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

Farway

chickmug wrote: »

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.

Do follow up on U3A if one in your area, U3A BTW is University of 3rd Age, but it is peer to peer learning, no degrees or pressure, so if you fancy line dancing, there may be group teaching it, or walking, visits, gardens, learn French, drama? The list is endless and all it needs is a few like minded individuals to set up a group

I am in the photography group, lead by a an ex photography tutor from local university, but loads of help, advice and just friendliness

http://www.waterloovilleu3a.hampshire.org.uk/

chickmug

Just to say thanks for all the replies - I am grateful. And my update.

I guess one of my pastimes is being addicted to this forum. Being an ex agent I tend to offer my 'tuppence' worth on the housebuying, renting forum but have found the need to very thick skinned with soem of the abuse the agenst get on there. I always report it and it is always removed very quickly.

Luckily, even though I retired early, I am OK financially as I have always put money into pensions and other property. Funnily though I must say it will NOT be spending a few bob that will give me much satisfaction but doing something worthwhile that will.

I am not sure about learning as I would need to finite reason without which I would not have the motivation - sorry but that is me.

I am awaiting a brand new camera so will look at that side with a group/club.

The one area that I will make enquiries on is CAB volunteering.

Again thanks all but do keep posting.

chickmug

I wonder if I can ask for help from those who do work for the CAB?

I hear there is a training course but how long is it and does it involve full days. Also the time slots involved in, doing the work eventually, are they full days or part days.

The reason for me asking is that I did retire due to poor health and am only able to work fairly efficiently in the mornings.

EdInvestor

chickmug wrote: »

The one area that I will make enquiries on is CAB volunteering.

It may also be worth looking at volunteering at Help the Aged/Age Concern (now merged).A bit less debt and benefit focussed, and boy is there a need for people who can wrap their brains around the intricacies of who pays for long term care and how to avoid getting ripped off.

chickmug

EdInvestor wrote: »

It may also be worth looking at volunteering at Help the Aged/Age Concern (now merged).A bit less debt and benefit focussed, and boy is there a need for people who can wrap their brains around the intricacies of who pays for long term care and how to avoid getting ripped off.

Yes a good thought as I have noticed my brain has slowed down but I feel because of not being taxed enough.

pandora205

Why not do a part time painting course (of the art and design variety rather than home decorating!) then you could do something with those canvasses? I did an evening class in watercolour painting a few years ago and there were several people there who usually attended the day courses and who had developed quite a social life around the group.

chickmug

pandora205 wrote: »

Why not do a part time painting course (of the art and design variety rather than home decorating!) then you could do something with those canvasses? I did an evening class in watercolour painting a few years ago and there were several people there who usually attended the day courses and who had developed quite a social life around the group.

Mmmmm!

Maybe but I may start with the abstract art;)

Newly_retired

"I wonder if I can ask for help from those who do work for the CAB?

I hear there is a training course but how long is it and does it involve full days. Also the time slots involved in, doing the work eventually, are they full days or part days.

The reason for me asking is that I did retire due to poor health and am only able to work fairly efficiently in the mornings.[/QUOTE]

Re CAB training, I can only speak from my experience and it may be different elsewhere. I went to a recruitment meeting where they explained what it was all about and how the training would work and what the expectations would be. This much we knew before actually applying.
8 of us were selected and we met up weekly with our Guidance Tutor for in-house training, approx 5-6 hrs every Wednesday. There was some homework to do - self study packs to read and fill in then discuss together, later e-learning i.e. on the internet. We also observed experienced advisors on a second day a week of our choice, so two part days a week. This is our norm, whether it is training or advising, two days a week are expected, but rarely full days, often 10 - 3pm. sometimes more, occasionally less. We also go on day courses, again 10 - 4 or earlier if we shortened the lunch break. We did a 4 day basic course over 4 weeks, every Friday, plus several single days later on. Once the basic training is complete we can choose our days to work, and can change them if need be, though obviously one ought not to mess people about. You learn most by actually advising, under guidance of course. You don't have to learn anything or pass exams, as all information has to be checked on our systems and the advice checked with the session supervisor. Obviously the more you know, the easier the job gets, but NB a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing, as everyone's circumstances are different.
How long is the training? - about a year, but that includes learning on the job, which you never stop doing.
However, in other bureaux it may be different. In some places people learn by themselves, not in a group, but I liked the group aspect. Hopefully an initial meeting or a recruitment presentation should help you decide if CAB is for you. Hope this helps.

lilac_lady

I think there must be something wrong with me because I looked forward to retiring at 60. I did so and I love not working. (although I watch my DGS one day per week and volunteer at a hospital for an afternoon per week). The rest of the time is MINE!!!!

Newly_retired

I love not working too, lilac_lady! I didn't think I would as I loved my job but I am glad to not have the daily commitment, the responsibilities, the pressures, the aggro. At first I missed the routine, but my week now has enough structure for me yet enough flexibility too. I did miss colleagues and the daily contact with a group of people to talk to, but have now replaced that with several weekly groups of people.
What is great about voluntary work is being thanked for turning up. Everything you do is appreciated and even if you get it wrong, everyone is supportive.