Question for those retired - Page 6

texassunflower · ‎06-15-2015

@tashy. I had a difficult time with retirement. I retired early from teaching to care for my elderly mother. My days were very structured and just as busy as teaching. When she passed this summer, I didn't have a clue what to do with all my time. I began substitute teaching in September. I work 3 days a week afternoons only. This works out great. I needed something to do with my time. I am single and most of my friends still work and are busy with family. I have enjoyed reading everyone's responses because summer is coming up and I will be out of school.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

My last day of “work” was June 20, 2013. I do not miss work at all. Now I have all the time in the world. ME time. I have productive days....and nonproductive days. Most days involve a long walk with my dogs.... house work chores ...plenty of iPad and computer time....early dinner...to bed early. I am enjoying less stress... that I have no place I have to be....no one to impress. It is 👍.

jannabelle1 · ‎09-12-2010

Retirement is a wonderful thing! I love not having a schedule to follow - I do what I want or what needs to be done at my own pace. Some days are busy going to doctor's appointments with DH or running errands, and some days are just relaxing at home. DH and I have our own quiet time when we're home, and also spend time chatting. The key is to recognize that you can do as much or as little as you want to, and not feel guilty about it.

RinaRina · ‎03-13-2010

@tashy wrote:
I'm thinking about retiring, I've been doing childcare in my home for 20+ yrs. How do you spend your days,just curious.

Haha! I think about this all the time, since I've lost 25lbs!

When I first retired, I had NO desire to leave the house. I learned how to knit, crochet and use a loom. I also bought a sewing machine and took sewing classes.

And that 25 lbs I mentioned? I GAINED that and more.

I got so fat, I scared myself.

So, last year I got a job, teaching what I'd taught myself the first 3 years I retired. LOL!

Now, I do aftercare at a school and I really enjoy working with the kids.

I'm happy to get out of the house. I only work 12-16 hrs/week. In 2 weeks I'll start doing volunteer work for 4 hrs., one day a week. It doesn't sound like much, but, that's pretty busy for me. It took sitting on my 8utt for 3 years to make me to realize, I need to move around and DO something every day.

Also, I live alone, so, getting out 16-20 hrs./week is less "isolating".

EDIT:

Whoops! Almost forgot! I've got 5 pets to take care of too!

I'm never bored.

"The less you respond to negative people, the more peaceful your life will become."

Bridgegal · ‎03-09-2010

I eased into retirement too. After working full time , I took 18 months off for severals reasons. Then I looked for a PT job and found 3. Next thing I knew I was working 44 hours a week. Over the next few years I quit two of them and settled in with my 2-3 days a week job that I loved. I quit it last June and DH and I fully retired. I now know that I should have left that job 2 years sooner but you can't turn back time.

We moved 1/2 way across the country and are really enjoying retirement. I play bridge 2 afternoons a week and love that. I've joined the local women's club and think I'll like that. We volunteer with the local National Popular Vote movement and happy to say that it just passed the NM House. Fingers crossed. We walk on days that we can weather wise. We're still looking for this and that for the house so I spend time hunting for furniture. We are 2 dining chairs from being finished.

I read more than I ever have and we watch way less TV. Sports for me and CNN and MSNBC for both of us. A few series when they are on; none are on now. Some Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime video.

We're looking for a cat rescue for volunteering. We had to put our two sweet cats to sleep last year and can't have pets where we are so hopefully we'll find a rescue where we can be around cats and help .

To the OP, I think you'll work it all out and love not having to be somewhere at 8:00am . You can plan your days like you want and do what you want. It may take some time to get there but you will. My two BF's retired too last year and they are working it out. I wish you the best and many happy retirement days.

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

I am busier now than I was when I worked fulltime and had a parttime job. I kept that parttime job for 2.5 years after retiring but became too busy with things I really enjoyed to stay.

I help take care of my 87 yr old dad and disabled sister, joined a prayer group, volunteer at a charity, lunch with friends, do lots of things with friends, joined a card group, visit grandkids, do yard work, walk the dog, collect clothing for DAV, help at church, went on a cruise, and more. I just ran into friends made in 1960 and have been able to get together with them a couple of times. I would have missed the opportunity if I was working.

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

From my own experience retirement is just my life going on. We don't have a bucket list, we don't live a lot differently but we do have more times to do errands, clean house, and not be so rushed all the time.

I think if you had a good balance of life before retirement--work and leisure, relaxation and keeping up with things both, retirement will be fine for you.

It's about managing time, getting work done, dealing with family issues and illness, taking time to do things you enjoy, etc. etc. If people don't manage their time and energy, they tend to flounder and be unhappy

If you have gigantic expectations of retirement, you may be disappointed because in the end, it's just you and life.

seaBreeze · ‎02-04-2014

Since you would have all of your "background checks" ... think about volunteering for hospice. I am assigned to nursing homes to 'read to', do crafts, vigils, and some times visit one's residence ... I'll stay with the patient until their caregiver run errands, etc. Believe me, all caregivers need a break~!

RetRN · ‎10-01-2013

I retired when I turned 62 and it was the best decision of my life. I love coming and going as I please and when I choose. I have no schedule and can be flexible. I enjoy going out for breakfast or lunch, but don't like going out after dark so seldom go out for dinner. I read, go to movies, visit with friends, have downsized and made many trips to Goodwill. I enjoy being at home so don't need to be out everyday. I walk when the weather is nice and will plant some flowers in the spring. I go on day trips with our Senior Center and attend church so I feel my life is full.

AuntG · ‎03-09-2010

If you are a "people person", start planning what you'll do to interact with other people. I'm content being home, but if week goes by and I haven't left the house, I start to climb the walls.