Graduating from Work...
Submitted: Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 08:45
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Baz - The Landy
After 42 years with the same employer with whom I started at age 15 years, I’ve decided there is more to do and see than staring at a computer screen and trading currency markets 12-hours a day…
I am about one-month away from turning off that screen for the last time, and whilst the Crown Prince still has a couple of years of school left, Mrs Landy and I have the maps out working on that next adventure and tour!
So, out of interest…
You’ve got a full tank of fuel, all the time in the world, the supplies are packed, and Mrs Landy has some Chardonnay on board – which way are you heading and why, interested to hear some thoughts??
Cheers, Baz – The Landy
Reply By: Member - William B (The Shire) - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 08:54
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 08:54
Hi Baz and Mrs Landy.
What a fantastic count down to be a part of.
As to your question,
Any where away from the city and too many people to give me some thinking time..
Probably to WA because I would have a lot of time to get there from
Sydney..
William
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Reply By: Notso - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 09:01
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 09:01
We did just that in 2000. Stopped work then headed off. No real plan, just decided to drive around Aus.
On the way we had no timetable, no special spots we wanted to see. We spoke to people as we travelled and modified our plans to accommodate our new found knowledge and friends.
As it turned out this trip was really just a 12 month reconnaissance for the rest of our caravanning life we've had since.
Enjoy it mate, don't do too much planning.
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Follow Up By: Member - David M (SA) - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 09:36
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 09:36
Put the maps away Baz and turn right when you pull out of the driveway.
Dave.
Missed your post Notso. Apol.
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 09:40
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 09:40
Sound advice on both counts...
Cheers, Baz - The Landy
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Reply By: Gundarooster - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 10:06
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 10:06
Baz,
I'm with you as I count down the last 93 days of my working life! Suggest you head west
young man, we did it last year for 8 weeks, I worked from our
Perth office whilst my wife was enjoying her long service leave and getting to know our 3YO Grand-daughter. We enjoyed the trip over and back very much and now understand we should have done it years ago.
Gaz
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Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 10:10
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 10:10
Pretty emotional time Baz I'll bet.
But rewarding too!
We are soon to embark on our second trip to the
Kimberley, this time from
Derby to
Kununurra via the
Gibb River Road. (If it's open)
I have planned this trip as a "half lap clockwise", although we are skipping the lower west coast of WA and heading up through the middle, taking in the
Pilbara region as
well as the
Kimberley.
Staying in Karrijini NP for a few days, then heading up to Pt. Hedland,
Broome, then the
Gibb River Road to
Kununurra. Then back down the middle via the Alice,
Kings Canyon, Yalara (Ayers
Rock & Olgas) to
Adelaide.
Timing is an issue early in the season if traveling the GRR as Mother Nature has her own ideas, but the alternative is via the bitumen from
Derby to
Kununurra, if we have to.
I couldn't think of of a better trip to celebrate your retirement Baz.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 10:30
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 10:30
Thanks Bill...
For sure it will be with mixed emotions, but rest assured, I'm ready!
Our travel plans will still be a bit limited with the Crown Prince finishing off his last two years of school, which is part of the reason I've decided now is the right time!
But for sure, we will be heading to the
Kimberley Region!
Cheers, Baz
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Reply By: Neil & Pauline - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 10:15
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 10:15
I
check weather forecasts. Somewhere not too hot, not too cold and not flooding. At the moment that is impossible anywhere in Australia at the moment. Was expecting something better than a deep freeze in Tassie, but not so. Such is life.
If it is too hard to turn right just turn left. Has worked for us for 12 years.
Neil
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Reply By: Shaker - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 10:18
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 10:18
Anywhere that you can see a sky full of stars!
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Reply By: vk1dx - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 10:20
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 10:20
First stop would be the pub to get a real drink- beer.
Start with the northern half - too late for here. Need time to plan first.
Our first real trip was to the
Kimberley region for 6 weeks. The trip started with a trip on the Ghan to
Darwin, then down to
Broome via the Bungle Bungles, then stopping at every
rock to
Broome and a a cruise up the coast (not in a BIG boat - just 12 passengers). More personal and flexible. Final weeks were spent investigating the
Gibb River attractions including a good stop at
Mitchell Falls and took a helicopter ride out to the ocean and of course the falls. Paid for just us and no other passengers. Then as one of us still worked, we headed back to
Darwin for another relaxing Ghan ride to
Adelaide. We had our car on the train both times. Cheaper than driving.
Just a starting point.
Phil
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 10:31
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 10:31
And isn't the great thing Phil...
We have plenty of options!
And first up, a beer or six...
Cheers, Baz
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Reply By: GG7777 - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 11:28
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 11:28
Baz
Retired, also after 45 years of work, in April 2016. We settled a few problems on our 5 acres then headed north. up the centre to
Darwin, across to
Lawn hill then back to Alice and spent plenty of time in West Mac's before
home via Old Ghan line and
Flinders Ranges.
All done with a basic plan - ie fill in the previously missed bits - but NO day to day itinerary. It was a marvellous 5 months..
Without looking at your previous travels, it is really hard to make suggestions.
I know you have a
well set up vehicle so anywhere of your choosing will be good.
Murray
Ps let Mrs Landy have some imput or the trip will never be as enjoyable as you would like. M
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 11:47
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 11:47
Thanks Murray
To be honest, my question was more rhetorical in nature, we certainly have lots of travel planned into remote areas...
But interested to hear what others would do in the same situation...
Cheers, Baz
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Reply By: Member - Graham N (SA) - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 11:53
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 11:53
Congratulations Baz, we hope you have a long and happy retirement.
We have got away for around three months or more the last few years and have really enjoyed it. We are finding more and more that it is not the destination but more the journey, while you need somewhere to aim for it is more about who you meet on the way and the other unexpected sights you see.
I know we will see you out there somewhere.
Regards also to Janet and TomO.
Cheers
Graham
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 13:18
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 13:18
Thanks Graham...plenty to explore and do, so we are looking forward to it...
Cheers, Baz
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Reply By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 13:31
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 13:31
-
Baz,
As we live on the East Coast there was only West to head when we first got the Troopy. So we did, and made it up as we went. We headed for
Innamincka, then
Birdsville. Roz said "where to now?" So it was off across the Simpson to
Alice Springs and so on until we eventually found ourselves back
home.
We have been on many more extensive and iconic journeys since but I have to say that first one was perhaps the most unique because it was so improvised. We were free with "the world" in front of us.
I know that there are some who preach "preparation, preparation, preparation" but we had enough time, fuel, food and water to reach each intermediate destination so were safe and really did enjoy the
places and events as they unfolded.
So I have to say, just pack and go. As others have said. simply turn right or left out of the driveway and let the the wind blow in your hair. Have a great trip mate.
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Reply By: Member - mark D18 - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 18:02
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 18:02
Bazz
Northern West Australia will be my next destination.
Just about to give work away as
well , as you I started work at 16 and now I am 58 .
Good luck in your retirement , enjoy this fabulous country .
Cheers
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 18:37
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 18:37
Thanks Mark...looking forward to it!
Cheers, Baz
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Reply By: pop2jocem - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 18:05
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 18:05
Baz,
May I add my congratulations on your coming retirement and wish you and Mrs Landy many long and happy travels in the coming years.
Not much point in me trying to add what has already been said, and may I say some pretty good advice so far.
The concept I had a little trouble getting my head around when the wife and I sold our business and set off on the next stage of our lives, after a 50 year working life, was slowing down.
Slowing down and realising that whatever was not completed today could be done tomorrow, or the next day, next week, next month or whenever. We weren't just on holidays. We had whatever was left of our lives to complete whatever we set out to do.
And if we didn't complete "IT" in our allotted time on this Earth........
well maybe someone else can.
(:=))
Enjoy
Cheers
Pop
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 18:37
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 18:37
Great advice Pop...
Thanks, Baz
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Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 18:51
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 18:51
Go and do something that was absolutely impossible when you had time constraints.
Like work on a remote cattle station for your keep for a couple or 3 months.
Or an in Aboriginal community.
Or in a national Park.
The difference between these types of things and the rush-up-there-have-a-look-and-rush-
home deal is that you get to know (really know) people in these
places who have a quite different outlook on life.
In addition, all of these
places have secrets
places that the rush-in-rush-outers never get to know about, but once you are a member of their community, they will share with you.
We have done some of these things, and it is very different. They can not be done in a hurry.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
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Reply By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 19:07
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 19:07
I too just retired on 24th January after 44 years as a Fitter machinist, 3 jobs over that period, all hard and heavy work. Janet and I moved to Dubbo from
Sydney to a few acres and a quieter life last week. Whilst i haven't really had time to sit down yet, i can highly recommend retirement, the earlier the better. There are no brownie points to be had in the big picture of life, to work till you can no longer do the things you always dreamed of doing. If you wait till you think you have enough money to retire on, you will probably work till death. So do it, RETIRE!!! regards, Michael
| Patrol 4.2TDi 2003
Retired 2016 and now Out and About!
Somewhere you want to explore ? There is no time like the present.Member My Profile My Blog Send Message |
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 06:39
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 06:39
I'm with you on that one Michael, earlier the better! A bit like having kids, if you waited until you could afford it you would never do it...
Cheers, Baz
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Follow Up By: duck - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 07:39
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 07:39
Michael
good on you, It must feel like a big change from the southern highlands to Dubbo I bet you don't miss that drive to
Sydney every day, I guess the kids have all grown up, it feels like yesterday that we met up at kangaroo valley that time (Vince who had the 6 wheeler) All the Best
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Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 21:25
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 21:25
Vince, I reckon that was September 2010, yep boys are 20 and 22, both living in Newtown and Enmore and at University, both working two part time jobs and making their own way in life! The years do fly, so best to get a bit for ourselves, too many don't make it to retirement and wished they had made different choices!! All the best Vince. Michael
| Patrol 4.2TDi 2003
Retired 2016 and now Out and About!
Somewhere you want to explore ? There is no time like the present.Member My Profile My Blog Send Message |
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Reply By: Bazooka - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 19:41
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 19:41
Being a bit cheeky Baz, but.....England,
well the whole of the UK really. Fabulous.
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 06:40
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 06:40
Actually, we will be in the south of Devon in June and July...
Looking forward to that...
Cheers, Baz
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Reply By: Genny - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 20:50
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 20:50
Anywhere ............ outa rifle shot of Mr Landy, I reckon!
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Reply By: Member - Mark C (QLD) - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 21:30
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 21:30
Hello Baz
If it were me any where north or west, Gulf country,
Kakadu or Ahrnem Land and
Kimberley,s or Pilberra.
My wife wants to spin the bottle and head in that direction for a few days then again spin the bottle and head in that direction and spend a week at a destination and so on week or two week about.
I am sure one day in the next year after we retire both methods will be applied.
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Reply By: Mick O - Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 23:22
Tuesday, Feb 14, 2017 at 23:22
You know where, you know when and you know why :-)
![Darlsen Pinnacle](https://cdn.exploroz.com/images/forum/uploads/167995_14__TN600F.jpg?gid=147539)
Darlsen Pinnacle
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 06:42
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 06:42
I here it calling...
Cheers, Baz
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Reply By: WayneD - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 03:17
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 03:17
Were you trading when the Oz floated, or as Ernie
Dingo said "this thing don't float"
You are a survivor to last that long in the market. I got out back in 1990 but still have some mates working in it!
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 06:43
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 06:43
Hi Wayne
Yes,
well almost, was in International Business when it happened and ended up doing it from 1985...
Cheers, Baz
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Follow Up By: WayneD - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 07:33
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 07:33
I worked for Midland in 85 and then went to CIBC in 87. Started with the ANZ and worked in London and NY with them. As fate would have it I am back in London again.
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Reply By: duck - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 07:42
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 07:42
just get in, & don't look back & go go go. All the Best
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Reply By: Member - WBS - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 09:26
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 09:26
I can't really advise the best things to do but as I spent my working life mapping Australia, I've spent my retirement going to
places I've not been to during my career and the
places I helped map but only seen on aerial photography.
My next stop is
Cape York and I'm very hopeful that I can get to
Cape Melville and
Cape Weymouth as part of that trip just to see what these
places are really like rather than in my imagination.. That's my plan
Good luck with the retirement. Judging from you previous posts I'm sure you will have no problems finding
places to visit and adventures to have.
WBS
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Reply By: Grizzle - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 12:17
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 12:17
Wherever it was I went to it would be SLOWLY!!!
Had enough of racing there, racing around then racing back!!
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 12:41
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 12:41
And I'm looking forward to that, know exactly what you mean.
Cheers, Baz
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Reply By: Member - Kevin S12 - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 13:48
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 13:48
Hi Baz, highly recommend retirement....don't know how I ever found the time to work!! Next trip
Canning Stock Route...because its there!! Still hundreds of tracks and trecks to be done so the sooner you get started the better...good luck.
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 14:01
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 14:01
Thanks Kevin...
Agree, work has got in the way of having fun and living, hence our decision!
Cheers, Baz
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Reply By: bgreeni - Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 23:34
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2017 at 23:34
I will take the opportunity to throw a dampener on most of the replies.
I retired 3 years ago at 69 after 50 years working in the same industry (Railway maintenance & construction). We have done a lot of travelling both in Oz and overseas and I have still managed to do some consulting.
Basically I find retirement boring and often I think that all I am doing is filling in time in God's waiting room. I am very pleased when a consulting job comes along, not for the money but to prove that I still have some use.
Hope you enjoy but my strong advise would be to keep some options open.
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Thursday, Feb 16, 2017 at 06:42
Thursday, Feb 16, 2017 at 06:42
I guess I don't see it as retirement, but an opportunity to pursue many of the other interests I have..."Graduating from Work"
And for me, there is the opportunity to participate in community based work such as the SES, something I have not been fully able to commit to in the past.
It all comes down to mindset for me, and the mind is a powerful tool - tell it you're doing something and it will know no different and work towards it. So I find positive thinking is always the key.
The old adage, be careful what you wish for is at the forefront of my thinking...
But your points are
well noted!
Cheers, Baz
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Reply By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Thursday, Feb 16, 2017 at 22:00
Thursday, Feb 16, 2017 at 22:00
The idea of retirement is to pursue interests that you can't when working. In my case i had a physical job and you really cant keep doing the heavy work of a 30 yo.
Anyone who feels they need to keep working past a reasonable age, good on them. But myself, like a lot of others feel that 60 yo is a good time to get out and do the things that we always wanted to do. I think im going to fall into retirement very easily and i really enjoyed working till the very last day !! Michael
| Patrol 4.2TDi 2003
Retired 2016 and now Out and About!
Somewhere you want to explore ? There is no time like the present.Member My Profile My Blog Send Message |
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Reply By: Member - Odog - Saturday, Feb 18, 2017 at 15:55
Saturday, Feb 18, 2017 at 15:55
Well done Baz, think the idea is not having any dead lines, time schedules, or commitments, and being able to just cruise along..
Camped next to a couple in
Esperance, been on the road for 7 years, and still hadn't been to the Centre. They had kids spread out around the country, so just took 3/4 months to travel from one to the next... on the card they gave us.. email was "curryontherun" anywhere anytime... G'day to the Currys if your out there..
You must be looking forward to turning the screen off, be so different, after 42 years in the same game.. which ever way you turn, left or right, enjoy what you have worked towards, and safe and happy travels to you all.. Cheers Odog
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Saturday, Feb 18, 2017 at 15:59
Saturday, Feb 18, 2017 at 15:59
Thanks Odog...yes it will be a little odd, but I've served out my 42-year apprenticeship, now time to do the things we "really" enjoy.
Cheers, Baz
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Reply By: Mark - Sunday, Feb 19, 2017 at 20:27
Sunday, Feb 19, 2017 at 20:27
Congratulations Baz. I came across this article the other day that talked about different types of people and why some do better in retirement than others.
https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2017/02/early-retirement-is-not-for-everyone/
my personal thoughts are if you enjoy travel and exploring nature etc then you are already on the right path to a successful retirement. My Wife retired almost 2 years ago at age 51 and has been on my case to retire ever since as she has so far enjoyed every minute, she is one of those people who finds things to do so no issues filling her day.
Once I pull the pin we will be spending summers in Europe and have already looked into purchasing a campervan in Germany. Last year we toured France and Scandinavia and had a great time. We also have family in Europe so always have somewhere to stay. Cheers Mark
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Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Sunday, Feb 19, 2017 at 20:46
Sunday, Feb 19, 2017 at 20:46
Thanks Mark, and I will take a read of the article...
Cheers, Baz
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