Shy, so giving up work? (8)
I believe the answer is:
retiring
I believe this is a double definition.
'shy' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'giving up work?' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
'so' is the link.
(Other definitions for retiring that I've seen before include "Shy - finishing job" , "heading for bed" , "Giving up work permanently" , "Reluctant to draw attention to oneself" , "of unobtrusive aspect" .)