Retirement.....what next?
 

Gents, I'm curious about how people deal with the trauma/joy of retirement? How did you feel when you walked off the base for the last time? I've just retired from the emergency services with a heavy heart....I didn't hate my job......I loved it. I say this because it must surely impact on your feelings post retirement. Right now


How did you feel gents......did you do a cartwheel or did you think "oh sh*t.....what have I done?!" I feel a little numb.
MD:confused:

I'm quite looking forward to it actually. I've got lots of voluntary work planned that hopefully just pays a bit of expenses (as long as I actually pay off the mortgage then I should have enough to feed, water and light the house).

As an ex fire fighter that lurks on the aviation forum, then why don't you do something like this - Airfield Volunteer Fire Service - AVFS - Event Fire Cover - fire cover for the Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden - fire safety training - fire engines - fire appliances - First Aid - bedfordshire

Or maybe a bit of 'first responder' stuff in the local community?

Enjoy your retirement, mate! :ok:

LJ

FWIW I walked off the base for the last time at 39. I'm guessing that is a little younger than you are now. What is past is done, always look forward to what is to come. Don't hang on to the past because it plays no part in your future; keep the memories for sure but they play no part in the rest of your life.

I'm 59 now and although it's nice to reminisce on fora like this I wouldn't recognise the person I was when I left twenty years ago. Times change and you have to change with them, either that or hang on to the person that you no longer are and become a caricature. The past is a safe place to hide but the future requires a little more bravery.

Good luck, it's a bright world out there so grab it and make the best.

Find a way to pass all you have learned on to the next generation.

But don't force-feed them. Brevity and timing give the most impact.

I undertook some formal training in my up-till-then hobby, a couple of years before I retired, and also gained some training qualifications. Then, on my last day at work, I was offered, out of the blue, a short-term contract for some interesting work.

The most satisfying things, for me, have been training newcomers to my profession - I was approached by a college to do one day's work a week - and working almost full time at my former hobby and becoming reasonably proficient. Mind you, I'd hate to have to rely on either for my living, but they provide reasonable pocket money.

Training young adults, I found, is great. Mostly, they are more motivated than school students, you don't have to treat them like children and they are often doing interesting things at work, which helps keep you in touch with what's happening. When you see them succeed, you can say to yourself "I helped him/her do that."

Prior Preparation!

O-D

Voluntary work and then more voluntary work. Keeps your hand in and makes use of your knowledge and attributes which can be passed on to future generations.

But be warned....if you really loved your job then, for at least the next 20 years you will have dreams when you find yourself back in the job and you know in your dream that you ought not to be there!

I think that post retirement peace of mind is in direct correlation with the financial aspects of your pension. If nothing else because that dictates whether you need to continue on a crusade to find work. I did 37 years and retired last November aged 55 on a PAS pension and consider myself to be a very fortunate chap. I had the opportunity to return to my old job on ADC terms and did not apply for it; mainly because I could see how 40% taxation and increases in NI contributions allied to no HTD made the prospect unviable. I don't consider myself shallow for decisions driven on finance for the alternative is to engage in the never ending list of enjoyable things in life. Quite frankly there are not enough hours in the day and I am far too busy to reminisce or read RAF News. I make an exception for a few minutes Ppruning. My mission is to reap the pension for longer than it took me to earn it!

Leaving the mob was the best {work} decision I've made....and joining it was a very close second.

Don't be scared.....there's a whole world of opportunity out there!

Retired at 55, towed out of the base and never returned. Seven years down the line without getting another job and still loving life. Big garden, two Labs, ducks, chickens and self sufficient on veg. Walks on the moors and along the coast and a wife of 40 years to love it all with. Saddens me to see how the RAF seems to get more like any other 'job' every day......... I miss the days of the 70s 80s 90s but they are long gone in every way.

Edit..... Do like the 21st of each month :-)

Best decision I ever made in my life was to join the RAF and the second best decision I made was to leave 28 years later. Had a great time, went to lots of interesting places and made lasting friendships. I enjoy going to various reunions every year and reliving the memories with old mates. I would do the same if I had my time over again (although I would definitely not join what's left of the RAF I remember today).

Since I left I have had a number of well-paid, enjoyable jobs and I am now comfortable fully retired and enjoying the freedom. SWMBO and I have now lived in the same village for nearly 20 years (after many years of a 2/3-year posting cycle) and we have put down roots as well as getting involved in a number of local organisations.

So, the bottom line is look back with affection on what you did and now get stuck into civilian life with relish. As long as you have good health you'll enjoy it!

Retirement
 

If you loved your job - as I did - it can be difficult. Hence you need to plan: I've resurrected an old hobby, I lead walks for the local University of the Third Age (U3A) and volunteer at a local National Trust (NT) property - not to mention long holidays all over the world!!


Last year, while checking tickets at the NT property I recognised one of my ex students - an E-3D pilot. "I bet you are missing your radar" quoth he. After 3 years retirement I could actually say "no, I rarely think about it - but I still read pprune!"


Get stuck in to things!!

I'll second U3A. Great organisation and people.

Can you not take on part time work doing similar or teach part time something similar, there must be a calling out there for your skill set which will keep you in the loop sort of.

What nutloose said. At 50 you are way too young to rap in work- you'll end up haunting prune!!
You sound as though you have the skill set for training others. Second career with hours that suit you sir?

And one of the best ways of doing that is with the Air Cadet Organisation.........:ok:
http://www.624vgs.co.uk/wpimages/wp1285e331_05_06.jpg

Life After The RAF
 

Done all the voluntary and community stuff for the last 15 years. Now it is time to emigrate. Hope to re-locate to Canada in the next 12 months.
Got to keep trying something new. I hear it is a bit chilly in Ottawa, but new place, new friends etc.
Loved the service and many happy memories of the " Old Days ":O:O:O

Dave, I don't know what you did last, but further to my post this will show things are still available

Emergency services | RoADAR

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/Reti...478?_mSplash=1


Google retired "whatever" jobs etc and you will be surprised at the opportunities that may be out there.

Lovin' it
 

Left the RAF just under 2 years ago after almost 35 years and never looked back since. I have gone from strength to strength and am now a qualified tour guide for 3 facilities. After dinner speaking, lecturing and even on the radio! Just decide what you WANT to do and go for it, full time hobbyist! My wife now moans that I am always busy!!....even writing my life story for when the grandchildren ask me 'Wot did you do in the war Grandad?' ...110 000 words and I have just turned 42 yrs old ...you will be amazed at how much fun this is. Make the most of it as this 2 years has flown by!

The Cadet Forces are an excellent way of enthusing the next generation, not just for military service but for life; I am seriously thinking of transferring my commission to the cadets in order to do this (as a parent, I understand the value), although my preference would probably for the ATC as opposed to the ACF...