Retirement

Well it sounds (from what is said here) like you guys are all busier now than when you were working for a living...So you guys all slacked off at work...hehehehe Just kidding.

I plan to retire at the end of the year as long as the incoming $$$ continues to balance with or be more than the out going. I began planning to retire after the military and got bored after only 2 years. The wife wanted to work and I ended up basically in a rut. Up at the same time everyday, off to the golf course, meet the group, play 18 holes, have a beer, go home, eat lunch, do honey does, take a nap and watch TV, go to bed.... next day the same. DO NOT DO THIS... it is worse than going to work. Anyway I went back to the rat race and am thinking it is time again to retire.... the problem is the DW is still not ready to give it up. I am thinking that it will end the same as last time...in a rut. I don't mind volunteering and that would be fun, but there is no place close by. Then if I do I have to budget that cost. The money part and the boredom is what I fear. Maybe just work part time and all will be OK, but the travel will be shortened.... decisions, decisions.

If you are stationary, I advocate part-time work. We are in a grand-family situation, my wife and I each have part-time jobs that we both enjoy for the most part. The kids grandchildren, a little work, home projects, a nice social life create a wonderful balance of life for us. We do travel for a month at a time and I must say I'm ready for our Philly and Florida trip in March. We are fortunate that we are able to take a few months a year to indulge ourselves in travel, and our part-time work, family and friends are here upon our return.

Yes, I had been planning for about 2 years, but we went from s & b to a fifth wheel and truck FT. The house closed on Monday and we were already in Chanute to pick up our RV in our new truck (with other vehicles sold). Hubby used to pace in elevators and didn't want to retire... I told him I would send postcards. He decide to retire! We were very busy the first year learning about the RV etc and went to Florida from Washington state and then up to DC and back to Washington. No time to be bored! He has NOT regretted retiring!!!

I retired 10 months ago and yes I had a plan. I've always had interests outside work (cycling, running, camping, sailing, fishing, rc flying travelling.........etc). The first 6 months of retirement were exhausting - I spend the mornings doing work around the house (I live on a few acres - so they need tending). After lunch, I enjoy my hobbies and by the evening I'm so tired that I go to bed EARLIER than when I used to work.

I thought the winters would be boring (Im in NJ) but I have indoor projects which keep me busy and I reserve rainy days for museums, library, shows...

I have a "list" of activities in case which I keep with things that I want to do and as I travel locally I keep a note of other activities in the area.

So far been quite busy but I do know that there are people who retire and sit in a chair all day and are happy - each to his how

you didn't say whether you are retired or still working. That makes a huge difference. When both are retired you can travel more and be bored less. If only one is retired and that person only had their work it can be a problem. He needs friends he can do stuff with, learn new things or he will be miserable. Easy to get depressed, sleep late and have no motivation. Maybe he should volunteer or get a part time job if you are still working until you can both travel. Sounds like he's not ready for the rocking chair!

There are tens of thousands of charitable organizations that need volunteers.

Heck I am busier now than when I was working, even became a steam locomotive engineer, no one more surprised than me.

I've been retired from my life time job for 11 years but there are days when I think I would like to go back to work to rest up. Just get involved with a good service club (I've been a Lion for almost 50 years and every club I know of could use your input and help). There is also you church and many other good organizations that would love to have you as an active member.

Dave

My dad is in his late 60's. He sits in a chair all day.

It makes me proud to read this forum and hear all the stories of those that aren't waiting to die. My retirement goal will be to be like you guys!

We had decided to travel and have been going on six years. Mainly volunteer for USFWS refuges where DW can indulge her passion for wildlife and birds. As a retired carpenter there are always projects to keep me busy.