Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Being paid to breathe

I retired just over a year ago.

I remember the first day pretty clearly as I had organised a doctors appointment for 8:30am months before hand which didn't seem that clever as it meant no sleep in. So what I did was ride to the doctor and then ride in the opposite direction to work on the bike paths just to see where they go, I used to rode to work a few days a week so knew all the paths heading that way so went the other. I had bought myself a new cycling outfit that seemed so appropriate.



It is a funny retirement as I had to leave before 55 for pension reasons so worked to 54 and 363 days. My wife is in the same work and will be leaving the end of this year for the reason, after 55 you are counted as retired instead of resigned and get pension based on a different formula, in both cases we get about 1/3rd as much again as a fortnightly pension for life that what we get if we stay pass 55.

I was also not sure what to expect work wise as I left them while very busy so unofficially told my boss he can get me back once my pension is sorted out. That was done but to keep the bureaucracy happy I had to go for interviews etc. and got the job offer after 7 months, but now I have to have a full security check again and no idea how long that will take - well over 6 months so far. My initial thoughts were to work for a year about 3 days a week to save money so when my wife retires we can enjoy a good overseas holiday etc. and I can possibly afford to order a new Morgan after a year or two. But she has 25 days left so I sort of expect to be told I can start on the day she starts retirement. Not sure if I really want to go back after a year of enjoying myself, plus the Morgan fund I had disappeared. Also I know I can survive OK so should I put time over money and reset my expectations.

I was going to join a local retired cycling group but because I thought I was going to be back at work so soon I didn't and so far have just gone riding on my own - maybe that was a mistake and I should have joined straight away.

I did do a woodwork course and currently making an acoustic guitar with supervision by probably one of Australia's best guitar makers that is going very well.

I have managed to keep myself very busy around the house with gardening, playing the guitar, cycling and fixing things that have been put off for years, plus my poor cat got cancer which has taken a fair bit of time taking him to the vet, giving him tablets, monitoring his eating etc. Also I was only retired for a few months before I was told I am going to be a grandfather, as my son and his girlfriend were sort of living at home my wife decided my retirement savings (I thought might be a Morgan purchase) got used to buy an investment property for us but a place for them to live in.

So my plans are still up in the air as far as returning to work, my financed completely different to what I had planned but apart from the poor cat I am happy with how everything is going. My son and girlfriend are very happy in the house I found for them, my grand daughter is so cute.

My biggest issue is I have started to really stiffen up probably due to more gardening etc.but also because I got a DVT and spent two months basically bedridden. So I am thinking of joining a yoga group, and maybe the retired cycling club. My view is after a year of stuffing me around with background security checks after I worked in that industry for 34 years if I do return to work I should fit work in around my guitar making course, group cycling and maybe some yoga or similar classes.