Nine weeks ago I submitted my letter of resignation and requested my pension. I’m not sure whether those weeks have sped by or if my leaving date is taking an age to arrive. But I do only have six weeks left. Six weeks before I start a new life.

For the majority of the time I’m hugely excited by the prospect of doing new things and having more time to indulging my passions and interests without the constraints of a full time job. But occasionally I feel a niggle of doubt. What if I don’t like it? What if I start to lose my identity in the absence of my job title? I read somewhere that retirement can be like a bereavement particularly if it was a decision that wasn’t wholly yours. Even for those people that completely own the decision i.e. me, disengagement can set in once the honeymoon period is over.

I’ve been doing a lot of planning for the transition from full-time employment to a more flexible life style. Probably too much. I’m starting to think that maybe I should step back a bit. I had started to write a business plan for my encore career as a professional coach. But it began to feel a bit pressured. Whilst I have every intention to work in some capacity maybe it would be a good idea to first have some time off.

In more normal times I would undoubtedly have kicked off my new life with an exotic holiday but I’m reluctant to book anything in the ever changing world of quarantine restrictions. In September I was due to travel with friends to Southern Ireland to climb Carrauntoohil, the highest mountain in Ireland. We have already climbed the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales. Unfortunately we have had to cancel due to the 14 day quarantine requirement. We have rebooked for May 2021.

Retirement during a global pandemic is strange to say the least. I’m very fortunate to have a pension that is not susceptible to the volatility of the stock market. I’ve made the decision to retire earlier than planned when I started to enjoy my more gentler mornings without the pressures of the commute. Although I’m sure there are many that are opting for retirement as a consequence of losing their jobs. But in more normal times I would have enjoyed more of a celebration after nearly thirty years with an organisation. I’m hopeful that there will be something but sadly it won’t be the same.

But back to my planning. I feel as if I have done what I can without it becoming overwhelming . I attended the preparing for retirement course. My finances are sorted out. I just need to control my spending. I know what I could do work wise if I so desired. I’ve looked at volunteering opportunities. I’ve bought my over 60 Railcard.

Now to just step back to enjoy the last few weeks of what has been a wonderful career. The last few weeks of working with some amazing people. I intend to make the most of every minute. And all without having to commute.