Originally posted by Freeborn
I'm approaching 47years old and I'm more or less retired.

Went through the unemployment thing during the Thatcher years - did various bits and bobs to try and earn a shilling or two.
Managed a couple of betting shops before getting a job in a local multi-national owned factory.
Started in the worst job in the factory and about 18years later when I left I was in a relatively senior role.
I then worked as a Production Manager of a factory a few hundred mile away from where I live.
Got sick of the travelling and decided to get my own pub eventually getting a second one.
Gave the pubs up after a three years or so and now very happy doing as little as possible.

During all those years I worked doors on and off and at one time had my own security firm.

I retain an interest in one of the pubs I had and still work the occassional door and have a couple of other minor business interests that combined help pay the bills and give me some beer money etc.

I thoroughly enjoyed most of working life, even if it was hard graft at times.
It was challenging and demanding.

I always worked hard, and played a damn sight harder.

But I enjoy my retirement even more.
Certainly haven't got the disposable income I used to and I've had to cut back on quite a few things, but the quality of life is far better - and I still get to have a few beers and the odd blow out.
And have so much more time to relax and spend time with my grandson.
I have got an allotment and am starting an Open University course so I have plenty to occupy myself with.

If I wanted to maintain the lifestyle I had previously then there is no way I could afford to retire, things are sometimes tight and at times I've considered another pub or expanding some of my business interests but at the moment I'm enjoying things as they are.

I may go back into regular work at some point, but It would have to be something that really appealed to me on many levels.

Originally posted by spacedoubt
I went through puberty in my teens.
At this rate there is a chance I will go through poverty in my 60's and beyond.
Doing my best to make that not happen. Odds are 50-50 at the moment.