I lost track of the number of times people asked me about retirement – and when I was going to retire.
In my 60s, the constant question was: “you’re not still working, are you?”. This inevitably gave rise to niggles of doubt. And the feeling that I must have looked old or past it – or worse still – both!
I kept thinking to myself: “do I look as though I need to put myself out to pasture?” Were the questions borne out of genuine concern for my wellbeing? Or was it a subtle ploy to recruit me into the retirement club? 🙂
Resisting the big ‘R’
Whatever the motives, these questions only hardened my resolve and resistance. I simply wasn’t ready to hang up whatever it is you hang up at the end of a long and busy career!
A good friend – already retired – told me: “you will know instinctively when the time has come, so don’t worry”. But for many years I simply didn’t know…and I realise now it was because I wasn’t ready.
Retirement always seemed alien to me, something that other people did. I attended a few retirement parties for friends and colleagues, and was always secretly glad it wasn’t me waking up in the morning with nothing much to do.
But I was naïve to think that retirement was the end – rather than a new beginning.
Living the high life
I had five amazing years working on the flagship daytime show This Morning. And during its heyday in Liverpool, I travelled the UK in a car that doubled as a mobile kitchen. It was full of pots, pans and props for top chefs like Ainsley Harriott, Brian Turner, Ken Hom and Gary Rhodes.
My working days were long, physically demanding and deadline busting. But arriving at a beautiful location on the North Norfolk coast on a golden morning, or flying off shore from Aberdeen to an oil rig to set up for a food programme were real ‘pinch yourself’ moments. I felt very lucky to be working in such special places. Why would I want to retire?
A new perspective
At that time, I certainly didn’t appreciate the sense of euphoria that comes with not having to be in a certain place at a certain time. The moment when a day is yours. When a day is a blank canvas to fill with whatever takes your fancy. It doesn’t matter what time you get up because when you do, you can sit outside in the early morning summer sun, drink your cuppa and listen to the birds.
Looking back, I think I was a little ashamed to admit that I didn’t have any hobbies. Work was my hobby. It had taken me to interesting places, brought me into contact with many interesting people, and allowed me a great deal of creative freedom. I lived by the mantra: “choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”.
And I didn’t.
But gradually, more of my friends and acquaintances took the plunge and embraced retirement. And I was drawn into their world of volunteering at local community shops, post offices and libraries. Their lives had taken on a different, but enjoyable dynamic which involved lots of travel, walking, cycling, singing in choirs and looking after grandchildren.
Then, family members began to need more of my help and support. And a couple of niggling health issues meant I had less enthusiasm for the work that had previously kept me driven and motivated.
I found myself hanging about at home for longer in the morning. I read the papers in the sunshine. I began to want to take off on a whim to see the kids and grandchildren. Or to browse around the local shops midweek without feeling guilty.
Follow your instincts
I was beginning to see the signs my friend has talked about. It was time to hang-up the day job!
When I did retire in 2017, I was immediately hit by the complete sense of freedom from deadlines. It felt exhilarating. I had a clear head for the first time in years and could do the projects I really wanted to including, of course, modelling!
Where once I would be checking emails or texts on the way somewhere, now I was able to enjoy the journey. And, I realised, that journey was just beginning.
I’d love to know about your experiences of retirement. Pop me an email or message me on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
Ah Annie, or should I say Sam’s Mam – you can never retire fully. Look at you now – writing a blog for us all to enjoy. Your life and your smile was made to be shared with others. Enjoy what you want to do and disregard the rest. I think the local bookmaker should be taking bets on how long it will be until you manage to find the time to squeeze just one more cry of “help” from someone and enjoy another “journey”
Hi Anna,
Thank you so much, I was really touched by your comments, how lovely for you to take the time to share your thoughts about Time Of Your Life. As for ceasing the moment you certainly do that yourself, you are fantastic at making things happen. A great inspiration to many of us.
Annie I can relate to your story although I have been retired some years now it is still lovely to do what you want when you want to. Enjoy your retirement,
Hi Sandy,
Thank you for getting in touch. It is lovely to hear from someone who can relate. I don’t think I will ever lose my appreciation for being able to do what I want when I want. If you would ever like to share any stories or experiences about yourself I’d love to share them and you could be a guest blogger.
Wonderful reading ,my mom retired a few years ago and now at 75 years of age still enjoys doing the things she couldn’t do while she was at work . Enjoy doing what you love the most and spending time with your family as they are the most precious things in your life xx
Hi Dawn,
Thank you for a lovely comment, very insightful. I could not have said it better myself. If you or your mom would ever like to write a blog about your thoughts or experiences or things you like to do id love to hear about it.
Good for you. My lovely Dad is 81 this year and still insists on working everyday.
It’s all a matter of personal judgement and how you feel within yourself. He cringes when people suggests retirement!
So happy for you that is was the right decision at the right time.
I am sure my Dad will feel the same at some point.
Hi Suzanne,
Thank you for getting in touch. Your Dad sounds incredible and you are absolutely right, it is personal judgment. If you or your Dad would ever like to offer some advise or thoughts on retirement from the perspective of someone who wants to continuing working I’d love to hear about it.
Hi annie
I retired last november after working since I was 15, with just short breaks when I had the kids. I totally agree you know when the time is right. And I love the fact that my life is not governed by work timetables. Your writing is interesting to read. Maybe that hobby could be writing a book? Just a thought.
Take care
Sue
Hi Sue,
Thank you for your comment I have considered writing a book but I am not sure I have it in me, the blog is going to be my version of a book I think.
Congratulations on your retirement last year. I was considering doing a couple of blogs about different hobbies that I am going to try out so if you have any recommendations I would love to hear them. Equally, I really want as many people to get involved and share their thoughts and experiences, so if you would ever like to write a blog let me know.
Wow I can really relate to this. I love my job but I too have seen colleagues retire who tell me they don’t know how they ever found the time to go to work and are loving their new found freedom.
I am at the time in my life where i feel I would be happy now to spend more time at home and you have inspired me to give it some serious thought. Thank you.
Can I ask your age? You look amazingly well so retirement must suit you.
Hi Sharon,
Thank you so much for a lovely comment, it really means allot. I am 68, I had to have a think about it for a second, its has just been my birthday.
Please keep in touch and let me know how you get on. I’d love to hear what your thoughts are as it sounds like you are having similar feelings as I did before I retired.
I’m at the stage now where I said as soon as I don’t want to go to work it’s time to retire but keep hanging on in there but your right in what you say you know when it’s time .. great blog.
Hi Mary,
Thank you for your comment. It is a very difficult decision, well I found it very difficult, I think for others it is very easy. All I can say is go with your instincts. Even though you have not retired yet, please keep in touch and if you’d ever like to write about your thoughts on retirement and why is not quite right for you yet, I’d love to share it as a blog.
That’s very interesting read . I would be interested in featuring you in my magazine
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your comment, I am so pleased to hear you thought it was an interesting read. Thank you also for your very kind offer, I would love to take you up on your offer just let me know what you’d like me to do.
What a lovely outlook on a time when everyone has an opinion, just a nice insight of what’s to come ?
Hi Joanne,
Thank you for your comment. I have also found that everyone seems to have an opinion on retirement, I imagine that is possibly why I was quite weary of it at first. I have since come to realise that it can mean and be absolutely anything, I guess it is like most things, it is what you make of it.
Please keep in touch and if you would ever like to write any of your thoughts or opinions down myself and I am sure lots of other women would love to hear about it.
I, myself, am taking early retirement, next Friday, May 25th after almost 19 years in a busy and demanding primary school.
I have read your comments and insights with great interest and may I say…great pleasure!! I found myself nodding, reflecting and smiling, as I did so!
You do wonder what lies ahead but my husband, who retired over three years ago, and myself, are looking forward to shared hobbies, more time with our precious 18 month old granddaughter, Adele Peggy, our friends and family but most of all, just time to be…
What a wonderful world we live in, can’t wait to ‘live’ in it more!!
Looking forward to reading more of your ‘living’ too!
Love and very best wishes,
Mandy Harper.
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for your lovely comment.
Congratulations on your new adventure starting on Friday it sounds like you have lots of things to do and enjoy. I imagine you cant wait to spend more time with your granddaughter, I love that I can spend time with grandchildren at anytime now. I love your sentiment about it being a “wonderful world we live in, can’t wait to ‘live’ in it more”, I think that is a perfect way to describe retirement. I’d love for you to keep in touch and let me know how you are getting on and if you wanted to write a blog I’d love to publish it. Have a great last week at work and I hope you have a weekend full of celebrations coming up.
Love and Best wishes
Annie