Another FCA, (UK Chartered Accountant), I never practiced as I moved into industry as soon as I qualified over 40 years ago. Worked my way up and became a director/CEO/Chairman, etc of a few companies. Travelled parts of the world, (Europe, Finland, Japan, Iran and New York etc.,), quite a lot and then semi retired about 10 years ago after years on the corporate treadmill.
Now fully retired and "old" - couldn't get a job these days if I tried as they now "put you out to pasture" in Europe once you hit 60.
Seen both kids thru University and into work - so they are now both "off the payroll" officially, but not really these days.
Sold up in the UK last year and retired to SW France after spending lots of time there over the past 20 years - now working very hard trying to enjoy myself, but it's tough as bits keep breaking down and falling off, it's called physical "old age" - I keep taking the pills, the red, the white and the rosé and my wife tries to keep me young by giving me all the tough gardening jobs
I have been very fortunate in my working life, I worked hard but was well rewarded and it does upset me to see so many talented young people unable to get work - such a waste.
UK OAP, (old aged pension) is coming next year - it's not much, enough to almost buy me a new M9 annually, but it will be nice to get something back from the UK State after years of paying their taxes.
It is time for us "retired lot" to tighten our belts - inflation is coming and when you are on a "fixed income" it's real value falls every year - "they" also reckon that we are all going to live until we are 100 years old - only "God knows" how we can afford it.
A few very greedy Bankers had a good try at destroying the western world, they were aided and abetted by our governments - they are still there taking as much as they did before - so beware if you have any investments or savings BUT maybe if I invest in Leica lenses they will increase in value and fund my life a few years down the line.
