www.iva.co.uk

Had my certificate of retirement yesterday and have started to sift through 28 years or rubbish I have collected. Just how many pens and pencils does a girl need?!!

Seemed like it wasn't happening til this week when I started to get leaving checklists, requests for all important notes I have kept (from colleagues) and now it's just 10 working days and I'm then on leave until my leaving date.

Scary!!!!

I can't wait until I can retire and become a lady of leisure!! Only 712 days - not that I'm counting!!!

aah good luck to you,yes i bet it does seem weird packing up after all those years! dont mind me asking but what happens to your iva once you retire? enjoy your last 10 days at work x

IP has arranged a variation meeting on 8th Feb to discuss the offer we have made. We have offered half the lump sum I will receive and the PPI refund which is due to be paid to the IP soon as a full and final sum. Need to keep some of the lump sum back as we will be a bit short over the year but I have provided medical evidence, details of the retirement decision and an updated income and expenditure report to prove we wouldn't be able to afford the IVA due to the reduced income (pension).

They think it has a good chance of being accepted. I shall do my ostrich impression until the 8th and think about it then if they refuse on the day!

I'm sure,you will be fine.

Leaving work to retire is good Kazza. I do voluntary work, and its such a joy being able to do as little or much as you like, ..and knowing that you can walk away if you choose because pay is not involved. Its brilliant that you can give your time to things you are passionate about and be appreciated just for being you.

You ve had a long, hard fight so bound to feel strange. I'm sure you'll adapt and enjoy the well deserved retirement xx

Awww Kazza, it's bound to feel a bit strange, you're still very young with a lifetime ahead of you so I am sure you will be thinking all sorts about what the future holds, but after all you have been through with this, I am sure you will find plenty to do and fill your time with, good luck with the F&F hun xxx

Good luck for the 8th Kazza, my meeting was on that day back in 2008. You enjoy your retirement, you may find you're busier than ever

Good luck for the 8th Kazza, I'm sure you'll be fine x

Good Luck from me too Kazza x

Good Luck Kazza.
Must be a strange feeling. Happy/Sad type thing.
Like Jan, i am looking forward to mine, i also have a countdown ongoing for plan A, which is 59 and a half + 1 day 2099 days!.

OT - I couldn't wortk on thousands of days - think I would go mad!!

Yes it has finally sunk in. I think because I have been fighting for so long I never allowed myself to fully consider if I was successful.

I think the worst bit is seeing in writing that the doctors say I am too ill to work. I know it really but have always managed to push myself up to about 6 months ago.