A focus I put on being healthy has really contributed to a more satisfying and joyful life after 60, and enhanced my pursuit and enjoyment of passions - taking golf more seriously, being an artist and travel experiences 😊
My plan was always to retire via a transition plan. Unfortunately my company did a backflip and now I am finishing work in July after having a very frantic busy role. I have taken 18 months to come to this conclusion but unfortunately the transition can’t happen. I guess we’ll just have to go along with the ride. I am 56 hubby is 72, we are planning to travel Australian for a while too, hoping it’s a big adventure
Mine is leave any future commitments (charity work or the like) for 6/9 months after retirement. Learn to say no!!! I ended up retiring and on 3 boards and working for 2 charities- felt like I’d never retired!!!
Bec in many of your commentaries you assume that people have flexibility in their employment to transition to retirement. That people can wind down their employment. Reality is many workplaces are not open to this. Part time work etc is not available
Sometimes people just have to cut and run and adjust
Christine, have a look at the fair work website. Over 55s can apply for various things provided it doesn’t affect efficiency or productivity of the business. Using this I was able to get a job share trial for my position.
Nobody can explain to you what retirement is like just like nobody can explain what having a child is like or being a parent. Its a self discovery mission and you dont know until you get there!
I've been semi retiring for the last 5 years, from the age of 58, I've been taking 6-12 month contracts and taking time off in between, usually 6-12 months. The last contract was about 20 months ago and the same company recently contacted me about a 5 month contract. I'll give it a go and see how it pans out.
When I was younger, you never think your going to be older, sooner than you think. I wished I would have contributed more to my super. But now thatI'm here, I think we are in a decent position to retire.
My future self would say I should have learnt to be more content rather than constantly seeking happiness or joy. My future self would also probably say you should have stopped being indecisive or feeling guilty about spending more money.
That is SO true! After 30 years working in Australia, I was lucky enough to get an overseas job when I was 54 and worked for the next 10 years in the Middle East. Qatar was a very fortunate, tax-free, opportunity that allowed me professional satisfaction, lots of travel and brilliant cultural experiences. I retired back to Australia after 10 years but after 6 months was asked to return for a 12-month contract. I'm now 67, loving my new contract, travelling but I also know what retirement back in Australia will look like. A good expat oriented financial advisor and legal advice, and keeping an eye on your health are vital, but so is saying yes to opportunities if/when they arise.
My future self would say every decade you live is precious. Appreciate the early stages of retirement and use your time and resources well. There will come a time when you are less active and capable. Make this latter stage one where you look back on life and reflect positively on all you've experienced with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude.
She’d say, “Don’t rush like you always used to do, enjoy this stage and don’t focus on the future so much. Slow down, de-accumulate (you’ve earned it) and believe me, the body keeps score so make it your priority now (along with your gorgeous, fit and loving husband 😉)”.
A focus I put on being healthy has really contributed to a more satisfying and joyful life after 60, and enhanced my pursuit and enjoyment of passions - taking golf more seriously, being an artist and travel experiences 😊
My plan was always to retire via a transition plan. Unfortunately my company did a backflip and now I am finishing work in July after having a very frantic busy role. I have taken 18 months to come to this conclusion but unfortunately the transition can’t happen. I guess we’ll just have to go along with the ride. I am 56 hubby is 72, we are planning to travel Australian for a while too, hoping it’s a big adventure
Mine is leave any future commitments (charity work or the like) for 6/9 months after retirement. Learn to say no!!! I ended up retiring and on 3 boards and working for 2 charities- felt like I’d never retired!!!
Bec in many of your commentaries you assume that people have flexibility in their employment to transition to retirement. That people can wind down their employment. Reality is many workplaces are not open to this. Part time work etc is not available
Sometimes people just have to cut and run and adjust
Christine, have a look at the fair work website. Over 55s can apply for various things provided it doesn’t affect efficiency or productivity of the business. Using this I was able to get a job share trial for my position.
Nobody can explain to you what retirement is like just like nobody can explain what having a child is like or being a parent. Its a self discovery mission and you dont know until you get there!
I've been semi retiring for the last 5 years, from the age of 58, I've been taking 6-12 month contracts and taking time off in between, usually 6-12 months. The last contract was about 20 months ago and the same company recently contacted me about a 5 month contract. I'll give it a go and see how it pans out.
When I was younger, you never think your going to be older, sooner than you think. I wished I would have contributed more to my super. But now thatI'm here, I think we are in a decent position to retire.
Agree with longer term taxation stability.
I would also like to see Superann accessible at 55years, or at least part of it.
My future self would say I should have learnt to be more content rather than constantly seeking happiness or joy. My future self would also probably say you should have stopped being indecisive or feeling guilty about spending more money.
I just listened to the podcast on Annuities
Can the principal be accessed to pay for a Nursing Home bond.
That is SO true! After 30 years working in Australia, I was lucky enough to get an overseas job when I was 54 and worked for the next 10 years in the Middle East. Qatar was a very fortunate, tax-free, opportunity that allowed me professional satisfaction, lots of travel and brilliant cultural experiences. I retired back to Australia after 10 years but after 6 months was asked to return for a 12-month contract. I'm now 67, loving my new contract, travelling but I also know what retirement back in Australia will look like. A good expat oriented financial advisor and legal advice, and keeping an eye on your health are vital, but so is saying yes to opportunities if/when they arise.
My future self would say every decade you live is precious. Appreciate the early stages of retirement and use your time and resources well. There will come a time when you are less active and capable. Make this latter stage one where you look back on life and reflect positively on all you've experienced with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude.
She’d say, “Don’t rush like you always used to do, enjoy this stage and don’t focus on the future so much. Slow down, de-accumulate (you’ve earned it) and believe me, the body keeps score so make it your priority now (along with your gorgeous, fit and loving husband 😉)”.