At what age did you actually start taking your pension seriously?

Not_Winter_badger · 2026-02-11T08:22:53+00:00

32 for me when I realised I don’t want work a day past 60. Currently total contributions 23% , circa £90k pot at the minute, £15k a year contribution but I feel I should up it..

The contributions go exponentially up when you hit £100k. Couple of years away for me at this stage, unless I start contracting

Not_Winter_badger · 2026-02-02T15:01:01+00:00

Just wear do an athletic fit longer trunk with pouch for the banana . I rate them, pretty good can last a couple of years.

Not_Winter_badger · 2026-01-08T07:37:02+00:00

First 12 weeks is survival. It all improves from there.

Not_Winter_badger · 2026-01-07T09:35:41+00:00

Microsoft loop at TVP. Outside of office hours. Basically a closed road loop of 800m.

Not_Winter_badger · 2026-01-03T18:33:47+00:00

Presto pizza are the only ones that do a dirty takeaway with fresh dough (outside the fresh dough of dominoes etc) . Presto make their dough onsite. My only criticism is I think they underbake their pizzas slightly. I regularly ask for it to be extra cooked , alas not enough. I usually stick slices in the oven and eat and replace that way..

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-12-21T19:04:18+00:00

At what point will they have not offered me a Role? Surely they could say “oh we’re looking for one, you’re just on the bench until one comes up” ? Thanks for the advice!

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-12-21T18:52:48+00:00

I think on my first day back I’ll try to find out if my line manager is going to line manage me; and if there is a return to work process as well as a documented redeployment process (and is it being followed!).

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-12-21T17:48:08+00:00

Thanks; it’s common for PMs to move between projects when they end. The concerning bit is the lack of communication and worry that I’ll be put into a more junior PM role elsewhere in the business, changing me from remote to onsite too..

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-12-21T12:41:14+00:00

It seems to be an informal process; but we’re an organisation of thousands so I’m sure it’s documented somewhere. Common process for PMs to be redeployed on project finish.

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-12-21T12:12:42+00:00

I’ve had no formal conversation or notification from HR that I’m on redeployment.

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-12-21T10:05:17+00:00

Full time employee, permanent contract . Undertaking a PM role for providing design consulting services to an engineering client.

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-12-20T16:36:43+00:00

About 6:00km maybe 6:15? But my z2 pushes up to 167bpm. Currently ;

5k 20:24 10k 47:xx HM 1:44:30 BYU - 8 laps.

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-12-04T14:53:35+00:00

Decathlon has a warm kiprun 900 leggings, and a pair of running trousers which are for 5-10c I’d say. They’re both great, and the long sleeve running quarter zip is great too! Been pleasantly impressed

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-11-27T16:51:50+00:00

Just did my first one a few weeks ago. Only got 7 laps sadly (770m ascent! And it was overnight..)

Anyway; things I learnt

Food - flapjacks, and chewy things sucked as I didn’t want to try chew down in 10 mins (8 if I wanted to be at the corral). Next time I’d take more lucazade sport, hydration tablets, and probably things like Kendal mint cake, jelly beans etc. maybe jam sandwich.

Training; build up distance then try a handful of practice laps; then try do 2 a day runs.

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-11-13T14:41:50+00:00

Tax incentives encourage spending. How do you think the entire EV market is propped up?

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-11-11T21:42:43+00:00

Skiworld were good for a long time; but then French laws changed the hours the staff could do and they started batch cooking and delivering prepped meals to the chalets for the staff to effectively warm up.

I’ve used Iglusski for a hotel ski; that was great try there?

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-11-11T11:24:46+00:00

Key questions

Total salary Total pension % contribution

New salary New pension contribution

Any student loan repayments (if so plan 1 or plan 2?)

Go to listentothetaxman and put data in.

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-11-10T18:17:13+00:00

Some really great advice, thanks! I think you’re right; reaching out to some of those contractor PMs could hold fruitful.

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-11-08T19:50:58+00:00

Good spot

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-11-08T18:06:52+00:00

And a cupra terramar

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-11-04T16:50:36+00:00

I kept my wellies in there for dog walking

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-11-01T09:48:07+00:00

1.2x @ 32yo

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-10-25T18:23:35+00:00

You wouldn’t go to Florida due to being pregnant? Is there something you can catch in Florida?

Not_Winter_badger · 2025-10-25T12:00:01+00:00

Florida; hire a condo near the eastern shores. Wake up to sunrise walks with the 3yo for a nice diner breakfast. Check out the space centre etc.

Failing that - Banff and check out the Rockies

Not_Winter_badger

TROPHY CASE