Bold leap into retirement

barnstar2077

pterri said:

MetaPhysical said:

I am starting to write down a plan of what I am going to do after I retire in January.  My last day is New Year's Eve!  I am retiring because I just can't face the world of sales and work and the constant stress and hustle any longer at 58 and constantly reinventing myself and being in hock to an ever changing agenda and priorities.  I have many hobbies and interests, some with others and some on my own, but I have no doubt that at times I might get a bit bored, especially in winter.  Maybe retiring in winter is not the best of times but I just cannot stand it another month even.   I may also do some charitable work for the Canal Trust and some other things.  How long this "plan" survives reality will remain to be seen but I know I need to get out there a bit more once the social aspect of work has gone.  I'm a very sociable and happy person but sometimes like time by myself too.

Speaking to other retired people, I have come to realise that I have to get out of the mindset that watching a TV series or a boxed set, or tinkering around with my guitar, bike or piano in the daytime is "wasting time" and that if that's what I want to do on a particular day then that's fine.   We've got plenty of time when retired!  That mindset is a hangover from the world of work where I wouldn't think of "wasting" a Saturday or Sunday doing that but when retired it's different.  Ever since five years old, maybe earlier in some cases, your day is run to a calendar set by others. all through school and the world of work.  For 54 years I have been subject to that calendar.  From January I wont be.  Yeah, it scares me a bit if I am honest.  I'm going to cycle with others more and go walking in the dales more with others and find some groups.

Very much this, I’ve been retired since April. I quite often get up at 7:30, have a leisurely breakfast then cycle to my fav cafe in Victoria park from south London via the Woolwich ferry. It’s quite peaceful bobing across the Thames. Then cycle back home via Tower Bridge. A bit of reading then it’s t9me for dinner. Not wasted at all.

 Friend visited Vietnam this year, looked good so just booked flights and hotels for two weeks in January. Fly into Hanoi, then to Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh then home. I shall mainly be eating. 

You are living the dream my friend, savour every moment!

kipsterno1

One of my plans for retirement was to catch up on all the films I had missed out on. Working shifts and then having family responsibility I just didn't have time to go to the cinema so made the decision that I wouldn't watch any films but save them for retirement. Well I retired in May 2017 and to date have watch four films, three of which I had previously seen. I just don't have the time.

katejo

I have only reduced to working 3 days a week so far but, on my free days, still feel that I must use them purposefully. Daytime TV /film watching still makes me feel guilty that I am time wasting. 

cfw1994

pterri said:

MetaPhysical said:

I am starting to write down a plan of what I am going to do after I retire in January.  My last day is New Year's Eve!  I am retiring because I just can't face the world of sales and work and the constant stress and hustle any longer at 58 and constantly reinventing myself and being in hock to an ever changing agenda and priorities.  I have many hobbies and interests, some with others and some on my own, but I have no doubt that at times I might get a bit bored, especially in winter.  Maybe retiring in winter is not the best of times but I just cannot stand it another month even.   I may also do some charitable work for the Canal Trust and some other things.  How long this "plan" survives reality will remain to be seen but I know I need to get out there a bit more once the social aspect of work has gone.  I'm a very sociable and happy person but sometimes like time by myself too.

Speaking to other retired people, I have come to realise that I have to get out of the mindset that watching a TV series or a boxed set, or tinkering around with my guitar, bike or piano in the daytime is "wasting time" and that if that's what I want to do on a particular day then that's fine.   We've got plenty of time when retired!  That mindset is a hangover from the world of work where I wouldn't think of "wasting" a Saturday or Sunday doing that but when retired it's different.  Ever since five years old, maybe earlier in some cases, your day is run to a calendar set by others. all through school and the world of work.  For 54 years I have been subject to that calendar.  From January I wont be.  Yeah, it scares me a bit if I am honest.  I'm going to cycle with others more and go walking in the dales more with others and find some groups.

…also, more midweek cycling. Mind you I’m a bit of a fair weather cyclist so will pick and choose over the winter. 

Also a bit of a fair weather cyclist nowadays 👀

Force myself out yesterday, managed 32 miles under threatening skies, but realised I was a layer short - a bit chilly 😱
Have a couple of pals who like a ride, but I kind of want to pick the dry, warm days rather than have a regular weekly day.  Sometimes get them out, which is always nice, but yesterday was a solo pedal.

kipsterno1 said:

One of my plans for retirement was to catch up on all the films I had missed out on. Working shifts and then having family responsibility I just didn't have time to go to the cinema so made the decision that I wouldn't watch any films but save them for retirement. Well I retired in May 2017 and to date have watch four films, three of which I had previously seen. I just don't have the time.

A very decent plan, especially for darker winter months 💪  
I do, however, have something of an aversion to cinemas - they always seem to have a bright light shining down on me, or noisy eaters/whisperers nearby - but we enjoy films at home.  & books: I need to “waste” more time reading books!