Having a hard time adjusting to retirement - Page 2

Somertime · ‎09-18-2010

I LOVE the freedom retirement gives me. I no longer have to have a rigid schedule in order to get everything done because I work 5 days a week and have limited time.

I can do my laundry whenever I feel like doing it, same with house cleaning....instead of doing it all in one day on a weekend..........I can do a room a day at my leisure. The same with grocery shopping, no longer need to crowd it into a weekend. If I feel like having my main meal at 1:00 pm, I can and take my time and enjoy what I am preparing.

The freedom of time as well as the freedom of choice has been a gift I am delighted with! I realized that "keeping" busy was a fallacy..............I had no choice between cooking, cleaning, laundry, working, etc. I had to fit all of it i either at night or the two days..Saturday or Sunday, that I had off.

I love my retirement, I have no trouble enjoying my days even if I chose to do absolutely nothing,

vermint · ‎04-05-2010

@Travone wrote:
I am recently retired and have no regrets or adjustment issues. But, I encourage everyone who is planning on retiring to have a plan. You must know how you are going to fill your time. I planned my retirement for several years.

I have a friend who retired at 60 with no plan. 5 years later she sleeps until noon and then watches television until 3 or 4 in the morning. She's not happy but she won't make changes. She isn't living her retirement she is existing...... She is too young for this. Have a plan that works for you.
Sorry, I can't get rid of the numbers.

@Travone I have a sister-in-law who hasn't worked for many years, and she constantly complains that she sits at home doing the same old things...but she won't get out and try any new activities. She's not agoraphobic, she doesn't have mobility issues and she still drives. She likes being around people, and she lives in an area with a lot to offer, so I don't know what her problem is.

OKPrincess · ‎03-10-2013

DH and I retired on the same day in 2016. We just turned 62. We had to pay our own insurance until Medicare age.

We now take bus trips at least twice a year, do odd jobs around the house and eat out whenever we want.

We haven't looked back or regretted our decision to retire.

Consider volunteering at hospitals, senior centers, or animal rescues that have their own thrift store.

Good luck in your retirement @gellen

Meowingkitty · ‎06-19-2010

I was laid off at 58 and we decided I didn't need to return to the workforce. Happy has a lark from the day they told me I was getting laid off. There is nothing to miss in corporate America. I have things to do or if I choose to do nothing, that's ok too. My husband retired 18 months ago and he doesn't miss it either. He goes hiking, reads, does things around the house. Couldn't pay me enough to go back to work (unless there were kitties involved).

smoochy · ‎03-10-2010

I was thrilled beyond measure from the first day of retirement. My career of 46 years was one I never enjoyed, had felt pressured to select it. High pay and High stress, weekends and holidays. DH and I retired in the summer of 2018 and moved to Florida. He has worked at a part-time job that he enjoys, for five years. My time is occupied with volunteer activities, church groups, get-togethers with friends, reading, TV, shopping, medical appts etc. We eat out once a week. I LOVE not being obligated to a job. We are very fortunate to have sufficient income for a modest lifestyle.

MICHIGAN STATE MOM

CANDLEQUEEN · ‎03-09-2010

I hope to be able to retire at the end of this year. I am looking forward to it as I am 66 and ready! I will miss all my friends and the socialization here at work, where I have been for 38 years, but my husband retired last year and loves it and I am ready to join him!

I plan to join our local Y and go at least 3 times a week, we are very active in our church and will be there at least once or twice a week doing various things.

I plan to get together with my retired friends at least once a month for lunch as well as my Book Club, which we will probably change from Saturdays to a weekday once I retire!

We plan to be able to visit with our grandkids more often as well-they live about 2 hours from us. We also travel with our church on road trips, so we have that as well.

I am looking forward to it, but also a little nervous after working for so long! Try to plan some activities and like others have said Don't be afraid to try something new- have fun and you may meet new people along the way..

brandiwine · ‎03-11-2010

I retired at 55. Was worried about staying busy. Now I wonder how on earth I had tome to work. Some days I'd just like to stay home, but there's so many things to do and I love having lunch with friends. Enjoy this special time. Volunteer, find a group exercise class or start a walking group. Read, craft, whatever. Try new things.

KCDiva · ‎03-09-2010

I retired on a Friday, 3 years ago, and I felt a little nervous about not having a job. I'd always had one. I was 63. When Sunday night came and I knew I didn't have to get up and go to work I was elated. It's been fine since. I live alone and I really like being alone so it wasn't a problem for me. You'll adjust. Think about what you like to do. You will settle in and find your groove. Good luck!

smoochy · ‎03-10-2010

and let me just say...to the OP... don't be intimidated by media's portrayal of all retired ppl as good looking and wealthy. The commercials for financial advisors always show beautiful couples in their forties or fifties, planning their expensive dream trips, their affluent lifestyles. in reality I think most retirees live very modestly and have to be careful with limited incomes. I tell ppl that just because DH and I retired to Florida, doesn't put us in the wealth management crowd. We live thirty-eight miles inland because we can't afford to live on the coast. And you know what? We are happy with our decision. My point is, your retirement is on your terms, according to your income and preferences. Don't let others' fancy lifestyles diminish your enjoyment.

MICHIGAN STATE MOM

Seminole2 · ‎01-16-2020

@gellen I am reaching that magical fuill retirement age in August. I still work and the thought of not working is daunting to me. However, I do live in a very very active area and hoping that all of those activities that I cannot do because I work I will find some that will take up my time during the day. I am also looking at some volunteer work for a local Title 1 school that needs some help. Like others have said we are the generation that is used to working and some of us enjoy working. My DH has been retired for a while and I am hoping that we can take some road trips as well. Good luck and I am hoping you find your niche and able to enjoy.