Careers Support: Approaching retirement

There is no official retirement age now, and later-career working patterns are changing, too. The information below will help you to manage this phase of your career successfully.

The traditional model of an abrupt change from full employment to full retirement is becoming less common; instead, many people choose to reduce their hours gradually over a number of years. This approach can help you and your family to adjust, and gives you the chance to explore other interests.

On this page

How we can support you as you approach retirement
Individual tailored advice

How we can support you

Consider working part-time or in a consultancy role where your expertise could be invaluable. It could be with your current employer, or through contacts that you’ve built up over the years. Think about your professional networks – who you know that you could work with?

Get involved with our networks; they're always looking for new members and volunteers. You can join any Division and up to three Interest Groups depending on your professional membership category. As one of our members, you’ll automatically be a member of your local section; these are a good way to stay up to date with the latest developments in your field of chemistry.

If you feel that you’ll have more to give after retirement but don’t want the pressure of paid employment, you could use your professional skills in a different context. The expertise and experience that you’ve built up over your career belong to you, and can be transferred to other roles. For example, would you be interested in mentoring people, either professionally or in your community? We have a voluntary mentoring scheme with free training, and we’re always looking for new mentors.

Consider becoming a volunteer for our Chemists’ Community Fund.  You could offer individual, caring support to our members and their families at a local level and really make difference to their lives, when they are facing financial hardship and other difficult circumstances.

If you’re a skilled organiser and manager, a local charity may appreciate your skills. It's worth considering this type of activity ahead of retirement, and building it up gradually over the next few years. 

Individual tailored advice

The career management team is here to support our members at all stages of their careers. And our professional career advisers can offer tailored individual advice as you plan for your retirement.

Please contact us if you’d like to talk through your situation in more detail. We offer consultations in person at our offices in London and Cambridge or at our regional careers consultations. We will also give you a call, or contact you by Skype if you prefer.