Most of us spend our working lives looking forward to those times when we can do all the things we've always said we wanted to do.
But, retirement is not a step local 'lollipop lady' Jo Steele wants to take.
Sixty-four-year-old Jo, who mans one of the crossings at Tenby's Heywood Lane, twice a day in all weathers, is being forced to retire when she reaches the age of 65 in just over two months time.
Although she has only been a patrol officer at the crossing at the junction of Heywood Lane and Serpentine Road, for just over a year, when her birthday comes on July 19, Jo will have to hang up her 'lollipop' because of Pembrokeshire County Council's compulsory retirement policy.
"I get on really well with all the children and their parents and they like me and are used to me now," Jo, of 1 Sun Valley Drive, Saundersfoot, told the Observer.
"I have asked the council if I can stay on, but they have said sorry it is their policy that I have to retire at 65 and there is nothing they can do.
"All the children and parents want me to stay on and Mrs. John, the headteacher at Tenby Infants School, has written a letter of support," explained Jo.
Meanwhile, pupils attending Heywood Lane's three schools are also considering mounting a campaign themselves by raising a petition to keep Jo.
"I have been to see Nick Ainger MP and he has backed me too," she continued.
COUNCIL
RESPONSE
When contacted by the Observer, a spokesman for the local authority, said: "In common with many other employers, Pembrokeshire County Council operates a policy of compulsory retirement at the age of 65. This policy has been in operation since the authority's inception in 1996."