Retirement

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Well done, ER. The joy of waking up on a Monday morning and thinking, "Yessss! I don't have to go to work", awaits.

It took me nearly a year to stop wishing I was going to work, but that's probably the result of being institutionalised in schools and college from late 1954 to the end of 2014

[Beef Oven!]

So they actually get worse?

Oh well, 6 out of 7 ain't bad.

I don't think they get worse. Although they are no longer the weekly life-jacket, you get to be able to use them properly because you are not trying to cram all your family's needs, plus your own into one day.

[MrGongGong]

So - let me get this straight: an organisation extends a specific rate to anyone who is no longer in receipt of salary/equivalent. I should decline that and volunteer a larger amount. Is that what you're saying?

Yes, if you can afford it
as it's obviously aimed at those who can't

Do you always refuse discounts, offers etc, and insist on paying the full amount?

Not always, but sometimes, depending on what it is.

[MrGongGong]

This sort of thing might make you feel more comfortable - it does little to benefit anyone else, IMV.

It benefits those who are receiving the money thus enabling them to do more things.
I'm not sure that relatively wealthy folks should get a discount anyway, it seems to me that "retired" is used as a category to target folks who aren't wealthy enough to pay in the first place.
The luck of being born at the right time (which applies to many folks in their 70's and 80's) is simply luck.

[Beef Oven!]

Yes, if you can afford it
as it's obviously aimed at those who can't

You're being naive. It's a marketing tactic utilised to increase market share. It's not about offering cut price services to the less well-off.

[Zucchini]

...e.g. the Picturehouse chain of cinemas offers concessionary prices to the 'Retired' irrespective of age. However they are entitled to ask for proof of entitlement to the concession - I've asked the question in an email...

Any ideas?

Yes. Wait until you're over 60, like it says. Don't worry about it yet.

[Nick Armstrong]

Yes. Wait until you're over 60+, like it says. Don't worry about it yet.

They've changed the rules!

That vinteuil's probably on the Picturehouse board

[Zucchini]

That vinteuil's probably on the Picturehouse board

In which case he's been telling us porkie pies and isn't a proper GOL..

[teamsaint]

In which case he's been telling us porkie pies and isn't a proper GOL..

pretty sure a GoL can have a non executive directorship without compromising his status.

[Dave2002]

Did your Employers really tell you that your Medical issues are the reason you are being let go?

I note the phrase "being let go". Some employers are good, but others are just looking for excuses to reduce their workforce, or replace older workers.

They present situations to potential retirees which may appear to be favourable, but sometimes the main purpose is to improve the finances of the organisation - often under the guise of "restructuring", but there may be other terms used.

In the UK the current law does not impose any time limit on retiring age - certainly it's good up to 70, though it would depend on the occupation. This gives anyone who is still working a bargaining/negotiating chip to improve their situation when retiring. Once the decision has been made, this opportunity is lost.

The situation in other countries, such as the US, is differerent.

[Petrushka]

The terms and conditions of employment should cover Dave's points in #310. My own state that normal retiring age is 65 but the pension can be taken at 55. Anyone wishing to continue after 65 must negotiate this with the employer and acceptance depends on whether or not the employee can still do the job. The same condition applies with retirement for health reasons. This is why ER needs to take care as the employer can see it as a good opportunity to cheaply get rid of long-standing employees, especially when they've been trying to unsuccessfully take voluntary redundancy several times. My own T & C state that if an employee retires for health reasons then they are entitled to a full pension. ER needs to ensure that a) his condition really does prevent him from working to his full capability and b) he gets full pension rights.

[EdgeleyRob]

Good that you are hopefully going to get your medical problems sorted out.

OTOH, are you making a deal with your employer?

On balance it makes sense to get your health problems sorted out and that should have higher priority than most other things, but it there's a way you can enhance your pension and/or future earnings by negotiation before you sign on the dotted line, you might want to check that out.

Employers can't force you to retire at any age - certainly not before 70, so if there was a chance that some medical intervention could reduce your problem, then you would (theoretically) be able to carry on working.
Obviously you have to be pragmatic, but I would suggest checking out whether there would be any chance of getting some form of enhancement if you go early. Maybe you've done that already.

You don't have to leave just to suit your employer.

Thank you for your concern and advice Dave.
I should have made it clear that I am leaving via voluntary redundancy/retirement scheme,not for actually ill-health reasons.
Yes,in August there will be a 'restructuring/cost cutting exercise' of sorts taking place where I work,something I am more than happy to not be a part of.
I have applied for early retirement a couple of times since reaching the age of 55 and been refused,now it has been accepted (my current health situation has swayed their decision I think) and that suits me fine.
I can now concentrate on getting better without the worry and stress of work

[Beef Oven!]

Thank you for your concern and advice Dave.
I should have made it clear that I am leaving via voluntary redundancy/retirement scheme,not for actually ill-health reasons.
Yes,in August there will be a 'restructuring/cost cutting exercise' of sorts taking place where I work,something I am more than happy to not be a part of.
I have applied for early retirement a couple of times since reaching the age of 55 and been refused,now it has been accepted (my current health situation has swayed their decision I think) and that suits me fine.
I can now concentrate on getting better without the worry and stress of work

[EdgeleyRob]

Did your Employers really tell you that your Medical issues are the reason you are being let go?
As a fellow 58 year old with a ticker problem, your post strikes a chord. I don't have any job security issues, however. Primary Care Doctors in this country are becoming Dinosaurs. One of my colleagues is in her late 60s, has Pulmonary Fibrosis, has Oxygen tank, and practically has to be carried out of the office daily but she still chooses to work and given the absolute lack of new available recruits no one is asking her to stop, although her Patients are so alarmed by her appearance and frequent absences that they are switching to me as the 'younger, healthier alternative '...if only they knew.
Last summer I couldn't work for a while after Surgery. I had always yearned for more free time, but quickly became bored. At heart I am a workaholic. Perhaps if I had planned for the absence instead of having thrust upon me...
Feel free to PM me Rob if you have any Medical ?, and good luck with the ALkan.

That's very kind of you Richard,thanks.
I am leaving voluntarily and have no intention of becoming bored

[Beef Oven!]

That's very kind of you Richard,thanks.
I am leaving voluntarily and have no intention of becoming bored

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