How do I want to retire? Well, I’m sitting here in smug, self-satisfaction, because I already have retired. I took the decision last year when a big contract I was working on ended. I don’t have a huge pension, but it’s enough to get by on and that’ll do me. I’m not interested in travelling around the world or fulfilling a made-up bucket list. I don’t especially like travelling if I’m honest and I don’t have expensive tastes.

I think it’s important to say that I began planning my retirement 15 years ago. It doesn’t just happen by magic. My wife and I were prudent, we invested what little bits of money we got, we were careful and sacrificed things in the now for future rewards.

Retirement is everything I wanted it to be. No pressure, no stress, no nagging anxiety that I need to be constantly doing something. One of the hardest things was adjusting my ego. I was used to getting lots of positive affirmation from teachers for my work, which has now gone. I’m getting used to it however. It’s a small price to pay.

What I love, is having the time to do things. Just little things, like household chores that I would usually put off because of lack of time or lethargy. I love being able to devote more time to my garden, and I love the freedom. I am lucky however, because my wife retired too, so we are off together all day. I don’t think it would be as pleasurable if I was on my own all day.

I truly hope you can find your own retirement heaven.