Retirement thoughts
The craggy, fractured landscape at Keill Point
Advice
Don’t take advice from me. All I have going for me over about 75% of the population is that I’ve lived longer. I might have experienced a little more and learned a few lessons, but don’t take this as advice; rather these are just some thoughts on retiring early and working a little for yourself.
The cruel reality is that with age comes a narrowing of options. Health and money are of course the overwhelmingly big tickets. A paucity of either is likely to limit choice, although happiness can still be found in simplicity. The trick I find is not to make choices outside of these factors that would deliberately curtail the freedoms you’ll have been working all of your life to win. Health and finances can still to a fair degree be managed and optimised, taking regular exercise, taking it easy on the booze (ahem), not spending money you haven’t got (ahem again).
Health in particular can land its cruellest blows when you least expect them. For a relatively unfit, relatively overweight gentleman in his 60’s, I’m not the insurers favourite bet for policy discounts. If you’re lucky enough to be one half of a couple, then the health of your partner is equally impactful on the quality of your joint autumn years. But let’s not dwell on this - we’ve all got our stories to tell and our battle scars to show.
Not advice
So here’s a list of stuff, in no particular order of importance, or indeed impact, for you to consider and comment upon:
Do not get a pet, unless you truly want to dedicate your retirement to its companionship. They’re a massive constraint, a drain on finances, and can break your heart. They also make your house and car smell.
Get an electric bike. Ideally an electric mountain bike (EMTB): the most liberating of purchases for those who aren’t Eddy Mercx. Consider how you’ll transport it as they don’t go on roof racks.
Minimise clutter. Keep your home simple and comfortable both to leave and to return to. Home should be a sanctuary, not a place for endless chores.
Travel as much as you can afford and physically manage. The word’s an ever-changing, marvellous place. Always sign up for hotel membership schemes.
Visit your loved ones when you can and when they can cope with you (they have their lives to lead too). After the age of 60, the number of times you might see them could be down to single figures, so put in the effort.
If you use social media, get trigger happy with the block button. It’s the easiest way to ensure that the population of your on-line world is also filled only with nice people, like your real world social circles. There are far too many idiots, trolls and downright nasties to absorb your precious time.
Sleep-in whenever you want. Bed for me is such a wonderful place. Think of all those poor wage-slaves having to go to work, while you try to work out what day it is. Bliss.
If you are going to work in any form (self-employment, volunteering, etc), remember your value, your skills, and your experience. Don’t under-sell yourself. Avoid working for anyone on a paid basis; your retirement at that point is over as there will be a valid expectation of commitment. Volunteers can always walk away.
Get the best kit you can afford for whatever it is you like to do. You deserve it.
Try new things, new food, and new places. Keep learning and keep that precious brain ticking over.
Don’t listen to people giving advice on the internet.
