LIVING THE DREAM

LES ABERCROMBIE LOOKS AT THE NEW NORMAL OF

WORK AND HOW IT INFLUENCES DECISIONS FOR EARLY RETIREMENT AND WORKING FROM HOME

Chatting to some friends about lockdown it was This “new normal unanimously decided that of work” offers an the two best things coming exciting opportunity to the out of a horrible situation were firstly that we suddenly had time mid-50s to early 60-yearto reflect on our lives and our future, and olds to plan their future secondly, that we don’t need so much stuff!

For many, the advantage of working from home and not having to travel everywhere for

Picture: www.freepik.com

interminable meetings, thanks to software platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, has been a revelation and fundamentally changed the way we live and work.

This “new normal of work” offers an exciting opportunity to the mid-50s to early 60-year-olds to plan their future, possibly downsizing by selling the large, now empty-nest family home and investing in a well-run mature living estate offering all the facilities they require – be it broadband, golf course, beach, frail care, home care – whatever you need to “live the dream”.

Initially, one tends to shrug off this possibility as being unaffordable, but as Phil Barker of Renishaw Property Developments says: “When one takes into consideration the option of investing in a reputable, mature lifestyle estate where a large portion of monthly living expenses are combined in the levy contribution, the reality is closer.” For those of you either able to continue »

working from home or sufficiently financially secure to consider early retirement, it’s worth running the numbers or consulting a financial advisor to ascertain whether it’s viable for you to change to, “Living the holiday,” as Phil calls it, “with lower projected living expenses and less stress.”

Once this big decision has been made it is then time to decide where you would prefer living – at the coast, inland; urban or rural; or would you be happy remaining in your present environment? The “where” is a decision not to be taken lightly. You need to do your homework, list your preferred retirement facilities and visit each one, spending a couple days in the area, especially if you don’t know it that well.

Also, be adventurous and find new places – don’t depend solely on what friends and family suggest. This is probably the first and last time you are going to be able to choose where you want to live without the constraints of work convenience, good schools and the like.

In searching for your utopia don’t be overly persuaded by feelings of duty or false security to move closer or remain living

It is better to live rich than to die rich”

– Samuel Johnson

near to your children and grandchildren. You no doubt love them to bits but in today’s world of global opportunities, young families are prone to up and leave for greener pastures and safer environments, leaving you high and dry on your own, stuck somewhere you don’t really want to be. Rather opt for frequent family visits and the making of precious memories.

And finally, unburden yourself of excess “stuff”. Give away or sell what you don’t have space for or no longer use. Your children will thank you one day – believe me, today’s generations are not interested in family heirlooms and the like. Give them first dibs on whatever’s going and then donate, give away or sell the rest. It will be the most liberating decision you ever make.

Start your new adventure with a clean slate and once the decisions have been made look forward to the future with gay abandon. You have toiled in some form or another most of your life, this is now your time to have fun! * FOR MORE INFO Renishaw Hills: info@renishawhills.co.za or visit www.renishawhills.co.za

Office Space TO RENT

BEAUTIFUL ITALIAN THEMED OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE ABOVE OLD TOWN ITALY IN UMHLANGA

— FEATURES — • Private, lock-up-and-go style offices ranging from 9,1m² to 71m² • Semi-furnished (optional) • Fully serviced aircon throughout • High speed Wi-Fi • 2 boardrooms to use throughout the day, one with AV facilities • Full-time cleaner • Access controlled via biometric tag reader • Fully serviced bathrooms and shower • Communal kitchen with coffee and tea making facilities • Ample safe parking • Easy access through the restaurant

olivia@rembrothers.com for more information & viewings

STARTING FROM R1.6M Please call us to make an appointment to view.

MORE OUT OF RETIREMENT FOR LESS THAN YOU THINK

IT TURNS OUT, YOU CAN PUT A PRICE ON YOUR DREAM RETIREMENT AND WITH US, IT’S AN AFFORDABLE ONE… At Renishaw Hills, a mature lifestyle village and celebrated coastal gem located in Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal, we deliver unmatched value that goes beyond price alone. Our Reversionary Transfer Obligation model (similar to Life Rights) gives you the most for your money so that you can retire the way you’ve always wanted to.

From as little as R1.64 million, you’ll get more than just stunning views, spectacular finishes and a well-designed home that celebrates the best of Mother Nature and indoor/outdoor living. You’ll be enjoying our laid-back lifestyle, inclusive community, state-of-the-art security and glorious weather. Our popular Phase 5 is going fast and every home is now available at RTO prices. Want to live the holiday the way our residents do? Book your private tour complete with strict health and safety measures when you email sales@renishawhills.co.za or take our virtual tours on www.renishawhills.co.za.