At 52, after covid, my wife and I took 12 months leave without pay to caravan around Australia. 6 months in, we realised just how much we enjoyed it, and that 12 months was not even going to scratch the surface. We were both able to return to work 3 days a week, working remotely from the caravan. 3 days is a perfect fit for us to maintain our lifestyle, keep topping up our super, and continue to explore this great country. We are just about to start year four and have no desire to stop. And for those thinking about it, there is so much work out there to pick up as you travel. You never know, you might discover a new career path!
At 60 l started reducing my days, now at 65 l am about to go from a 7 day fortnight to a 4 day one. Every time l reduced a day it made such a big impact on my life and wellbeing.
This is the biggest cut back.
My work is very physical but l love what l do and feel l can keep going for another 5 years by cutting down hours as needed.
I'm 69 this year (where did it all go??!) - 2 years ago I dropped to working 4 days and last year dropped to 3 days and it has been the best thing I ever did. I have had to look more closely at expenses but its manageable and the extra time to myself is well worth it. I will soon semi-retire by moving to a casual role whereby I just work 1-2 days per week (if I feel like it!). Thanks Bec for all your guidance and advice!
I quit my full time career 3 years ago, all I wanted was to be able to take time off without having to worry about work constantly, had asked to train someone up, so I could go on leave not just at Christmas time during shut down, as I have family living overseas. After having my request ignored constantly, I quit. Naturally, then the question came: what can we do to make you stay …
I contemplated briefly, but getting some bad health news as well convinced me that life is too short. I went overseas for 6 week and it was bliss not constantly having to check work emails. Was offered a very similar role when I returned, I did that for a few months but soon realised my heart wasn’t in it anymore. Then one day went to get new glasses and they had a sign in the window “work with us”,…so I applied and got the job. I chose to be casual rather than part-time, so as not to be locked in, still have more or less regular days. I am thoroughly enjoying my decision, I work 2 or 3 days a week, gives me time for other things. But when I go home, work does not follow me, no work emails. There is no backstabbing or politics at work, bliss!! I wanted a job where I am easily replaceable, have human interaction and earn some money. By no means is the pay what I had previously, but I am not regretting my choice. I now have time to go away and potter, I feel super relaxed. This is a good balance, not ready to fully retire, but also can’t convince myself to go back to my higher paid career job, even if it were only part-time.
Who says a 'gap year' is just for the young uns?! I'm on a 'golden gap' year in 2025, but doing it my way with 'golden gaps' as I can't take a whole year off from the 'day' job...yet! What does this look like? One day a week is my 'biz' day - hit my 50s & thought is this it?! So, I started a business & love the rollercoaster ride of doing something I love! Fast forward to now in my early 60s & I get to help people imagine what is possible in the 'in-between' years through fitness, health & making the second half of life the best half - loved today's podcast & thinking about what is possible before the big 'R'!
Hey Bec we are Kiwis aged 59 and 53 we dont have the super you are taking about apart from.our.house. how do we do this without compromising retirement
At 52, after covid, my wife and I took 12 months leave without pay to caravan around Australia. 6 months in, we realised just how much we enjoyed it, and that 12 months was not even going to scratch the surface. We were both able to return to work 3 days a week, working remotely from the caravan. 3 days is a perfect fit for us to maintain our lifestyle, keep topping up our super, and continue to explore this great country. We are just about to start year four and have no desire to stop. And for those thinking about it, there is so much work out there to pick up as you travel. You never know, you might discover a new career path!
At 60 l started reducing my days, now at 65 l am about to go from a 7 day fortnight to a 4 day one. Every time l reduced a day it made such a big impact on my life and wellbeing.
This is the biggest cut back.
My work is very physical but l love what l do and feel l can keep going for another 5 years by cutting down hours as needed.
I'm 69 this year (where did it all go??!) - 2 years ago I dropped to working 4 days and last year dropped to 3 days and it has been the best thing I ever did. I have had to look more closely at expenses but its manageable and the extra time to myself is well worth it. I will soon semi-retire by moving to a casual role whereby I just work 1-2 days per week (if I feel like it!). Thanks Bec for all your guidance and advice!
I quit my full time career 3 years ago, all I wanted was to be able to take time off without having to worry about work constantly, had asked to train someone up, so I could go on leave not just at Christmas time during shut down, as I have family living overseas. After having my request ignored constantly, I quit. Naturally, then the question came: what can we do to make you stay …
I contemplated briefly, but getting some bad health news as well convinced me that life is too short. I went overseas for 6 week and it was bliss not constantly having to check work emails. Was offered a very similar role when I returned, I did that for a few months but soon realised my heart wasn’t in it anymore. Then one day went to get new glasses and they had a sign in the window “work with us”,…so I applied and got the job. I chose to be casual rather than part-time, so as not to be locked in, still have more or less regular days. I am thoroughly enjoying my decision, I work 2 or 3 days a week, gives me time for other things. But when I go home, work does not follow me, no work emails. There is no backstabbing or politics at work, bliss!! I wanted a job where I am easily replaceable, have human interaction and earn some money. By no means is the pay what I had previously, but I am not regretting my choice. I now have time to go away and potter, I feel super relaxed. This is a good balance, not ready to fully retire, but also can’t convince myself to go back to my higher paid career job, even if it were only part-time.
Who says a 'gap year' is just for the young uns?! I'm on a 'golden gap' year in 2025, but doing it my way with 'golden gaps' as I can't take a whole year off from the 'day' job...yet! What does this look like? One day a week is my 'biz' day - hit my 50s & thought is this it?! So, I started a business & love the rollercoaster ride of doing something I love! Fast forward to now in my early 60s & I get to help people imagine what is possible in the 'in-between' years through fitness, health & making the second half of life the best half - loved today's podcast & thinking about what is possible before the big 'R'!
Hey Bec we are Kiwis aged 59 and 53 we dont have the super you are taking about apart from.our.house. how do we do this without compromising retirement