Retiring is a real shock so what do you do in retirement

chickmug

I was running my own business, with my wife, for many years but ill health meant my having to sell the business and retire early in my late 50's. Having enjoyed many many months of having no pressure and getting out and about, and getting the house fully redecorated we are now finding the boredem creeping in - slowly but very surely.

Well meaning friends have made a number of suggestions, voluntary work (know some folks who work full time doing voluntary work and get very stressed about it), start another less demanding small busuiness (is any business less demanding), more travel (no energy), take up a hobby (I guess work has monopolised my life so hobbies were few and afr between), get a part time job (me work for anyone - I would want to run the show)

So I am interested in finding out others experiences and how they went through this phase of life which is looked forward to but also has its stresses? Or does the brain eventually settle down into this much quieter but, to me, possibly best described as a boring phase.

Any ideas most welcome

McKneff

It'll be interesting to see any answers also. I retire in October (maybe) and the thought of not having the discipline each day to get up, go to work etc. horrifies me especially as i have been at my present job 23 years.
Apart from sleeping i spend more time with my work colleagues than i do with my other half.

molly_mandy_2

If you're active and like animals - take a trip to your local rescue and volunteer to walk one of their many small dogs.

It will keep you fit, no stress, do it as and when it fits around your life and walking a dog leads to anyone and everyone stopping and chatting (or it does where I live!). This will lead to new friends and who knows what paths that could lead to.

Of course, you must like dogs lol

chickmug

molly_mandy wrote: »

If you're active and like animals - take a trip to your local rescue and volunteer to walk one of their many small dogs.

It will keep you fit, no stress, do it as and when it fits around your life and walking a dog leads to anyone and everyone stopping and chatting (or it does where I live!). This will lead to new friends and who knows what paths that could lead to.

Of course, you must like dogs lol

When I go for a walk anywhere I always manage to stop and chat to anyone who happnes to be around. Because of my health though walking is something I can struggle with unless I am having a good day.

chesky369

I'd been with the same employer for thirty years and had mixed feelings about retiring 18 months ago. So I immediately volunteered with my local Citizens' Advice Bureau - I'd thought perhaps as an administrator. But, no, wasn't allowed to get away with that and was told I'd be better as an adviser. I can highly recommend it - you meet great people as colleagues, you feel you're doing some good, your brain is active. All volunteers put in two days a week, which stops it from being too stressful and the really good thing is that your fellow volunteers enjoy a good laugh and enjoy what they do.

seven-day-weekend

I would agree - voluntary work in something that interests you - it doesn't have to be full time.

When we are back in the UK for our stint at six months UK- six months Spain,which we hope to do in 2010, I will do more work for the church. Before we left for Spain, even when I was working, I was first of all the Treasurer (for four years) and then Registrar for our church. I am particularly interested in working for Christians Against Poverty - I'd like to be the one who assists people to fill in Benefits forms (having successfully helped my son's girlfriend fill in her DLA form on the phone!).

If you fancy paid work, both Asda and B&Q actively welcome older employees and you can only do afew hours if you wish. This is something else I am interested in.

Farway

Although OP says no hobbies, why not start one? Any remote interests such as photography, genealogy, gardening, painting etc? If so have a check for a local U3A group to get you going

Barneysmom

Why not do a study in something you're interested in, college or OU?

chickmug

chesky369 wrote: »

I'd been with the same employer for thirty years and had mixed feelings about retiring 18 months ago. So I immediately volunteered with my local Citizens' Advice Bureau - I'd thought perhaps as an administrator. But, no, wasn't allowed to get away with that and was told I'd be better as an adviser. I can highly recommend it - you meet great people as colleagues, you feel you're doing some good, your brain is active. All volunteers put in two days a week, which stops it from being too stressful and the really good thing is that your fellow volunteers enjoy a good laugh and enjoy what they do.

Interesting as they approached me, a couple of years ago, through someone I knew who worked for them. The reason for me is being in property and in more recent years as an agent they said they had a lot of Estate Agent type of dispute problems.

It is one for the shortlist but I worry if I take anything on I would only do so if I gave it the best of my ability. I guess I need to call them??

chickmug

Farway wrote: »

Although OP says no hobbies, why not start one? Any remote interests such as photography, genealogy, gardening, painting etc? If so have a check for a local U3A group to get you going

I have just ordered a new camera as I always enjoyed taking good photos, in my career, something which many estate agents don't seem to bother with too much. So one new hobby slotted in?

I have also bought some blank canvesses several months ago and keep threatening to do my own paintings - they will be abstracts though.

I will Google for U3A Group as I have never heard of that term.

chickmug

Barneysmom wrote: »

Why not do a study in something you're interested in, college or OU?

At my age I don't really feel it is worth it as there is no ultimate aim for/from it. Best leave the studying for those who want to do some to advance their life forward.

But thanks for the thought:beer: