retirement question

[eyesore]

Hi; I'm sure this subject has been brought up on a few occasions, but I don't know how to search for old threads...? Anyway ; the thought of retiring is kinda scary.My wife is 9 years younger and still working. the kids come and go[no grands yet].That leaves me home alone. What else is there to do[don't fish anymore]. I do volunteer ,maybe I could do that more.But in general ;what can you do all day??? Thanks!

[Kerbie]

Originally Posted by eyesore

Hi; I'm sure this subject has been brought up on a few occasions, but I don't know how to search for old threads...?

Go to the Open Mic main page where the threads are listed. On the right, click SEARCH THIS FORUM (in the blue bar). Type in "retirement" and your page will fill up.

PM me if you need help.

How 'bout... walk, golf, read, play guitar, volunteer more, find a part-time job, etc. Learn to play a new instrument. Learn a language. Travel... or day trips.

[Slothead56]

I plan on retirement in 2+ years when I’ll be just over 65. My wife has a very successful career and is 4 years younger than me. We both work at home when not traveling for work. One adult kid in town, two others have moved away.

I have already begun to envision my retirement days. Fishing, boating, beach, music...those are all things I do now that I’ll more time for.

As to the future, the list is long and, admittedly, aspirational:

• Day trips and overnights to the plethora of museums in my area;
• Take up fresh water fishing;
• Join a hiking club;
• Learn to play piano;
• Volunteer for charitable organizations that cross interests with mine;
• Read more books;
• Work out more regularly;
• Get back into golf after a several year layoff;
• Write more music;
• Audit college classes;
• Cook more than I do now.

Now, I’ll save someone the time by saying the following: what’s keeping me from doing those things now? How about my 60 hour work week and over 70 nights in hotels YTD?

Anyway, to the OP, I’d sit down and make a list. You don’t have to do everything, but you need to do something.

[eyesore]

Thank you guys!!

[guitar george]

Besides everything else that is recommended, get a table tennis table and set it up like this. It's fun to play by yourself.

TABLE TENNIS.jpg

[Mr. Jelly]

Originally Posted by eyesore

what can you do all day??? Thanks!

Play. I do absolutely worthless things all day. Really. But then time you enjoy wasting isn't wasted time. I was a little worried before I retired three months ago. But then I partially retired when I was 57 and fully retired at 66. So I don't feel responsible to do anything meaningful or what ever at this point in my life. I do art or make crafts. I work on my music and guitar. My wife and I go to the grocery store and do lunch. Take a little down time in the middle of the afternoon. Make dinner or go out. Stream a show sometimes. Pick up supplies for my projects. Lunch with my daughter when we're lucky. The trick is to take mini breaks between the things you do. Otherwise go back to work. We won't hold it against you.

[Murphy Slaw]

If you had an old house like me, you wouldn't have that problem.....

[Kerbie]

Originally Posted by guitar george

Besides everything else that is recommended, get a table tennis table and set it up like this.

I love that, George... I think I need one of those!

[RP]

I swim 4-5 days/week.....

[Mbroady]

Play (more) guitar and stay physically active
If you mention your general location I’m sure some folks could mention some activities in the area

There is also “meetups” and online gathering place where you can search for like minded folks who might share your interests

[00Buck]

I read, run errands, help with clean up, home repairs/improvements/maintenance, exercise, play guitar, tend the gardens, browse a few forums, . . . there's no shortage of stuff to do. I've thought about volunteering, but my brain keeps telling me that I'd end up working for the president of the Officer's Wives Club (if you've been there you know what that means).

[Daniel Grenier]

Retirement = do whatever *YOU* want. Yes, YOU! It is surprising how many things you will come up with out of nowhere. I know I have more than I can handle after 4+ years of retirement. Enjoy!

[arwhite]

Join or start a local Rotary Club. You'll have plenty to do.

[BoneDigger]

Volunteering is the obvious answer, or even go back to work part time. Do inside sales at a music store or sporting goods store, or wherever! You could start fishing again, or grow a garden. You could start busking or playing at local gigs. There are literally thousands of options available, depending on what YOU want to do.

[PeteCady]

Originally Posted by RP

I swim 4-5 days/week.....

Are you nearing the coast of Ireland yet? Or are you headed for Japan?