Early-retirement wannabe

cathybird

gfplux wrote: »

theoldgreychap wrote: »

Mrs Grey Chap firmly believes I will struggle to fill my time once I retire but I am not so sure..

You are right, she is wrong. Based on my own experience and observations of others!

cathybird

I should clarify re my own experience: I was made redundant in mid-2007 and wasn't gainfully employed again until early 2008. Never once got bored and there was always plenty to do. I don't believe retirement will be different - I have several projects I long to give more time to.

Has everyone on this thread read the early retirement blogs written by The Escape Artist, Mr Money Mustache and LivingAFI? ... All retired young, Mr Money Mustache at about 30, if memory serves. I have found them all useful in their different ways.

Galleygirl seems to be having a blast, as well.

One person who does look at the negatives, at least as he sees them, is sex health money death.

itm2

cathybird wrote: »

gfplux wrote: »

You are right, she is wrong. Based on my own experience and observations of others!

I agree. I've found retirement to be like one very long weekend. If you get bored at weekends then maybe you will in retirement, but I suspect that's not something that applies to too many people!

atush

cathybird wrote: »

I should clarify re my own experience: I was made redundant in mid-2007 and wasn't gainfully employed again until early 2008. Never once got bored and there was always plenty to do. I don't believe retirement will be different - I have several projects I long to give more time to.

Has everyone on this thread read the early retirement blogs written by The Escape Artist, Mr Money Mustache and LivingAFI? ... All retired young, Mr Money Mustache at about 30, if memory serves. I have found them all useful in their different ways.

Galleygirl seems to be having a blast, as well.

One person who does look at the negatives, at least as he sees them, is sex health money death.

But Cathy, you are not a grumpy old git either?

I could fill my days twice over now I am not working. Or happily do nothing. All w/o bothering my OH criticizing him doing what he is doing. Which He does now to me on his days off lol.

Some people will have trouble in transition. I am glad you didnt.

chucknorris

I find work really gets in the way of doing things, since I went back to work after taking very early retirement (16 years ago at 42) I had to drop cycling and swimming from my fitness regime, and also indoor bowls as a past time. Plus I really struggle to get enough decent hikes in as often as I (and my dog) would like.

Marine_life

On the subject of things to do in retirement, I think it very much depends on two things:

1. Whether you have a very strong passion that you've been unable to dedicate enough time to in your work years.
2. Your network - meaning family and friends you are with on a regular basis.
3. Extent of change from working to retired.

The weight of those will vary from person to person.

For me point 3. is really the biggie - I spend about 60% of my time at the moment on the road so to be at home full time will be a massive change of pace and I have no doubt that there is a risk of boredom.

cathybird

atush wrote: »

But Cathy, you are not a grumpy old git either?

I could fill my days twice over now I am not working. Or happily do nothing. All w/o bothering my OH criticizing him doing what he is doing. Which He does now to me on his days off lol.

Some people will have trouble in transition. I am glad you didnt.

Well, I could probably be a grumpy old git if I tried, ha ha I do get where you're coming from, atush, and I'm absolutely sure you are right that there are people who do find the transition hard. I suppose most of the bloggers I read who are aiming for or who have already reached early retirement are highly motivated to do so and really want the freedom to do whatever they want with their time - they have got the drive to pursue lots of interesting projects and aren't or weren't that attached to their jobs in the first place. So for them retirement is generally brilliant.

I forgot to mention Go Curry Cracker - a blog by a couple who retired in their 30s and are now travelling the world. Also Financial Samurai, if he hasn't been mentioned on this thread already? ...

cathybird

Marine_life wrote: »

On the subject of things to do in retirement, I think it very much depends on two things:

1. Whether you have a very strong passion that you've been unable to dedicate enough time to in your work years.
2. Your network - meaning family and friends you are with on a regular basis.
3. Extent of change from working to retired.

The weight of those will vary from person to person.

For me point 3. is really the biggie - I spend about 60% of my time at the moment on the road so to be at home full time will be a massive change of pace and I have no doubt that there is a risk of boredom.

Marine_life, will you have to spend all your time at home though? ... As people on this thread have said, it's a lot easier to travel once you have the flexibility to take off at any time and as a result can snare the bargains.

gallygirl

melanzana wrote: »

Honestly Ryanair and other companies are on speed dial for us now! A bargain pops up and we take it!

Check them out Friday then - they are promising great deals as long as we vote to REMAIN :T. Ryanair, taking you to places you didn't know existed :rotfl:.

melanzana wrote: »

And just LOVE Sunday nights now. Remember them? For those who worked Mon-Fri? Yup.

I've been retired for 15 months, Mr GG for two years. We still get a thrill on Sunday nights realising there is no work tomorrow :T.

cathybird wrote: »

Galleygirl seems to be having a blast, as well.

Yup, having a blast sums it up . I don't have any time-consuming hobbies but still have no time :rotfl:. What is more surprising is how Mr GG has taken to retirement. He loved his job and it was all-consuming but he loves retirement even more. He's off to golf today - again .

atush

I am praying he takes up Golf again, he has stopped playing as he is too busy (even stopped his membership).