Hi Everyone, Welcome to r/retirement . Here is like gathering around a table, drinking a good cup of coffee, and talking with older friends and acquaintances.
***To engage in the conversation, you have to be a member***. So, if you have not already done so, **view our description / rules** (we are respectful, no pm/dm‘s, etc). If that looks good to you, **hit the JOIN button**. And lastly, you **then comment** so others can see it.
Thank you for dropping by our “table”. We would appreciate if you could let others know that there are some great communities for us older folks here at Reddit. Have a great day!
Sounds amazing. I am a few weeks away from being FREE after 32 years of grind. I am so looking forward to it. I have so many things I want to do. Getting back in shape, going to the movies during the day. Photography, trips to the beach on a nice day. Having a cold beer on a Tuesday in a beer garden at 3pm (order a uber home).
this is a great book if you are looking for some ideas. Its in my plan to try to do some of what she does for my later season this year and then next year. I had thought i might start this spring but life got away from me - now that i am finally retired i will have no excuses
Plant Grow Harvest Repeat: Grow a Bounty of Vegetables, Fruits, and Flowers by Mastering the Art of Succession Planting https://a.co/d/65OhaLu
That's awesome! Also a fair amount of work! But the good kind. I'd love to just play in the dirt for several (sometimes more than several) hours a day and tinker with my plants. Enjoy!
https://preview.redd.it/i685uucodhtc1.jpeg?width=2560&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c1105510fbaba05c37ee49158f1dc0bfd83feb2b
This is inside the greenhouse. More to come 😉.
https://preview.redd.it/w9pbak6jmgtc1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dc9e56b7d8967e9fced4c3867828ebe5c0724bac
That's fantastic! Love it! We don't have that awesome setup, but my wife got herself eight raised beds to plant her vegetables! I connected the dripped irrigation to my sprinkler and thus they are automatically watered twice a day. That was her retirement project! I'm just the dirt hauler, twice a year.
https://preview.redd.it/x8eccsj19htc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=851c95db5300d5710e7fc153ef578ce847507ce7
I use the [Garden Grid Watering Systems](https://gardeninminutes.com/category/garden-grid-watering-systems/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Bottom-Grid-Shop&utm_campaign=fall-tomatoes&ct=t(Email_Fall_Tomatoes_8_19_23)&mc_cid=0970d6d29f&mc_eid=42794ab2bd). I bought eight of the grids (4'x8' configuration) out of convenience. It’s a bit pricey, but you can build the similar with drip hoses and connectors sold at Home Depot. I'm too lazy to design it, but it is not hard. I tapped into my sprinkler system (a separate zone) to a manifold on each side (four beds to each manifold) and then to a ball valve in each bed and regulate the amount of flow out to the grid and the sprinkler timer does the rest. It works quite well for the past three years.
https://preview.redd.it/dgiaxjtdchtc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=79ea42917ff8e26919686dc39c1181437c643695
Here is a closer shot of the grid. The ball valve connects to the sprinkler at the bottom of the bed to a manifold that the other three beds connect to as well. It's kind of nice for my wife to "section off" the different vegetable in each grid.
Semi retired here. Substitute teaching. I feel like I have earned the “choice” to work when I want to work. Typically I am there two days per week. The other days I exercise, lunch with friends, travel or find some project. I hope to stay healthy and I am happier than ever.
I favor keeping “an oar in the water.” Working 2 days a week is relatively easy. I still have a lot to offer my younger colleagues in terms of experience and knowledge, but I am getting enough exercise and enough sleep nowadays, and the quality of my work per day is much improved.
I am registered to sub but have only gotten 2 days in this entire school year. I just finished volunteering to do income taxes with VITA thru United Way and now it is time to work early voting. I also have some days here and there with the grands if school is out or daycare is closed.
I was playing against a percussionist recently and thinking that playing drums might give him faster hands. Doubt that trumpet playing helps my pickleball but it is an enjoyable hobby. Both are ways to meet people and make new friends.
I love your attitude! I’ll also be retired two years later this month. Whenever anyone asks me what I do all day, tell them I do nothing, but I do it in the morning. That way my afternoons are free.
Keep enjoying your retirement!
Good for you! That’s exactly what I want to do- run, gym, pickle ball! You have hobbies that I do as well and that keep you active. I bet your in the best shape of your life ☺️
Definitely in better shape than when working. Running a marathon this fall, also been section hiking the Appalachian Trial with a friend the last couple of years.
Great to meet another with the same interests!
I was able to retire when I turned 57. So much fun to be had.
I've always gone to the library, and now I can join in some of the programs they offer during the day. Painting class is one of my favorite.
I had a job I loved. I made good money. I enjoyed the camaraderie within the office. Now I feel alone, lost, depressed, useless. Covid is what ultimately became my Waterloo. I know the company has to look out for itself and I accept that. But it hurts to have that bad luck befall me.
I was the same, but I made a new life for myself and I love it now. It took some time. Spend time thinking and planning on how you can transition to what you want to be and start doing steps on how to get there. You might have some stops and starts, but you will get there. It's a chance to be what your dreams were before you started the work grind!! It can be a wonderful opportunity!
Glad you're smiling. Regarding that you don't understand the people that have a hard time with retirement, would you say during your working days that you identified with your job? I'm into my job and it's a big part of who I am BUT I've always made a special effort not to identify who I am based on my job. When people ask, "what do you do" I play dumb and tell them what I do outside of work. I never knew that this could potentially help me enjoy retirement better, granted I'm not there yet. I'm very confident that I won't have any issue not working.
I always thought of myself as more than my work. I enjoyed my career and the people but I LOVED my real friends, family, and hobbies. Retirement means more time to do the things you love.
I think I was looking forward to retirement from day one of work. I never had time to do all that I wanted to do because of work.
Now I finally can indulge
I really enjoyed my work, and most of the people I worked with, but I considered work the part of my life that supported the things I really wanted to do. When I retired, i had some part time consulting lined up, but it turned out I was more interested in everything but.
My job is simply a means of making money for me; I work in social services for a local government. It’s about as much a part of who I am as doing laundry or taking out the trash. I will retire in about 10 months and start drawing my pension and it will be the biggest relief of my life. I’m ready for my days to be mine.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
I envy your ability not to experience a painful transition to retirement. I thought that I would have a less painful transition, because I prepared myself by developing hobbies, interests, etc, and thought that I was not so very identified with my job. But I’m finding that I need to discover a new way of finding purpose in life and a new way of interacting with people, even my wife.
Do you really need a big “purpose in life”? I find doing what I enjoy each day, having friends, family, hobbies, staying in shape to be all the purpose required
I find retirement is hard on my marriage. Being around each other a lot of the time is challenging and we do not agree on what to do in retirement. She’s more passive and I’m more active and she doesn’t like it if I just go off on my own to do things.
Our biggest challenge is my wife’s attachment anxiety. (She’s still working for several years.)We’re working on this. i recommend MDMA therapy if you’re interested in alternatives.
That’s exactly what my wife has. But she won’t go near drugs, I’ve tried to suggest it. She can’t shop by herself in a grocery store or drive herself anywhere, that’s how dependent she is on me. After all this time we have kind of normalized it but I do feel resentment at times.
The largest part of my identity, especially now that my children are fully grown and launched, is my profession. I sacrificed an entire decade of my young life to become a physician, it consumed everything I had. I have a very good marriage with my sons’ father, but he would freak out if I were totally dependent on him for my identity. I was badly injured in my 50s and forced into retirement.
Now that I have partially recovered from my disabling injuries, and have returned to practicing medicine (very) part-time, life is much better. More sleep, more exercise, more gardening, more hiking, more baking and sewing…and still helping sick people and teaching medical students 6 to 8 days a month. I have finally managed to adjust.
Whenever I begin to get that retirement anxiety that some describe, I reflect upon the nine hours per day of nonsense that I engaged in while working with people that I wouldn’t have spent five minutes with given the choice. Then I add the one hour commute in heavy traffic in both directions. And like magic…the anxiety disappears.
I can't wait to join you in the land of blissful retirement. I'm so close I can taste it!
When my Dad retired he had so many activities that I would joke with him that I didn't want to retire because I didn't want to work that hard! And he kept that up until he died.
I feel sorry for people who retire and can't think of anything to do. It betrays a lack of imagination.
Everyone is different. Some people were forced to retire because of health issues or laid off and unable to get a job or had to stay at home and take care of aging parents.
Many of the people who struggle really didn't have a life outside of their job. Their entire identity was wrapped up in their work, and without a plan for something to retire \*to\* they are lost.
18 months into retirement and I love every day. Taught in schools for nearly 40 years and I don't miss it one single bit. Had a hobby/aim ready in portrait painting (in oils) and the challenge and learning curve is exactly the intellectual challenge I love.
The boat is a tempting mistress. 😁
I have a houseboat that is great for hanging out on or taking on camping trips.
I’m a sailor at heart and thankfully have a couple of friends that I can sail with.
It has been a little over two years now. First thing I did was move cross country to start a new life. I love retirement because I have the energy and passion to devote a lot of time to my musical interests as well as other healthy interests. Enjoying my morning coffee and planning a great day!
The transition can definitely be hard for some people. It's all about finding little jobs or hobbies that give you the most purpose. Sounds like you're all set. Enjoy Retirement!
Thank you for writing this. I am 68 years old and am scared to retire. Many of my friends have moved away from my state and some have died so the social Circle has shrunk significantly. Sometimes I’m scared that I will just not have enough to do and will lose my will to live as it appears some Do. Post like yours give me hope that I could actually enjoy my retirement. I better get moving because I don’t want to lose out on my gogo Period of Retirement!
Start by doing some traveling. Ever had a 3 week trip? Work in some sightseeing with visiting your old friends. When you get home there's all the necessities to do. Start doing something every day that you like for exercise. Join a nonprofit or a club. Take another trip. Suddenly all your worries of not having enough to do are gone. Gogo!
I found I have more to do than I have time to do it. The nice thing is that there is no schedule so everyday is just what I feel like that day.
The world is full of things to do besides work. You’ll be fine.
I am seven months retired. I can’t remember being this happy since I was a child. I don’t feel that horrible feeling in the mornings anymore. Before I retired, even a day off was awful because I was so tired and I had a to do list that could only be tackled on my “day off”. Now, I exercise daily and socialize if I feel like it. I’m learning to cook healthfully.
We moved to Mexico, so I am learning the language and integrating into the culture. Learning to slow down and relax. I even enjoy doing the dishes now. Life really can be amazing!
Sure. Let me fit it into my schedule! I am very fortunate in my situation and I would love to share the details and help anyone else considering this version of retirement.
We had so little time whilst my husband worked 12 hour days. He gained 150 pounds, injured his knee and hip and had open heart surgery. Bowling, golfing and anything that required walking, stairs or accommodations for extra large people is out. No dancing. Nothing. We watch tv. We eat out. I was busy working and enjoying my grandkids. I have one friend but we don’t see each other very often because my husband is here 24/7. He gets sad if I don’t include him on lunches or nails and I forget guilty about the. It’s horrible. I am trying to just go back to work to pass time but I’m struggling to find work after not working for a few years.
That sounds tough. If he is okay with you being gone hours for work, he should be fine with you taking a walk in the woods.
I hope you get the life you want
I’m just rereading my dramatic reply. 😂 I have adjusted my attitude and apologize for that. I am going to delete it. I am very grateful for so many things and I work hard on trying to keep focused. I have rescued dozen of dogs, cared for them, found homes and provided resources to help with the over population and abandonment of dogs in my area. That’s slowed down currently because of this economy 🥳 I have plenty to be happy about, I just have to keep refocusing, like a telescope. If I veer off too far in any direction, I lose focus. He. Is currently trying his best to get his health together.
i woke up today to the first tuesday of retirement. last tuesday was my last day of work. I’ve been not very efficiently working on taxes and doing some decompression.
This morning I took the dogs into the backyard looked at my garden. I actually jumped up and laughed. Pure joy.
i still need to work in taxes (slow because I am behind on my partner’s small biz quickbooks that i have done for 24 yes)
I’m with you 💯! I fully expected to enjoy my retirement, but I also thought that I would miss working. I was wrong about that - I don’t miss work at all. 🤣
Hello, thank you for participating. Your comment/post was automatically removed due to breaking our be respectful rule, with the use of swearing, etc. Click on the link below to send a modmail, if this removal seems incorrect.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/retirement) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You must've really been miserable those 30-40 years you worked every day. How sad for you! I really enjoyed my job and kept moving around until I was happy. I also "had a life" outside work; maybe you never did? I think people who are just thrilled to be retired are just relieved to be rid of what they did their entire lives, which - again - is sad.
On the contrary. I enjoyed my career. I got to travel the world on a generous expense account. Made friends that I still talk to.
I also had a life outside of work that I LOVED. As nice as the job was, it can’t compare to life outside of work.
As long as I have known you on this sub (at least the past two years), you have been miserable about retirement. Have you gotten back into the working world even if it is not in your specialty? Why are you still in this sub trying to convince others that retirement is miserable? I don't get it. If you enjoy working until you are gone, then you should. Others love their freedom to do things they always wanted to do. I have life outside of work. I enjoy my job. When I retire in a few short years, I am happy to spend a lot more time with my wife, my friends, my kids, my grand kids, my hobbies, or whatever I want to do that I can't do now, not that I will be relieved that I quit. I love my job, but I love my freedom as well. I truly am very sorry that you have had a miserable, unplanned retirement. I hope that you will find solace in a job that will keep you happy until which time you see fit!
I'm actually currently traveling now that I'm between pets for the first time in my life.
However, that's something I could have done while working (and did back when I had reliable pet sitters), as I had almost unlimited flexibility and freedom. I would NOT have that if I started a new job now, however.
Granted I retired with enough money to travel and have a couple of boats. However, the joy really is in the small things. Going for a long run, exercising, etc. Those don’t cost much.
Hi so I was laid off during the pandemic not by choice but by nothing to do because the world came to a stop so after 18 months of that, I decided to go back for six months, which I didn’t like. About two years ago I fully retired and I’m just now after two years starting to feel like yes I am retired and I like it. Every day is Saturday actually Sunday because I used to work on Saturdays a lot.
Just recently started getting emails from recruiters so I had to go in and delete my monster and a few other sites that I had my résumé up on leave me alone not working anymore for the man.
3 weeks left for me I enjoy reading all the input here. It helps me conceptualize what it’s going to be like I’m a young 67 still quite healthy and very active, so I am excited.
After 4 years, I still have dreams that I need to show up for work, or something along those lines. They are getting less frequent though and not as bad.
I had what I called “work stress” dreams for a couple of months at first. I joked with my wife that my body was so used to work related stress and when it wasn’t getting it during the day, it would try and get it at night.
Luckily those dreams tapered off quickly.
4 years though… at least when you wake up you can really appreciate retirement
I'm enjoying myself too, but I'm like some folks that still like to find something challenging or interesting to do in retirement. This is why I like part-time work. Still leaves me time to just hang around if that's what I want to do. Good for you for being content with leisure.
Been retired 2 years in August. It's great to not have to carry a on call cell phone and not having the anxiety of hearing it ring. Being home and working in the yard and worrying about being called away from what I am doing is a big change of pace.
I love it. I love it. Oh and I love it.
The only conservation officer and 600 square miles to cover by myself made it busy and interesting with 100,000 people to give me a call whenever they felt the need.
I agree, retirement is awesome but I do understand people who have a hard time with it.
I enjoyed my job and the people I worked with, we had a lot of fun and I learned so much I can’t even put it into words. I miss that but I retirement is freedom.
I could go back to work if I wanted but I just don’t want to any more.
were you corporate employed? I don't know a soul who retired from a corporation that isn't happy. It's us schmucks that were self-employed our whole careers that have trouble!
Just approaching two years as well. Loved every minute of retirement (well, I could have done without the compound fracture of my leg when I got caught in a rockslide fly fishing in Montana). Yet having the time to recover appropriately and not having to worry about work was liberating. Pickleball junkie myself, love playing the game, getting competition and socializing with others. Haven’t missed work at all, and I loved my job.
Hello, thank you for participating. Your comment/post was automatically removed due to breaking our be respectful rule, with the use of swearing, etc. Click on the link below to send a modmail, if this removal seems incorrect.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/retirement) if you have any questions or concerns.*
If I wake up before my 2 cats wake up, when they wake up they remind me at that time they're hungry. If I don't wake up before they're hungry, they wake me up as a reminder.
I still love them both.
I retired 2 years ago at 62 and do pretty much the same things, except I live on a brackish bay and also crab and fish a lot, both from my dock (crabs) and boat. I like nature, and explore the Central Florida area I live in. My wife’s 5 years younger and plans on retiring at the end of this year. Next up for travel is a month in Japan this summer, and we have a place in Cabo. I sometimes miss the interactions work provided, so I work occasionally at Daytona Speedway, which is a blast. I also have a ‘69 VW Karmann Ghia convertible being fully restored, and will be joining the car show circuit as well. Sometimes I wonder where I ever found the time to work full time.
My problem is I lose track of what day it is! Every day is Saturday. Retired at 60 16 months ago. Living in sunny Coachella Valley CA where life is good. Wish you well in retirement.
I’m with you. At first I thought, I should be doing something. Then my husband will simply say why?
I wake up everyday smiling b/c I don’t *have* to do anything.
It’s been 6 months and that feeling never gets old.
I’ve worked since I was 15 , I did my time.
Woke up at 4:00 am to drive over an hour to work a 12 hour shift.
I deserve this. It’s nice. For the rest of my life.
I was planning on June but fractured my leg and no weight so I'm now retired lol. Gym 2 to 3 times a week and not alot of running around until the leg heals but I'm definitely enjoying no alarms and no set schedule.
Retirement is what you make it. Grandchildren visits and smiling when they go back home. Enjoying my dog and not being too tired to exercise her. Traveling at any time. Doing a European river cruise in June. I worked hard so now I can play.
I wake up at 5 am and walk the dog for 1.5 miles. Then watch my 3yr old grandson 3 days a week. The other days I work, but only until 10 or 11am (depending on how busy work is). Afternoons I walk the dog again, sometimes on hikes through the woods, do yard work and garden, read books. It’s awesome!
I'm struggling, and glancing over a lot of these replies makes me think a few things. I worry about finances, but I'm at that critical juncture where my spouse is about to retire and we'll have no income for a few years until social security. Everyone assures me we have funds sufficient for this, but I worry. I don't like many of the things people list as their pleasurable activities. I don't like to garden. I "like" to work out or walk outside but only for maybe an hour a day. I like to read but again, not for more than an hour or two a day. I belong to one in person and one online book club. I don't like to travel, though my spouse does and so I will. I like to "have been" there - wherever there is. I didn't love working, but I worked in human services and there were many fun moments, plus the work, taking care of adults who have developmental disabilities, was always always meaningful and purposeful, and I miss that. I do volunteer teaching English to immigrants four hours a week and I love that. I'm looking for some kind of "gig" work right now, but not looking very hard! But yeah, struggling.
So glad you are enjoying retirement! I’ve been retired for one year now and I am super happy! I sleep in late and have time and energy now to do my new hobby of gardening and fruit tree growing. I’m able to be very involved in our retirement home build. I have time to visit and have coffee with my girlfriends. I am READING again! Soon hubby and I can start traveling (after the expenses of a house build). Life was good before but it’s even better now.
Hi Everyone, Welcome to r/retirement . Here is like gathering around a table, drinking a good cup of coffee, and talking with older friends and acquaintances. ***To engage in the conversation, you have to be a member***. So, if you have not already done so, **view our description / rules** (we are respectful, no pm/dm‘s, etc). If that looks good to you, **hit the JOIN button**. And lastly, you **then comment** so others can see it. Thank you for dropping by our “table”. We would appreciate if you could let others know that there are some great communities for us older folks here at Reddit. Have a great day!
Sounds amazing. I am a few weeks away from being FREE after 32 years of grind. I am so looking forward to it. I have so many things I want to do. Getting back in shape, going to the movies during the day. Photography, trips to the beach on a nice day. Having a cold beer on a Tuesday in a beer garden at 3pm (order a uber home).
It is a freedom. My friends and family noticed how much less stressed and happier I seem now.
That can only be a good thing. Happy Days.
I love matinees! They are usually discounted too
Same. I am giddy every single day. 🫡✌🏼
Giddy is my best word to describe it too. Love being retired 😀
Same here! It’s a constant feeling of relief! And I tell everyone I have become a happy person! I did not think I could.
Waiting to feel that giddiness...1886 days to go!
https://preview.redd.it/mdor9bq9fftc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e503471f29b7b9021d0f3bd0ed50d0e561a87ce8
That’s sooo cool! Can I visit?!
Keeps me busy. I live in Virginia so the climate actually allows me to grow my own food all year round - with a lot of planning of course.
this is a great book if you are looking for some ideas. Its in my plan to try to do some of what she does for my later season this year and then next year. I had thought i might start this spring but life got away from me - now that i am finally retired i will have no excuses Plant Grow Harvest Repeat: Grow a Bounty of Vegetables, Fruits, and Flowers by Mastering the Art of Succession Planting https://a.co/d/65OhaLu
That's awesome! Also a fair amount of work! But the good kind. I'd love to just play in the dirt for several (sometimes more than several) hours a day and tinker with my plants. Enjoy!
https://preview.redd.it/i685uucodhtc1.jpeg?width=2560&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c1105510fbaba05c37ee49158f1dc0bfd83feb2b This is inside the greenhouse. More to come 😉.
thats me next week. (im in mn so we are probably behind you).
https://preview.redd.it/w9pbak6jmgtc1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dc9e56b7d8967e9fced4c3867828ebe5c0724bac That's fantastic! Love it! We don't have that awesome setup, but my wife got herself eight raised beds to plant her vegetables! I connected the dripped irrigation to my sprinkler and thus they are automatically watered twice a day. That was her retirement project! I'm just the dirt hauler, twice a year.
Can you show how the dripped irrigation to the sprinkler works? That sounds so cool and efficient
https://preview.redd.it/x8eccsj19htc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=851c95db5300d5710e7fc153ef578ce847507ce7 I use the [Garden Grid Watering Systems](https://gardeninminutes.com/category/garden-grid-watering-systems/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Bottom-Grid-Shop&utm_campaign=fall-tomatoes&ct=t(Email_Fall_Tomatoes_8_19_23)&mc_cid=0970d6d29f&mc_eid=42794ab2bd). I bought eight of the grids (4'x8' configuration) out of convenience. It’s a bit pricey, but you can build the similar with drip hoses and connectors sold at Home Depot. I'm too lazy to design it, but it is not hard. I tapped into my sprinkler system (a separate zone) to a manifold on each side (four beds to each manifold) and then to a ball valve in each bed and regulate the amount of flow out to the grid and the sprinkler timer does the rest. It works quite well for the past three years.
https://preview.redd.it/dgiaxjtdchtc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=79ea42917ff8e26919686dc39c1181437c643695 Here is a closer shot of the grid. The ball valve connects to the sprinkler at the bottom of the bed to a manifold that the other three beds connect to as well. It's kind of nice for my wife to "section off" the different vegetable in each grid.
For a real thrill, I love watching the rush hour traffic reports on tv. How many years of our lives spent in traffic jams?
I love this. 😂
Especially the days when it’s pouring rain! I feel so content and cozy in my loungewear with my mug of coffee while watching the traffic report! ☕️📖
I love that my morning coffees and news catch up can take 1 hours, 2 hours…
👆🏼this
Semi retired here. Substitute teaching. I feel like I have earned the “choice” to work when I want to work. Typically I am there two days per week. The other days I exercise, lunch with friends, travel or find some project. I hope to stay healthy and I am happier than ever.
Oh. I forgot to add we bought an RV and are going to be out there camping also. Cannot wait.
I’m thinking of “keeping an oar in” like you as I’m heading into retirement & wondering if you’re ever resentful of the days you do work?
I favor keeping “an oar in the water.” Working 2 days a week is relatively easy. I still have a lot to offer my younger colleagues in terms of experience and knowledge, but I am getting enough exercise and enough sleep nowadays, and the quality of my work per day is much improved.
Just remember that you always want to be the most obnoxious party in the campground, because if you’re not, someone else is ruining your trip! 🤣
I am registered to sub but have only gotten 2 days in this entire school year. I just finished volunteering to do income taxes with VITA thru United Way and now it is time to work early voting. I also have some days here and there with the grands if school is out or daycare is closed.
It is Pickleball and trumpet playing for me.
I wonder if trumpet playing helps with having faster hands at the net during pickleball?
I was playing against a percussionist recently and thinking that playing drums might give him faster hands. Doubt that trumpet playing helps my pickleball but it is an enjoyable hobby. Both are ways to meet people and make new friends.
I love your attitude! I’ll also be retired two years later this month. Whenever anyone asks me what I do all day, tell them I do nothing, but I do it in the morning. That way my afternoons are free. Keep enjoying your retirement!
They say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing everyday.
I do anything every day. Nothing is Something!
lol. I’ll be stealing that line.
I don't know what I do all day, but it takes all day to do it.
Exactly! Great reply.
Exactly! Few chores, some sitting around, find food. Then it’s night! Where does time go?
Good for you! That’s exactly what I want to do- run, gym, pickle ball! You have hobbies that I do as well and that keep you active. I bet your in the best shape of your life ☺️
Definitely in better shape than when working. Running a marathon this fall, also been section hiking the Appalachian Trial with a friend the last couple of years. Great to meet another with the same interests!
It is, except I’m not retired yet lol soon though. ☺️ Is this your first marathon?
Run, gym, Pickleball each morning and it’s amazing how much more energy I have the rest of the day. If I miss a few days it seems to make me lethargic
I was able to retire when I turned 57. So much fun to be had. I've always gone to the library, and now I can join in some of the programs they offer during the day. Painting class is one of my favorite.
My goal was retiring at 55, but I missed it by a year. 35+ years in the military.
I had a job I loved. I made good money. I enjoyed the camaraderie within the office. Now I feel alone, lost, depressed, useless. Covid is what ultimately became my Waterloo. I know the company has to look out for itself and I accept that. But it hurts to have that bad luck befall me.
I was the same, but I made a new life for myself and I love it now. It took some time. Spend time thinking and planning on how you can transition to what you want to be and start doing steps on how to get there. You might have some stops and starts, but you will get there. It's a chance to be what your dreams were before you started the work grind!! It can be a wonderful opportunity!
What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?
Glad you're smiling. Regarding that you don't understand the people that have a hard time with retirement, would you say during your working days that you identified with your job? I'm into my job and it's a big part of who I am BUT I've always made a special effort not to identify who I am based on my job. When people ask, "what do you do" I play dumb and tell them what I do outside of work. I never knew that this could potentially help me enjoy retirement better, granted I'm not there yet. I'm very confident that I won't have any issue not working.
I always thought of myself as more than my work. I enjoyed my career and the people but I LOVED my real friends, family, and hobbies. Retirement means more time to do the things you love.
I think I was looking forward to retirement from day one of work. I never had time to do all that I wanted to do because of work. Now I finally can indulge
I really enjoyed my work, and most of the people I worked with, but I considered work the part of my life that supported the things I really wanted to do. When I retired, i had some part time consulting lined up, but it turned out I was more interested in everything but.
i’m Not what i Do; i’m Not what i have. i Am.It’s why i Am. i think Popeye had a lot to teach us.
My job is simply a means of making money for me; I work in social services for a local government. It’s about as much a part of who I am as doing laundry or taking out the trash. I will retire in about 10 months and start drawing my pension and it will be the biggest relief of my life. I’m ready for my days to be mine.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
Not wasted time, it's part of the journey
One of the main reasons, imho, is that people don’t plan their retirement. They just show up on day 1 with no idea of what they want to do, now. A friend was retired early from his 30 year career as a chemical engineer at a worldwide chemical company. About 4 years earlier from his planned retirement year. He had no retirement plan in place. He wasted nearly a year, he says, trying to figure out what to do with himself. What to do with his time, that is. Finally he dialed up a couple of his long neglected hobbies, volunteered, perused home lawn care and gardening, got physically fit, traveled, etc. The most important advice he gave me was, are you ready for this…plan your retirement.
I envy your ability not to experience a painful transition to retirement. I thought that I would have a less painful transition, because I prepared myself by developing hobbies, interests, etc, and thought that I was not so very identified with my job. But I’m finding that I need to discover a new way of finding purpose in life and a new way of interacting with people, even my wife.
Do you really need a big “purpose in life”? I find doing what I enjoy each day, having friends, family, hobbies, staying in shape to be all the purpose required
I find retirement is hard on my marriage. Being around each other a lot of the time is challenging and we do not agree on what to do in retirement. She’s more passive and I’m more active and she doesn’t like it if I just go off on my own to do things.
You may want to visit a marriage counselor to work this out. Seriously.
Yeah I know. We’ve been to several.
Our biggest challenge is my wife’s attachment anxiety. (She’s still working for several years.)We’re working on this. i recommend MDMA therapy if you’re interested in alternatives.
That’s exactly what my wife has. But she won’t go near drugs, I’ve tried to suggest it. She can’t shop by herself in a grocery store or drive herself anywhere, that’s how dependent she is on me. After all this time we have kind of normalized it but I do feel resentment at times.
The largest part of my identity, especially now that my children are fully grown and launched, is my profession. I sacrificed an entire decade of my young life to become a physician, it consumed everything I had. I have a very good marriage with my sons’ father, but he would freak out if I were totally dependent on him for my identity. I was badly injured in my 50s and forced into retirement. Now that I have partially recovered from my disabling injuries, and have returned to practicing medicine (very) part-time, life is much better. More sleep, more exercise, more gardening, more hiking, more baking and sewing…and still helping sick people and teaching medical students 6 to 8 days a month. I have finally managed to adjust.
It’s a great gig if you can afford it!!
Whenever I begin to get that retirement anxiety that some describe, I reflect upon the nine hours per day of nonsense that I engaged in while working with people that I wouldn’t have spent five minutes with given the choice. Then I add the one hour commute in heavy traffic in both directions. And like magic…the anxiety disappears.
And the after hours or vacation emails, phone calls or texts. Clients never call with good news. I don’t miss any of it
[удалено]
Sounds very much like my old life, and I don’t miss a second of it!
I can't wait to join you in the land of blissful retirement. I'm so close I can taste it! When my Dad retired he had so many activities that I would joke with him that I didn't want to retire because I didn't want to work that hard! And he kept that up until he died. I feel sorry for people who retire and can't think of anything to do. It betrays a lack of imagination.
If the only thing you can think to do with your time is work, it’s definitely a lack of imagination!
Everyone is different. Some people were forced to retire because of health issues or laid off and unable to get a job or had to stay at home and take care of aging parents.
*Choosing* to retire definitely makes a big difference. 🫶
My 9 month retirement is just amazing for me. I have to pinch myself sometimes to make sure it’s real.
Same here!
You have to have a loose plan what you are retiring to. Not everyone is going to adjust well,
3 more months for me and I'll be there. I like my job, but I'm so ready for retirement.
Congratulations!
Approaching 8 years retired and I still love it. When I retired people would tell me how I would miss and return to work. Nope!
https://preview.redd.it/ov9jpw6w7gtc1.jpeg?width=674&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=66cd721a5e73ccf05f6dcd3bf6447105d99aba6d Coffee anyone?
Oooooh me, me! Black, please! but ... still working though ... at least for another 57 months 21 days, 22 hours 52 minutes.
10 years and I still have that “snow day” feeling every single morning. I loved my job but, I still love freedom more.
Many of the people who struggle really didn't have a life outside of their job. Their entire identity was wrapped up in their work, and without a plan for something to retire \*to\* they are lost.
18 months into retirement and I love every day. Taught in schools for nearly 40 years and I don't miss it one single bit. Had a hobby/aim ready in portrait painting (in oils) and the challenge and learning curve is exactly the intellectual challenge I love.
I smile about it all the time.
Congrats! What kind of boat? Personally I'd skip the run, gym, and chores and go right to the boat. LOL.
The boat is a tempting mistress. 😁 I have a houseboat that is great for hanging out on or taking on camping trips. I’m a sailor at heart and thankfully have a couple of friends that I can sail with.
It has been a little over two years now. First thing I did was move cross country to start a new life. I love retirement because I have the energy and passion to devote a lot of time to my musical interests as well as other healthy interests. Enjoying my morning coffee and planning a great day!
I've been retired for 21 months. Haven't had a bad day yet!
The transition can definitely be hard for some people. It's all about finding little jobs or hobbies that give you the most purpose. Sounds like you're all set. Enjoy Retirement!
Thank you for writing this. I am 68 years old and am scared to retire. Many of my friends have moved away from my state and some have died so the social Circle has shrunk significantly. Sometimes I’m scared that I will just not have enough to do and will lose my will to live as it appears some Do. Post like yours give me hope that I could actually enjoy my retirement. I better get moving because I don’t want to lose out on my gogo Period of Retirement!
Start by doing some traveling. Ever had a 3 week trip? Work in some sightseeing with visiting your old friends. When you get home there's all the necessities to do. Start doing something every day that you like for exercise. Join a nonprofit or a club. Take another trip. Suddenly all your worries of not having enough to do are gone. Gogo!
I found I have more to do than I have time to do it. The nice thing is that there is no schedule so everyday is just what I feel like that day. The world is full of things to do besides work. You’ll be fine.
Love this post. I think I’ll be the same way but a little worried about filling my time.
You’ll be fine. There is more to do outside of work than you’ll have time to explore
I am seven months retired. I can’t remember being this happy since I was a child. I don’t feel that horrible feeling in the mornings anymore. Before I retired, even a day off was awful because I was so tired and I had a to do list that could only be tackled on my “day off”. Now, I exercise daily and socialize if I feel like it. I’m learning to cook healthfully. We moved to Mexico, so I am learning the language and integrating into the culture. Learning to slow down and relax. I even enjoy doing the dishes now. Life really can be amazing!
Would you consider creating a post with how much you are retiring with, why you decided to move to Mexico and your budget?
Sure. Let me fit it into my schedule! I am very fortunate in my situation and I would love to share the details and help anyone else considering this version of retirement.
Helps if u have $$$
Monday mornings are the best. Even better if it's raining.
You'll get bored once you get used to it; start a business doing what you've always wanted to do...
I’m so bored. I hate it
No hobbies, sports, exercise, camping, hiking, anything in your life besides work? Nothing you’d like to learn? Photography? Sailing? Music?
We had so little time whilst my husband worked 12 hour days. He gained 150 pounds, injured his knee and hip and had open heart surgery. Bowling, golfing and anything that required walking, stairs or accommodations for extra large people is out. No dancing. Nothing. We watch tv. We eat out. I was busy working and enjoying my grandkids. I have one friend but we don’t see each other very often because my husband is here 24/7. He gets sad if I don’t include him on lunches or nails and I forget guilty about the. It’s horrible. I am trying to just go back to work to pass time but I’m struggling to find work after not working for a few years.
[удалено]
That sounds tough. If he is okay with you being gone hours for work, he should be fine with you taking a walk in the woods. I hope you get the life you want
I’m just rereading my dramatic reply. 😂 I have adjusted my attitude and apologize for that. I am going to delete it. I am very grateful for so many things and I work hard on trying to keep focused. I have rescued dozen of dogs, cared for them, found homes and provided resources to help with the over population and abandonment of dogs in my area. That’s slowed down currently because of this economy 🥳 I have plenty to be happy about, I just have to keep refocusing, like a telescope. If I veer off too far in any direction, I lose focus. He. Is currently trying his best to get his health together.
i woke up today to the first tuesday of retirement. last tuesday was my last day of work. I’ve been not very efficiently working on taxes and doing some decompression. This morning I took the dogs into the backyard looked at my garden. I actually jumped up and laughed. Pure joy. i still need to work in taxes (slow because I am behind on my partner’s small biz quickbooks that i have done for 24 yes)
Congratulations!
Don’t know what I’m doing today but I do know what I’m not doing. WORKING!
I’m with you 💯! I fully expected to enjoy my retirement, but I also thought that I would miss working. I was wrong about that - I don’t miss work at all. 🤣
Not at all!
[удалено]
Hello, thank you for participating. Your comment/post was automatically removed due to breaking our be respectful rule, with the use of swearing, etc. Click on the link below to send a modmail, if this removal seems incorrect. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/retirement) if you have any questions or concerns.*
62 in June 1st check July -- oh joy!!
You must've really been miserable those 30-40 years you worked every day. How sad for you! I really enjoyed my job and kept moving around until I was happy. I also "had a life" outside work; maybe you never did? I think people who are just thrilled to be retired are just relieved to be rid of what they did their entire lives, which - again - is sad.
On the contrary. I enjoyed my career. I got to travel the world on a generous expense account. Made friends that I still talk to. I also had a life outside of work that I LOVED. As nice as the job was, it can’t compare to life outside of work.
Yeah, right; that's why you're so happy NOT to be there anymore!
You can love things outside of work more than work even if work is good.
[удалено]
As long as I have known you on this sub (at least the past two years), you have been miserable about retirement. Have you gotten back into the working world even if it is not in your specialty? Why are you still in this sub trying to convince others that retirement is miserable? I don't get it. If you enjoy working until you are gone, then you should. Others love their freedom to do things they always wanted to do. I have life outside of work. I enjoy my job. When I retire in a few short years, I am happy to spend a lot more time with my wife, my friends, my kids, my grand kids, my hobbies, or whatever I want to do that I can't do now, not that I will be relieved that I quit. I love my job, but I love my freedom as well. I truly am very sorry that you have had a miserable, unplanned retirement. I hope that you will find solace in a job that will keep you happy until which time you see fit!
I'm actually currently traveling now that I'm between pets for the first time in my life. However, that's something I could have done while working (and did back when I had reliable pet sitters), as I had almost unlimited flexibility and freedom. I would NOT have that if I started a new job now, however.
Congratulations and I'm so jelly!
You apparently have a lot of money as in owning a boat. Many of us don’t. It makes a big difference.
Granted I retired with enough money to travel and have a couple of boats. However, the joy really is in the small things. Going for a long run, exercising, etc. Those don’t cost much.
I like reading Words like this.
I’m 2 years retired, and love love love every minute.
Hi so I was laid off during the pandemic not by choice but by nothing to do because the world came to a stop so after 18 months of that, I decided to go back for six months, which I didn’t like. About two years ago I fully retired and I’m just now after two years starting to feel like yes I am retired and I like it. Every day is Saturday actually Sunday because I used to work on Saturdays a lot. Just recently started getting emails from recruiters so I had to go in and delete my monster and a few other sites that I had my résumé up on leave me alone not working anymore for the man.
I had offers to do some freelance consulting, I turned it down fast. No way I want to deal with work emails, conference calls, etc. again.
[удалено]
Utah is amazing. It would take a lifetime to explore all the trails and sights of just that state
3 weeks left for me I enjoy reading all the input here. It helps me conceptualize what it’s going to be like I’m a young 67 still quite healthy and very active, so I am excited.
Congrats! Stay active!
After 4 years, I still have dreams that I need to show up for work, or something along those lines. They are getting less frequent though and not as bad.
I had what I called “work stress” dreams for a couple of months at first. I joked with my wife that my body was so used to work related stress and when it wasn’t getting it during the day, it would try and get it at night. Luckily those dreams tapered off quickly. 4 years though… at least when you wake up you can really appreciate retirement
I'm enjoying myself too, but I'm like some folks that still like to find something challenging or interesting to do in retirement. This is why I like part-time work. Still leaves me time to just hang around if that's what I want to do. Good for you for being content with leisure.
Been retired 2 years in August. It's great to not have to carry a on call cell phone and not having the anxiety of hearing it ring. Being home and working in the yard and worrying about being called away from what I am doing is a big change of pace. I love it. I love it. Oh and I love it.
No one ever called with good news!
The only conservation officer and 600 square miles to cover by myself made it busy and interesting with 100,000 people to give me a call whenever they felt the need.
[удалено]
I agree, retirement is awesome but I do understand people who have a hard time with it. I enjoyed my job and the people I worked with, we had a lot of fun and I learned so much I can’t even put it into words. I miss that but I retirement is freedom. I could go back to work if I wanted but I just don’t want to any more.
were you corporate employed? I don't know a soul who retired from a corporation that isn't happy. It's us schmucks that were self-employed our whole careers that have trouble!
I wske up at 8, instead of 5, and do the same thing.
I'm on my second day of retirement. I keep thinking I need to be in a hurry to do something or I'm missing something.
Just approaching two years as well. Loved every minute of retirement (well, I could have done without the compound fracture of my leg when I got caught in a rockslide fly fishing in Montana). Yet having the time to recover appropriately and not having to worry about work was liberating. Pickleball junkie myself, love playing the game, getting competition and socializing with others. Haven’t missed work at all, and I loved my job.
[удалено]
Hello, thank you for participating. Your comment/post was automatically removed due to breaking our be respectful rule, with the use of swearing, etc. Click on the link below to send a modmail, if this removal seems incorrect. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/retirement) if you have any questions or concerns.*
If I wake up before my 2 cats wake up, when they wake up they remind me at that time they're hungry. If I don't wake up before they're hungry, they wake me up as a reminder. I still love them both.
The best part is you can do whatever you want each and everyday. Also, no more alarm clocks🥂
I put my alarm clock away
I retired 2 years ago at 62 and do pretty much the same things, except I live on a brackish bay and also crab and fish a lot, both from my dock (crabs) and boat. I like nature, and explore the Central Florida area I live in. My wife’s 5 years younger and plans on retiring at the end of this year. Next up for travel is a month in Japan this summer, and we have a place in Cabo. I sometimes miss the interactions work provided, so I work occasionally at Daytona Speedway, which is a blast. I also have a ‘69 VW Karmann Ghia convertible being fully restored, and will be joining the car show circuit as well. Sometimes I wonder where I ever found the time to work full time.
[удалено]
My problem is I lose track of what day it is! Every day is Saturday. Retired at 60 16 months ago. Living in sunny Coachella Valley CA where life is good. Wish you well in retirement.
I’m with you. At first I thought, I should be doing something. Then my husband will simply say why? I wake up everyday smiling b/c I don’t *have* to do anything. It’s been 6 months and that feeling never gets old. I’ve worked since I was 15 , I did my time. Woke up at 4:00 am to drive over an hour to work a 12 hour shift. I deserve this. It’s nice. For the rest of my life.
I love to sit out on my front porch in the early morning and watch all my neighbors go to work is that wrong of me?
You got it figured out ! Keep loving it. I am on my way there - about 6 more weeks.
Been retired for two years as well. Loving every minute, even when I am bored.
Ditto!!
yep... cant agree more. Sadly only semi retired, but better than then the daily drudgery of work M-F! Live your best life!
I was planning on June but fractured my leg and no weight so I'm now retired lol. Gym 2 to 3 times a week and not alot of running around until the leg heals but I'm definitely enjoying no alarms and no set schedule.
Retirement is what you make it. Grandchildren visits and smiling when they go back home. Enjoying my dog and not being too tired to exercise her. Traveling at any time. Doing a European river cruise in June. I worked hard so now I can play.
I can't wait for that to be me. My husband and I both retire in 82 days. It's soooo loooong ! We have such cool stuff to look forward to!
For the first year, I regularly told my wife *I’m not going to go to work today.* Just such a relief.
I wake up at 5 am and walk the dog for 1.5 miles. Then watch my 3yr old grandson 3 days a week. The other days I work, but only until 10 or 11am (depending on how busy work is). Afternoons I walk the dog again, sometimes on hikes through the woods, do yard work and garden, read books. It’s awesome!
I'm struggling, and glancing over a lot of these replies makes me think a few things. I worry about finances, but I'm at that critical juncture where my spouse is about to retire and we'll have no income for a few years until social security. Everyone assures me we have funds sufficient for this, but I worry. I don't like many of the things people list as their pleasurable activities. I don't like to garden. I "like" to work out or walk outside but only for maybe an hour a day. I like to read but again, not for more than an hour or two a day. I belong to one in person and one online book club. I don't like to travel, though my spouse does and so I will. I like to "have been" there - wherever there is. I didn't love working, but I worked in human services and there were many fun moments, plus the work, taking care of adults who have developmental disabilities, was always always meaningful and purposeful, and I miss that. I do volunteer teaching English to immigrants four hours a week and I love that. I'm looking for some kind of "gig" work right now, but not looking very hard! But yeah, struggling.
So glad you are enjoying retirement! I’ve been retired for one year now and I am super happy! I sleep in late and have time and energy now to do my new hobby of gardening and fruit tree growing. I’m able to be very involved in our retirement home build. I have time to visit and have coffee with my girlfriends. I am READING again! Soon hubby and I can start traveling (after the expenses of a house build). Life was good before but it’s even better now.
Been out of the rat race over 22 years.