't anywhere near as rewarding as that but I do enjoy it and I'm not convinced I'll take retirement when it comes yet. Did most of my travelling when I was younger already. Would like learn a bit more languages or some instruments but I know they would soon feel like work if I did them all day. Don't want to be one of those old farts kicking round the house watching daytime tv slowly letting my brain rot into dementia.

[AyewJoking]

If you retire now you may regret doing so in the coming weeks/months.

Surely just carry on until you feel you've had enough or is that not an option?

[Crinklyfox]

11 hours ago, Parafox said:

Right, so... I've reached the age of 65 and had a decision to make: should I carry on, because I could if I wanted to, or do I take the decision to give up a profession and career that has meant so much to me for 34 years? I'm now at the point of reflection over my career.

I have to admit that Covid has been an influence on my decision. I want to be involved in responding to and helping those that need ambulance intervention regardless of how trivial (although those calls are so frustrating). However, I have increasingly found that having to wear mask, apron and gloves to every call and the requirement to wear full PPE: enclosed hood, respirator, coverall suit, 2 pairs of gloves and overshoes for a cardiac arrest, has become extremely challenging and tiring.

I could have retired 4 years ago but I wanted to carry on because it was my "raison d'etre". I know I will miss the job terribly and nothing I can think of will come close to giving me the fulfilment and sense of "making a difference" to peoples lives; the feeling of immense feeling of pride and humility by being present at the beginning and at the end of a life. The indescribable feeling when someone's potentially dire outcome has been improved by some intervention that I have done. 

Over the 34 years, I have met some incredibly brave and courageous people. People at the end of their life, at the end of the life of some one they love. Those in complete joy and in complete distress. Those who have no clue what to do except call 999. I've changed a lightbulb at 3 in the morning for a poor bedridden old dear who was in complete darkness and needed to go to the toilet. I've wiped the arses and other parts of complete strangers. I've seen people mashed up under a train when life became too much for them. I've had cups of tea with so many grateful patients and/or their relatives. I've said a few sad and lonely goodbye's to those who have died alone.. I've been in many scrapes and many hysterical moments. I've even been briefly, a hostage. I've driven a man to Papworth from Leicester on blue lights in the early hours of the morning in the response car so he could have a heart transplant.

It's not always been easy. At times it's been a mystery as to how and why or what people do and how some people live. So many times I've been amazed and humbled by the humanity of people It's been an entirely unique career. There's so, so many things I would never have experienced or have been challenged by have or been brought to tears of laughter and of sadness.

My one abiding feeling is that the spirit of human kindness is within us all at times of crisis. People do look after strangers and do make sacrifices for the sake of others, whether that might be missing your bus home so you can be by the side of a person fallen in the street, taking the day off work to go to hospital with your neighbour or donating an organ to save the life of another human being.

If I could do it all again, I would without hesitation.

Now... what do I do on Monday?

 

We're of a similar vintage, one difference being that I retired before the age of 65 after my GP advised that if I didn't stop working my body would do it for me.

 

I don't think it's been mentioned so far but one very practical consideration is money.  I think that at your age you won't get the state pension until you reach the age of 67 - I know that the NHS provides a pension but have no idea if it's adequate for you (my wife's a retired nurse).

 

Assuming that you've already considered this, which I expect you have, another practical consideration is the toll that the job places upon you.  I remember many years ago reading a review (from Sweden I think) of the effects of working beyond retirement age.  One of the conclusions was that working beyond normal retirement age actually reduced life expectancy.  So I bore that one in mind when I retired, being mindful that I needed to maintain some level of exercise and outside interests to keep my body and mind healthy.  I also had the experience of my father working on beyond 65, he later wished that he hadn't done it.

 

It is apparent from your posts that despite its stresses you find your job fulfilling, and I expect that if you do retire you will miss it.  I found that it was essential to take up other activities and expand time devoted to interests to replace the positives gained from being in a working environment.  Before I retired fully I became a Trustee for a local charity and found that I could quite easily dedicate a lot more of my time to supporting that charity, which I found personally fulfilling.  I also joined the local bowls club which gave me the opportunity to meet many people of my own age, participate in a competitive sport again (most other sports required a level of fitness and health that I didn't possess) and attend social events.  I later joined the Committee and was Chairman for a couple of years which was also a time-consuming activity but benefitted the club and its other members (I hope).

 

One final thought - if you decide to stay on when Monday comes, do you have the option of changing your mind at any time without loss of income or benefits?  And if you decide to go, may the door be open for you should you wish to return?

 

And I'd like to add my thanks to you to those of others who have already expressed the same sentiment.  The NHS is our national treasure, it's saved my life on more than one occasion, and those who work within it, many without great financial remuneration, are admired.

[Guest Mickyblueeyes]

13 hours ago, Parafox said:

Right, so... I've reached the age of 65 and had a decision to make: should I carry on, because I could if I wanted to, or do I take the decision to give up a profession and career that has meant so much to me for 34 years? I'm now at the point of reflection over my career.

I have to admit that Covid has been an influence on my decision. I want to be involved in responding to and helping those that need ambulance intervention regardless of how trivial (although those calls are so frustrating). However, I have increasingly found that having to wear mask, apron and gloves to every call and the requirement to wear full PPE: enclosed hood, respirator, coverall suit, 2 pairs of gloves and overshoes for a cardiac arrest, has become extremely challenging and tiring.

I could have retired 4 years ago but I wanted to carry on because it was my "raison d'etre". I know I will miss the job terribly and nothing I can think of will come close to giving me the fulfilment and sense of "making a difference" to peoples lives; the feeling of immense feeling of pride and humility by being present at the beginning and at the end of a life. The indescribable feeling when someone's potentially dire outcome has been improved by some intervention that I have done. 

Over the 34 years, I have met some incredibly brave and courageous people. People at the end of their life, at the end of the life of some one they love. Those in complete joy and in complete distress. Those who have no clue what to do except call 999. I've changed a lightbulb at 3 in the morning for a poor bedridden old dear who was in complete darkness and needed to go to the toilet. I've wiped the arses and other parts of complete strangers. I've seen people mashed up under a train when life became too much for them. I've had cups of tea with so many grateful patients and/or their relatives. I've said a few sad and lonely goodbye's to those who have died alone.. I've been in many scrapes and many hysterical moments. I've even been briefly, a hostage. I've driven a man to Papworth from Leicester on blue lights in the early hours of the morning in the response car so he could have a heart transplant.

It's not always been easy. At times it's been a mystery as to how and why or what people do and how some people live. So many times I've been amazed and humbled by the humanity of people It's been an entirely unique career. There's so, so many things I would never have experienced or have been challenged by have or been brought to tears of laughter and of sadness.

My one abiding feeling is that the spirit of human kindness is within us all at times of crisis. People do look after strangers and do make sacrifices for the sake of others, whether that might be missing your bus home so you can be by the side of a person fallen in the street, taking the day off work to go to hospital with your neighbour or donating an organ to save the life of another human being.

If I could do it all again, I would without hesitation.

Now... what do I do on Monday?

 

I hope I feel the same about my career when I’m 65. It sounds like you’ve had a great experience. It’s also a lovely choice to have. 
 

My dad turned 70 last year and after many years of being self employed decided to retire. He had worked from the age of 13 up until 70. Built up many very successful businesses in that time. 
 

6 weeks after retirement, he started moaning. He felt he had lost something. In fact, when the first lockdown hit, in a weird way (his words) he envied the fact he was not expected to find solutions like he would’ve had to do had he remained in business. 
 

He has decided in the last few months to start another business! He couldn’t take it. I think the fact that he couldn’t really travel anywhere had played a part but he gave me some advice. If you enjoy what you do, keep doing it until you physically or mentally can’t. If it’s something you enjoy, well that’s life’s way of telling you, you’re doing something you love. 
 

On that note, I’ll say the same thing. If you really enjoy what you’re doing. Find a way to keep doing it. As my dad says, it keeps him alive.

[Parafox]

Thank you to all that have thanked and advised me, it's really appreciated. I can't go back to the ambulance service as I have formally resigned and I would need to go through a selection process as if I was a new starter, including clinical competency assessments, daft as that sounds.

I decided to apply to be a volunteer for the Air Ambulance charity, working in one of their shops and I started a week before lockdown 2. I intend to go back in December. I am also considering volunteering for the Red Cross as there is potential for supporting efforts during disasters abroad and I'd really be up for that. Not necessarily frontline medic stuff but supporting in other ways, building tents, delivering clothes and other things.

I already miss what I used to do but I feel motivated to continue to help people where I can.

I might also start writing some memoirs of my job for my family.

[jonthefox]

Just now, Parafox said:

Thank you to all that have thanked and advised me, it's really appreciated. I can't go back to the ambulance service as I have formally resigned and I would need to go through a selection process as if I was a new starter, including clinical competency assessments, daft as that sounds.

I decided to apply to be a volunteer for the Air Ambulance charity, working in one of their shops and I started a week before lockdown 2. I intend to go back in December. I am also considering volunteering for the Red Cross as there is potential for supporting efforts during disasters abroad and I'd really be up for that. Not necessarily frontline medic stuff but supporting in other ways, building tents, delivering clothes and other things.

I already miss what I used to do but I feel motivated to continue to help people where I can.

I might also start writing some memoirs of my job for my family.

Iv'e got an old bed that needs to go to the tip.

[Parafox]

Just now, jonthefox said:

Iv'e got an old bed that needs to go to the tip.

 What's your address, I'll be there in the morning after I've been to Morrisons. You'll need to book a slot and you'll need my registration number which is FU2 COK 

[Izzy]

8 minutes ago, Parafox said:

Thank you to all that have thanked and advised me, it's really appreciated. I can't go back to the ambulance service as I have formally resigned and I would need to go through a selection process as if I was a new starter, including clinical competency assessments, daft as that sounds.

I decided to apply to be a volunteer for the Air Ambulance charity, working in one of their shops and I started a week before lockdown 2. I intend to go back in December. I am also considering volunteering for the Red Cross as there is potential for supporting efforts during disasters abroad and I'd really be up for that. Not necessarily frontline medic stuff but supporting in other ways, building tents, delivering clothes and other things.

I already miss what I used to do but I feel motivated to continue to help people where I can.

I might also start writing some memoirs of my job for my family.

That's brilliant mate 

I remember when my old man retired about 10 years ago he volunteered to work at Leicester CAB helping out people with benefit claims etc. Reckons he learnt more about 'real life' in those few years than 40 years doing a corporate job. He's now as school governor, handicap secretary at his golf club, chairman of his Rotary club and in charge of maintaining his village church grounds and Arms Houses. He's busier now than when he was working but he loves it 

 

Best of luck still helping people where you can. The world needs more people like you.

[dsr-burnley]

St John's Ambulance?  You could probably work every weekend with them (under normal circumstances).  I don't know how much work, especially high level work, they get.

[nnickn]

I will tell you my experience I am recently retired, and it is no good for me.

 

Get up everyday, nothing to do, every day is the same nothingness, yes I had plans do this, do that, soon gets boring.

Maybe its the state of the lockdowns which is an hindrance with travel out of the question.

mainly though I think it is the reduction of interaction with other people that is the killer.

At the end of day you got to do what is best for you, you have earned the right to do so.

[Guest worth_the_wait]

Rather than calling it "retirement", it's better to think of it as "doing something different".
 
I spent yonks working in an office.  It was ok.  It paid the mortgage, put food on my plate and left me with enough to waste huge sums watching football.
 
In theory I'm retired, but I just do some volunteering instead each week.   It gets me out of the house and I meet lots of people.
 
There are loads of organisations that will happily use your free labour ... health organisations, people charities, animal charities, nature reserves, National Trust, English Heritage, preserved railways, museums.   The list is endless.

 

[Parafox]

On 07/11/2020 at 03:10, nnickn said:

I will tell you my experience I am recently retired, and it is no good for me.

 

Get up everyday, nothing to do, every day is the same nothingness, yes I had plans do this, do that, soon gets boring.

Maybe its the state of the lockdowns which is an hindrance with travel out of the question.

mainly though I think it is the reduction of interaction with other people that is the killer.

At the end of day you got to do what is best for you, you have earned the right to do so.

I feel for you Nick. Volunteering in some way, would be my advice. I was scared of those empty days and I had a few of those when I worked shifts, where I would wake up wondering what I was going to do that day, particularly during lockdown 1. I think volunteering will give me a sense of purpose, in that I will be helping others in some way and it naturally involves interaction.