When Gillian retired on her 60th birthday, she went home and wept. After a career which took her all over the world, she felt cut adrift and needed a new purpose in life.
From spending nine years as an Assistant Purser with P&O aboard Canberra and Oriana cruise ships, to a fulfilling 30 years of service with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Gillian’s career has taken her all over the world.
In this episode, she tells us about her time as a Personal Assistant to an Ambassador, with postings in the Philippines, Peru, Guatemala, Chile, Mexico City and Hungary. She’s lived and worked through turbulent political times,all whilst remaining dedicated to her work and her colleagues.
Now, 20 years into her retirement, she’s found a new purpose as aa published author and a Registrar of Marriages.
Gillian reflects on the highs and lows of her career and retirement journey so far, and shares advice for those approaching retirement in the next few years.
Listen to this episode using the embedded player on this page, or by searching 'Civil Service Pensions Podcast', wherever you get your podcasts.
