How to fill your time when retired

drummersdale

I suppose I’m in the same camp as @[Deleted User] and @Sea_Shell - I am looking to go down to 2.5 days later in the year and am constantly asked what I will be doing with my time - and I get blank stares when I say nothing - like others I’ve worked since I left school so that’s almost 44 years constantly.  I am sure I will find plenty to do sorting out jobs in the house, painting & decorating etc in the short term - and it will be nice to have the time to devote to them for a change. As for the longer term I might end up doing some volunteering but don’t want to feel shamed into doing it as if it’s an expectation. I suppose we are all different!

maggiesoup

Thanks everyone. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to reply.
So 3 days into my "retirement" and I've got a list as long as your arm.  Out of the blue, been asked if I'd like to come back to old employer for 1 day a week.  Delighted! but it's in a department I've never done before so a whole new IT system to learn. If they are willing to teach an old dog new tricks then why not!  If nothing else, it gives my week a bit of structure and it will keep my brain challenged. However, 4 days of freedom also sounds very nice  

luvchocolate

I went from full time to 3 days for 2 years. I'm now 70 and still work on a casual basis to help with sickness and holidays....approx 4 half days a month. 
It's perfect for me .

otb666

You have to be careful when people ask what you are doing as they may wanna favour.  I have been caught out several times One involved a 80 mile roadtrip just to be in for a delivery of £10 item.  I am another who prefers nothing on agenda unless I get asked of course Then I am chocca blocca with activities.  I like spending time with my tortoise in the garden.

missile

otb666 said:

  I like spending time with my tortoise in the garden.

That is a good plan :-)

Sea_Shell

otb666 said:

You have to be careful when people ask what you are doing as they may wanna favour.  I have been caught out several times One involved a 80 mile roadtrip just to be in for a delivery of £10 item.  I am another who prefers nothing on agenda unless I get asked of course Then I am chocca blocca with activities.  I like spending time with my tortoise in the garden.

This, with knobs on!!!!     Unless your happy to be at everyone's beck and call.   

Dizee123

I am usually quite happy to do the odd favour for other people, but when I initially retired my family seemed to think that I was at their beck and call 24/7 and would be happy to do all the rubbish jobs that they didn't want to do themselves!

I soon learned to get a balance between things I love doing (tennis, walking and gardening) and helping out with grandchildren (now one day a week) and doing some of their admin for them.  For example, I still sort out younger son's prescriptions and pick up his meds etc. as it gives me peace of mind that it is being done.

I have also learned that it is quite alright to say no . 

Sea_Shell

Just don't tell anyone!!!! 😉😎

Dizee123 said:

I am usually quite happy to do the odd favour for other people, but when I initially retired my family seemed to think that I was at their beck and call 24/7 and would be happy to do all the rubbish jobs that they didn't want to do themselves!

I soon learned to get a balance between things I love doing (tennis, walking and gardening) and helping out with grandchildren (now one day a week) and doing some of their admin for them.  For example, I still sort out younger son's prescriptions and pick up his meds etc. as it gives me peace of mind that it is being done.

I have also learned that it is quite alright to say no . 

Murphybear

Thrugelmir said:

Volunteer with the National Trust? 

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/find-an-opportunity

Somebody told me just today that the volunteers won’t be allowed to stand up in the rooms they are in.  The reason given was Covid as every time they sit then stand up the seats would have to be disinfected.  I find it hard to believe you can get Covid that way. 

The majority of their volunteers are retired and standing up most of the day will be difficult.  The  NT have not thought of that, I think they will lose a lot of their volunteers 

Murphybear

Katiehound said:

No music on  your list!

I was going to suggest to join:

• a choir or choral society
• play an instrument- ukulele is popular (and easy)- probably a local group/class
• folk club or jazz club
• a musical appreciation society

go to concerts/ opera

If there is a catering college   there may be cheap dining options.
 I remember years ago friends used to have meals out when students had to work 'front of house' etc as part of the course- oh and scrumptious food!

When we lived in Devon there was a college that had a beauty salon and you could your hair done plus very cheap manicures and pedicures.  Followed by a trip to the restaurant.  We ate there a few times with our U3A group and the food was lovely, especially at Christmas.

Unfortunately, when the college where we live now reopened after the Covid lockdowns they stopped taking members of the public, just take their own students.

Weve noticed that since covid the price of getting your hair, fingers and toes pampered has skyrocketed in some places