I have had my meeting with the Trust and have decided to apply for ill health retirement
My boss (Matron) was so supportive and praised the standard of my work and I’m glad HR took notice of her, Occ Health Doctor very understanding saying he would offer his full support as he is aware of all my conditions
So the process has started
Mixed feelings after the meeting and also right now a little bit sad
It’s a big watershed in your life, Cumbs, so it’s not surprising that you’re sad, but how good to be sad that you’re going to retire rather than relieved that you’re getting the heck out! It’s a shame that the NHS will be losing a lovely person.
Like Molly says, think of all the things you can do now .... It may take a little while to adjust to being ‘free’ but once you have you’re in one of the loveliest regions of the U.K. to enjoy it.
Time to have a frog farm; read all those books that are waiting for you start doing something new now that it won’t be interrupted by shifts; catch up with lots of old friends? One of the first things I did was join a pottery group, that was six years ago now and it’s still the highlight of the week. Lots of monstrosities were discarded to start with, or hidden in the undergrowth, but we can now eat from plates I’m proud of, plants grow in outdoor pots, a group of babushkas and their men adorn a shelf (the things they carry on their backs are a feminist message), the pond is guarded by androstyle figures with birds on their heads, and the best thing of all is the group of friends who share making with good chat and lots of laughter. You’ll find your happy!