So I retired

[martin363]

That's it really, just had to tell someone!!!

Biggest build up ever and then, so far an anti-climax... though in the last week I have;

- Retired - first time 'unemployed' in 29 years. I am still a little young to draw a pension...
- Moved countries, from Vietnam to Greece, and still have 2 containers of personal stuff to leave Vietnam.
- Seen my daughter graduate school,

and in the next 3 weeks need to:

- Get vaccinated
- Buy a car
- Install (decent) internet... this is posted using a sim.
- Move my mother in law in with us............ (according to the wife!).

In September we have to

- Take my daughter to UK Uni.
- Furnish a place in the UK. (having sold a place remotely and bought another one... which I have yet to see)

I am not moaning, I feel good, and alive!

Never dreamt of any of this before the global situation, but it made myself and the wife re-evaluate our priorities... Family and life, not only work.

 

[martin363]

Why did you retire, you must be rich?

Lived / worked in Asia for 15 years. Rich no, but I have always said that 1 year in Asia is worth 3 in the UK financially, when all is accounted for. Cost of living in Greece is ok too.

 

[martin363]

Did you get an engraved carriage clock?

no, this is a very famous photo in Vietnam, limited edition print signed by photographer;

 

[martin363]

Congrats. Keep physically and mentally active.

I run, so yes physically , but mentally actually that worries me more than anything, what to do. always said I will find something, but not sure what yet..

 

[martin363]

Congrats. I retired 3 years ago and am working harder than ever.

I hope so too, my brother in law 'retired' and said give it a year - he now builds houses....

 

[martin363]

Congratulations!

What had you been working as?

I was lucky, had a minority share in a food business supplying UK retailers from Vietnam, ran the operation there. Sold up in March. Just fell out of love with what I was doing and the global pandemic made us realise there are other things in life we were missing living in Asia.

Had to leave many friends there though

We had not been able to leave since December 2019 as the borders were closed to entry.

 

[martin363]

If you like it - golf, a massive time sink and good for you mentally and physically, while not being over exerting (but note you run so must be pretty fit).

Thanks, unfortunately no golf courses round here. Do have 14km of beach, and some decent mountains for hiking, hunting etc. even some skiing in the winter!

 

[martin363]

You really want to go from 29 years chained to a job to 29 years in prison for murdering your mother in law?

In all seriousness though enjoy retirement.

It may happen, but I suspect my wife will first, for all her good intentions!

 

[martin363]

Congrats, how old are you?

48

 

[martin363]

Thank you all - really appreciated. Just hope I can continue to afford to invest in new PC hardware, though no one can at the moment!! Just repurposing a 970 for my daughter.