Quote:
Originally Posted by Merlin66
Sounds great!
I unfortunately have seen many retirees who had no other interest than work, go quickly downhill upon retirement...
Remember - You need a reason for getting up in the morning....
I've never been so busy - anyone who thinks that there will be plenty of time to do what they think they'll want to do may suddenly find there's not enough time to do it!!
I would strongly advocate if you want to travel, see the country, see the world do it before your health (and age) catches up with you.
Not too many important, worthwhile sites have walking frame/ wheelchair access. Do it while you still can.
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Congratulations on your retirement Bob.
Great advice from Ken (Merlin66) above. You do need to make some major adjustments. It's a wonderful opportunity, but there are pitfalls. It's actually not all that easy to just sit on your arse and do nothing for an extended period, and still keep your spirits up (although I have finally mastered it after many years of dedicated practice...
). It takes time to build a new life when so much of what you were was tied up with your working life and identity. As Ken says, some people don't do it well and end up going downhill.
Here are a few things that not only kept me busy and happy but have added richness to the 'retired' life:
- More time to spend with family and friends is of course very high on the list, although not everybody has nearby mates with unlimited time to spend.
- New hobbies. I added astronomy and whisky (not to become a drunk, but simply to explore the history and variety of the stuff).
- Renew old hobbies - I got back to learning to play musical instrument(s), writing, reading, photography, fixing the property up, motor bike riding, etc.
- Volunteer. There's a great volunteering tradition in Oz. I had five great years in the local Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, and also did a little volunteer driving for a local Community Support Group. Interesting and very rewarding too.
- Research. Instead of "I wonder?...." now you have the time to find out the answers to all those questions about " what, where, when, how, who, and why.".. It's like going back to College, only it's enjoyable this time...
Walk, run, dance, sing, travel, - get your energy flowing! There will probably be times when you have doubts, and wonder if you're relevant any more, but there are so many things to get involved with. Get a piece of some of them!
All the best with it.