Is retirement boring?

PoGee

After counting years/ months down, I find myself thinking retirement will be boring - I get bored when it's a long weekend like this one (Scotland got an extra public holiday for the football). I've therefore decided to stay on for a year or so. After renovations to the house and travelling, what else do retirees do? I don't have grandkids yet. I might take the partial retirement option.

silverwhistle

No, it's not.

Marcon

Retirement is whatever you make of it

kity_kitty388

The weekend boredom hits because it lacks structure. In retirement, you aren't just resting from work; you are creating a new lifestyle. Beyond travel, look into structured learning (like local classes) or regular volunteering. Partial retirement is a great way to test the waters!

Woodstok2000

Get a low pressure part time job, volunteer somewhere, spend more time on existing hobbies or pick up some new ones?

A semi-retired guy near me drives a bin lorry 4 days a week. Starts at 6am, finished by 11am, on the golf course by 1130am every day. Volunteers in the local library and charity shop, now has a mega train set in his garage....living the dream!

MallyGirl

it depends on what interests you. In my first year of freedom, and with my husband yet to retire, I have done a lot more exercise, trying various classes to see what I like. I have a garden that needs a fair amount of input which I enjoy. We have started learning bridge and I have been reawakening my schoolgirl French. I have been able to spend time with our old dog in his final months. I have been able to visit both parents a few times which would not have been possible with work holiday quota. I have got the art of sourdough bread sussed.

I am not bored in the slightest but maybe you would be by my chosen activities.

Yorkie1

I have read on here that you don't just retire "from" something, but it can also be important to retire "to" something. Others happily take their time without any thoughts of structure until they reach their retirement date.

LightFlare

Nope - its not boring

13 months in and never felt better mentally and physically

No trying to cram things into what little spare time you have and if you cant be bothered to do something today- there's always tomorrow - or the day after

Ive never been a late riser (7:30am is a luxury) but I never realised how much nicer it is not having to start your day with an alarm at a set time

I guess it all depends on you, your personality, your lifestyle etc etc

I get why some people carry on working untill they drop and I get why some people have the need to have some structure or work to do after

Thankfully - I'm neither and having a great time just doing what I want, when I want

PoGee

Thanks for replies. I've always wanted to visit Russia and float on the Dead Sea but with politics the way they are, doubt that'll be possible. I've got finances sorted so there's nothing to stop me from retiring other than cold feet.

Vitor

Volunteering at local clubs, they always want committee members, U3A events and meetings, lifelong learning, pursuing hobbies, outings (less busy on weekdays) and some days just relaxing and pottering.

NormalNorman

As retirement from the main role is in in two and a bit years to get into the mindset/prepare for semi retirement from 60 I've been volunteering, looking after a right of way, and also a 10hr a week PT role to continue until 67. The PT role is currently 100% pensioned but when the day comes it will be a useful supplement to income and something to do for all the usual reasons. Also looking forward to spending more time with my passions as well as the usual travel etc.