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

chickmug

Newly_retired wrote: »

"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.

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.[/QUOTE]

Thanks you so much for taking the time to give a very full answer. I am most grateful.

pollypenny

U3A costs very little. Basically, we share the cost of room hire ( if needed) so that's £1 for social history, poetry and playreading. For bowls we pay £1.25 for the green and coffee. Some groups run in people's home, so we pay 25p for the coffee, on principle and we get the Welsh room free.

There's also the tradition of lift sharing with paying per mile, so that no one is embarrassed.

KMK

I have been retired almost 4 years and still absolutely love it! It has lost none of its savour; leisurely breakfasts, reading the morning paper in the morning instead of late at night, shopping when it is quiet, walking on deserted beaches, lunching with friends, holidaying when everyone else is at work.What is there not to like?

I am also a Magistrate which is very interesting voluntary work, a room steward in a local National Trust property and I go to a weekly literature class. So, for me, a good mix of activity and leisure. The freedom of retirement is wonderful. I just love it!

My husband has been retired only a few months but, like me, he too really enjoys all the freedom it brings. He is active as an umpire, goes regularly to the gym and plays golf. We feel really fortunate to have such opportunities after quite stressful careers in teaching. Can't recommend it enough!

gwen80

Hello

My Mum is retiring shortly. She's worked very hard during her life, working and bringing up me and my brother on her own. I want her to enjoy a long and happy retirement. She has a lot of energy and I'd like it to stay that way. She's a bit concerned about what she will do to fill the days once she is no longer working. I've suggested various things, such as walking, dancing classes, but I thought I would see if there were any new ideas on here. She particularly needs company living on her own and I live away.

Thanks in advance and apologies if there is already a thread about this that I haven't seen.

Gwenx

moonpenny

Is she "arty / crafty" in any way? If so, look on the Special Occasions & Celebrations thread - I'm sure she will find something to inspire her.

Or, what about volunteering for something! Could be Charity shops, hospital work, admin, more or less anything.

retiredlady

I think your Mom will find that after a couple of months she will wonder how she ever found time to go to work! I retired a couple of years ago and I still wake up every morning thinking how lucky I am to have the time to do what ever I want. I have piles of books I have been waiting to read for years - and still can't find time to read them.

If she likes animals I would recommend getting a dog - I have made so many new friends since I got my Charlie (see icon). And new friends means new things to do. He really has made a huge difference to our family!

Farway

One hobby to keep the brain going, and meet new people, is genealogy

She will probaly find a local group, I know my local Age Concern runs one [as I organise it], as do the U3A, but many libraries and local groups exist, just look in Google under family history plus location

pollypenny

Tell her to look up her local U3A (University of the Third Age). It's far from all intellectual stuff. In Flintshire we have active groups, like bowls and table tennis, crafty things like quilting and card making, walking groups, book groups and a play-reading and poetry group. There are too many groups to mention, in fact.

Newly_retired

If she misses the day-to-day company of work colleagues she might like to consider volunteering eg for a charity shop, or hearing children read in school, helping with lunches at a club for older people, training to be a Citiziens' Advice bureau worker, helping with a church group.......
Join a group to pursue an interest eg gardening, singing, painting, dancing. This will lead to new friends, socialising etc as well as the main interest.

missychrissy

I just can't wait for retirement so that I've got time to do all the things I enjoy doing. I struggle to fit every thing in.

I grow veg but would like to be totally self sufficient in this area - only have a small garden but think it's achievable.

I make my own wine and I love experimenting with all sorts of ingredients - should have strained 3 gallons of rice and raisin into a fermenter yesterday but I'm a night nurse and not off til tonight.

I have books I want to read stockpiled and dvds I havn't had time to watch.

I enjoy the gym, am a black belt in Taekwondo (didn't start til I was 50), walking my dog, running 10ks for charity and babysitting my grandsons.

I like to write - havn't had anything published yet - need the time to buckle down to it.

Retirement cannot come soon enough for me.