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Ben Whittaker

Age: 73

Ben runs a successful company supplying boat canvases. After suffering a financial setback just before he was due to retire he decided to continue working.

“Being self-employed I had invested money into a fund to provide for my wife and I when I reached 65. Unfortunately when it was time to claim the money it hadn’t matured to anywhere near what we believed it would. When my wife and I sat down and did the sums we were looking at a fairly gloomy retirement.”

“I still earn enough to ensure my wife and I can enjoy a good standard of living”

“I knew that to enjoy our later years I needed to continue working, and as I have always been fit and well, keeping my business going was the right option for me.”

I have gradually reduced the amount of work I take on, giving it to some of the younger people in the trade. I still manage to earn more than enough to ensure my wife and I can enjoy a good standard of living – meals out, dancing and a holiday each year. We are both claiming our State Pensions now, but with the top up funds I’ve saved over the last five years it’s reassuring to know we won’t need to struggle when the time comes for me to stop working altogether.”

Esther MacGregor

Age: 68

When Esther reached State Pension age she decided to find a way of continuing to earn while doing something she loves.

“I’ve worked in a supermarket for the last thirty years doing everything from working as a shelf-filler, cashier, serving behind the deli counter and finally being promoted to shop-floor supervisor.”

“It keeps me fit and I’m doing something I love”

As I neared retirement I knew I wanted to continue going out to work, but felt I’d had enough of supermarket life. Having always loved horticulture I decided to see if my local garden centre had any jobs going. They didn’t, but I left my name and number with them and, after a few months they rang and asked me in for an interview. I did and have not looked back.

I now work four days a week at the garden centre. The money is a bit less of course but it’s a nice top-up to my pensions. Best of all, it keeps me fit and I’m doing something I love.”

Indra Chowdhury

Age 67

Indra works for a local store with no plans to stop just yet. Working part-time helps him to care for his disabled wife by having a balance between his work and home life.

At 63 I took retirement from my job with a high street bank. After six months of feeling redundant, I decided to look for a part-time job. I’ve now been working in my new job as a sales assistant for just over three years.

“As well as the financial benefits it’s a good team I work with”

Working in a local shop means I don’t have any of the hassle and long hours that I was beginning to struggle with at the bank. My wife had an operation a few years ago that makes it hard for her to get around easily. Although we’re lucky and have help from our family, I like to be at home a few days a week to look after her and keep the house in order.

I’m happy to keep working as long as I can. The extra money is definitely handy and I like feeling useful. I also know that by not claiming my State Pension straight away, I’ll get a bigger amount when I do decide to retire.

Alice James

Age: 66

Alice worked in public transport for many years, but due to arthritis decided to take a job that is less physically demanding.

“Since my late thirties I have done various jobs working for the local bus depot. Unfortunately in my early 60s I was diagnosed with arthritis which has become increasingly worse, so being quick on my feet wasn’t as easy any more. I knew I still wanted to work but wasn’t sure what options I had.

”My new job means I am seated for the most part which allows me to continue earning a living”

Due to my health I decided to take early retirement from the buses. I had a decent pension which has meant I can afford to work part-time at a supermarket now. The camaraderie of the various teams is fantastic and because I can sit at the checkout I can still earn without needing to be on my feet all day which really helps me manage my condition.