At Panthera LIFE, wherever I go, I inevitably end up talking about retirement to someone!
The same is true of our social media team, one of whom is a keen archer. Archery is a game of multiple short conversations she says, with just a couple of minutes to talk in between ends of arrows, and whilst walking from shooting line to target.
At a recent tournament, she found herself on the “eligible for a senior rail card” target. She couldn’t resist asking her target mates (all male) what stage they were in their working lives.
Doing nothing and loving it
Mr M had recently retired from his role as a warehouse scheduling manager with a major supermarket chain. His job was to be effectively replaced by a new automated system, so his employers offered him the option of earlier retirement.
Realising that at his age Mr M would have to “mind the gap” between now and his state pension age, the company also offered to pay him the equivalent of his state pension until he was eligible to receive it.
Needless to say, he jumped at the opportunity and is absolutely loving doing, in his words, “Absolutely nothing”! Apart from three days of archery a week with the “old guard” at his club, weekend tournaments and pursuing other interests, of course!
Handing over the reins
Mr S was in the process of transitioning from working full-time in his own business into retirement. This involved a gradual transfer to his successor, which included him working for a set number of hours as a consultant for free, and for a set fee thereafter. As he explained, the arrangement keeps him involved in the business and able to continue to serve long-standing clients, with none of the day to day running concerns.
Looking very happy and relaxed in his part-time role, Mr S said that his long-term plans were set for 2 years ahead, and his activities planned 3 months ahead. With his wife due to retire in 18 months, he was already planning two major holiday trips limited only by how long us Brits can stay in Europe these days!
Same salary, different hours
Mr G decided he finally wanted to retire and told his manager. After congratulating him, the manager turned a little pale and asked what they could do to keep him on for a while. Somewhat jokingly, Mr G said, “Pay me the same as now to do the projects I want on the days I want, part time.”
Much to his surprise, the manager agreed, eager to retain Mr G’s expertise and experience. Both manager and Mr G are loving the new arrangement.
The executive summary
If you want to retire, talk to your employer.
Be bold and ask for what you want.
You might just hit gold!
“You don’t know unless you ask. If you don’t ask, the answer’s always no.”
Want to talk retirement for longer than an end of archery?
I’m here to help.
Note from the social team: Thanks to the three charming gentlemen archers who kindly shared their stories. Your insight and enthusiasm was much appreciated as was your company on the line. Your scores were pretty awesome too!
