Best of luck, Noreen. If it actually turns out to be a premature retirement, then enjoy the freedom. I retired nearly 3 years ago and, though I enjoyed my day job, I was happy to stop it after 47 years. Money is always an issue in these circumstances, of course, but I waill say one thing on that point: my work pension is less than half my final-year salary and this really worried me when I retired - would I manage, etc. I now actually have more disposable income being retired than when I worked. Other people I know have experienced the same thing - it costs money to work!

Your circumstances may very well be different, and it's not for me to advise. All I can say is that, once the initial self-esteem drop has passed by, life begins afresh - as others here have said.

I don't know the circumstances of your employment, and it's not my place to know. Without sticking up for them, lots of businesses - even ethical and decent ones - are having a rough time these days and are having to cut costs. When these cuts hit everyone from the top downwards, there's sympathy. When the bosses at the top stay where they are while everyone else goes through the mill, that never seems fair.