How’s Retirement Newbies ?
 

What’s good, what’s bad for you ?

I’ve experienced my bad, boredom. I’m task oriented, always need to accomplish stuff, no matter how small or detailed. I’m not ready to drop the wrench and pick up games. I don’t feel I’ve retired early, just want to work on my terms, having no boss is heaven for me. Although I’ve noticed my wife seems to have picked up that baton. RESIST-RESIST-RESIST !

I love not having to be on somebody else's imposed schedule. (Except for the dog's.) I'm not bored. I just do more of the enjoyable stuff I didn't have time to do enough of when I worked. I had a fantastic job virtually "watching TV for a living," and I miss the process/content of my job but not the time restrictions and deadlines. Retirement has been great. If we get bored, we go do something else, take a trip, take a class, etc.

Been at this retirement lark for 21 years now, and I don't know how I ever had time to hold down a job. Days are so full, even when sitting on my butt doing nothing!

It does take time. I think everyone has their moment when they finally surrender to the new way of life. It took me about a year. Some people have posted on here that they had to go back to work and re-retire again down the road a few years. You will find your niche. Let it happen. Forget about the good old day's, these are the good old days. :thumbup:

I’ve decided that my retirement will be time to finally get in shape. I turned 64 in December. I felt that way prior to a December somewhat high blood sugar diagnosis but I must admit that was an extra incentive to motivate me. Presently in RI as my wife is a tax preparer up here but will be back in the Villages at the end of the month. I take the dog for a 2 mile walk at the high school cross country trail each morning. After that, I will return to the high school and walk 20 laps briskly on the track (5 miles) while listening to music or talk shows. In the afternoon I usually do a small project in the yard. Usually asleep by 9- 9:30 each night. I’ve lost about 30 pounds but don’t want to lose much more. When I get back to Phillips Villas, I’ve got the routes mapped out to continue walking about 7 miles a day. Also want to begin occasionally using exercise equipment at Mulberry Rec Center, playing more golf and teaching the wife how to play golf. I’m really not bored at all and enjoy doing what I want, when I want. I previously worked 32 years at Hasbro, the toy company.

Also read a lot (news junkie), watch the tube at night and took up oil painting to give our Phillips Villas wall decorations a personal touch.

My Dad warned me about the same thing...and he was correct. :D

Enjoying retirement
 

I was fortunate to be able to retire early on my terms. I am immensely enjoying retirement, actually branching out with my interests. I still do some volunteer work, but find that I do things at my pace which makes it more enjoyable.

I used to work "on the edge of chaos", which was a philosophy of my last employer-the idea being that it would lead one to find better ways to do things (it doesn't). The result was that I was constantly in "fire fighting mode". I don't miss it one bit.

What made my transition easier was picking at least one goal to accomplish on a given day and not forcing a schedule. Things get done, albeit a little slower than in the past, but I also do more "fun" things. I would never go back to the corporate world, and if I ever do go back into the work force, it would only be for something fun.

My parents have the same story - always too busy for me!

Over my adult years I have heard many stories, observations and warnings about retirement.

More than one of my male friends has told me 'I'll never retire. My dad did and died of a heart attack (usually) within a year.' Now either the father retired because he was not feeling well or he became isolated and bored after retirement - IMHO.

Mostly I have heard 'It takes a year or so to adjust (just as in any move or life change) and then I became so busy I don't know how I ever handled things that needed to be attended to while I was working'.

My brother, who moved to an Arizona 55 and over community two years ago, tells me he is busier than he has ever been in his life. He plays golf, pickle ball, works out, socializes with his wife and their friends almost every night, is involved in community management and travels. Whew! He is very happy.

After a couple of earlier dry runs I finally semi-retired for the third time when I was 52. I am 76 now and still semi-retired. I enjoy what I do part time. It keeps my brain active and I am challenged with dealing with new technology and business methods. I also have plenty of time for reading, travel and the gym which has been my thing since I was 15.

As I understand it the most important thing for men is to find a way to continue to socialize and maintain friendships. I had to leave behind many 'work friends' and add some 'social friends' although I do maintain a few work friends due to my continued income producing involvements.

Most of the retired men I meet are thoroughly enjoying their retirement years and wish they had retired earlier.

I enjoy golfing 4 days a week and the other 3 days I excel in doing nothing.

Retirement is hell, you never get a day off!

Retired 5+ years ago. 65 now. At first had to keep telling myself it was OK to sit and read a book or just relax. The first year really took some adjusting. Pickleball and softball really helped me keep busy, meet new friends and get/stay in shape. Moving to TV next month so the winter months can remain as active as the summer months do.


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One of very happy with golf 7 days a week, and many club activities. Not so much the other half. Flys down every 4 months for 6 weeks, and then travels for 4 months. Everyone is happy.

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