Retirement

I think I mentioned in an earlier post that I was latterly really overstretched at work, so when many redundances were being negotiated, I put my hand up and said I would like to retire.

After that, I decided to avoid the NHS altogether and, after initially wondering if I was unsuitable for any sort of work other than what I had been doing, took the plunge and, through employment agencies, did all sorts of things: working in a call centre (twice), doing data entry in a Bank, working in purchase invoice processing with more than one company and doing accounts and payroll for a small company before finally working with a charitable organisation helping in the accounts department. I enjoyed all this. There was none of the stress of a senior management position, but I (along with other older temps) was able to bring knowledge, maturity and a willingness to work hard that was appreciated by the various employers.

Sadly my health problems resulted in it becoming latterly almost impossible to get work, and then the fact that I could no longer drive made the decision to give up work inevitable.

I still miss working; the intellectual stimulus, the social contact with people of all ages and backgrounds – I had not intended to give up work yet.

I now do occasional voluntary work, which is good fun and will have to serve.