In the USA, Route 66 is one of the oldest highways that stretches 2,500 miles across the country. It is a long road, spanning a huge distance from LA to Chicago that has many twists and turns.

After recent changes to pensions rules, people approaching 66 in the UK will now face one of the longest journeys of their lives, with the prospect of an uncertain, possibly bumpy ride in front of them. The state has decided to tinker with the rules massively relating to retirement in recent years and so much change leads to uncertainty. The details behind the headlines are that retirement cannot be imposed on employees as they hit 65, as was the norm. What should be applauded therefore is the introduction of flexibility and the lack of compulsion. Instinctively it seems right that people should not necessarily be told when their working lives should cease. Whether it be 50, 70 or 66 should it really be for the state to decide when your last working day is? However, part of the dilemma that politicians face is that people are living longer and we have an ageing population. The burden on the Exchequer and the time paying out state pensions reflect the reality that some may actually face a retirement that is longer than what was once a traditional working life. From a human aspect that is a thing to be applauded, as we all want to live long and prosper, but will recent changes allow that to happen?

What seems clear is that the only way for people to be certain of when or if they want to retire is to take control of it themselves. This can be a daunting and uncertain road to take, but whether working in the private or public sector no one need accept the route that is mapped before them. Seemingly the only way to get your kicks from route 66 is to take a grip of the steering wheel and decide the speed and destination of your own journey.