What to do after ER

[mexico]

I am 46, work for an american company in Mexico and ready to call it quits in 1-2 yrs. I am close to having enough money to not have to worry about an income, especially down here, but curious as to how to find interesting things to do at such an early age after full time corporate job.
Are there any resources that are helpful in generating ideas? I guess the question could also be worded " What would you like to do with your time if you were not working?"

 

[Packman]

I have the same kind of question, but I wonder about personal relationships - friends. All my current friends work and I think that we will lose touch and will not have common interests since I won't be in the working world. What have others found when they ER'd?

 

[bbbamI]

Maybe this will help....

http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f47/faq-archive-but-what-will-i-do-all-day-30655.html

 

[NW-Bound]

Be careful about hanging around this forum. This activity can be addictive and ends up taking 1/3 to 1/2 of your waking time.

 

[DFA]

Be careful about hanging around this forum. This activity can be addictive and ends up taking 1/3 to 1/2 of your waking time.

This is sure true, since I found this forum I have been on it almost everyday. I don't have much to add since I have the same questions, but I am working on new hobbies, taken up bike riding, planning travel, and working on the ER plan

 

[In-control]

Here is what I do - no TV until 7pm! Walk 2 miles per day, changed my diet and am now off all meds! and 40 lbs lighter. Remove stuff from my life via Craigs list. Simplify, Simplify, Simplify - it is very liberating. I now cut my grass with a reel mower instead of a tractor, Use a electric snow thrower instead of a 10hp gas guzzler. I ride my e-bike, electric bike, everywhere that I can.

And I purchased a small/lightweight Aliner(hardsided popup) camper for low $. Fixed it up, added a toilet, and a hitch to my Outback. I think of it as a rolling suit case as I always keep to in a ready to roll status. So, if I am in the mood I can just hook up, stop at a food shop and enjoy some freedom for less then $20/day. I bring my bike and kayak and fishing gear and am in my happy place.

For me the joy of being able to ER is just as satisfying as when I was. I have learned to only do things that give me pleasure, being frugal is one of them.

 

[Kabekew]

I thought the same thing -- what in the world would I do retired at age 40?!? Then on a long flight I figured I'd spend the time to think up hobbies and new things I might want to get into, if any. About 20 ideas spilled out of me within the first 5 minutes, and that's when I knew it was time! I still have the list on my iphone, and it keeps me excited about things still.

 

[mexico]

I thought the same thing -- what in the world would I do retired at age 40?!? Then on a long flight I figured I'd spend the time to think up hobbies and new things I might want to get into, if any. About 20 ideas spilled out of me within the first 5 minutes, and that's when I knew it was time! I still have the list on my iphone, and it keeps me excited about things still.

Thanks for the reply and congrats for getting out at 40. I have one of those flights coming up this weekend-for work- to Santiago and plan on doing a lot of thinking and planning for the next phase. Always a good time to think when you are trapped for 9 hrs.
I would imagine it's a harder decision if you get enjoyment from work but I have checked out mentally and financially close to saying goodbye to corporate world.

 

[unclemick]

Learn to meditate on the sound of one hand clapping, watching grass grow and paint dry, and especially doing nothing in particular.

Hindsight says I too was worried but:

Jan 1,1993 - to present, ER at 49 1/2 to ah er 68 went waaaay waaay too fast.

heh heh heh - Any ideas on how to congure up a rerun? .

Pssst - or at least slow things down. The dang clock is moving too fast.

 

[mexico]

Learn to meditate on the sound of one hand clapping, watching grass grow and paint dry, and especially doing nothing in particular.

Hindsight says I too was worried but:

Jan 1,1993 - to present, ER at 49 1/2 to ah er 68 went waaaay waaay too fast.

heh heh heh - Any ideas on how to congure up a rerun? .

Pssst - or at least slow things down. The dang clock is moving too fast.

You bring up a good point in that we can worry about not having enough or what we are going to do with ourselves but time keeps moving quickly. I have to say it's a really nice feeling knowing that I can leave work soon as many of my colleagues, including my boss,are freaking out about slow sales. 2009 was bad yr for biz, last yr good, and now bad again.

 

[flyfishnevada]

Retired 9 months ago at 43. Other than the last few months taking care of my FIL and since he passed about a month back, his estate, I was having a blast. Fishing once a week. Traveled to Elko, NV on a fishing trip with my boys, Dunsmuir, CA to fish, Myrtle Beach, SC and Jamaica. I blog quite a bit and have written the first draft of my first book. In fact, book ideas are coming faster than I can write and edit them. DW and I, at least before all the FIL stuff, go on little adventures when the boys are in school. Hikes, movies, etc. Weather permitting I love sitting on the porch in the afternoon smoking a cigar. I have taken up astronomy and bird watching. DW and I walk a couple of miles every day, weather permitting. I get to attend all my son's games (football, 2 boys in basketball and baseball).

I don't miss work one bit. I went back once to collect fantasy football winnings and I am even more sure I don't miss it. Things were hectic, people coming and going, phones ringing, etc. Ug!

Not to be a jerk, but if you can't think of anything to do with yourself besides work, you are probably pretty dull and unimaginative. I suspect your not though. You just need to shift gears and shake up your priorities. It will all fall into place.

 

[Moscyn]

Retired 9 months ago at 50. In good health. Never looked back since. I have a routine when I am not travelling. The day routine keeps me sane as I know what I will be doing when I wake up. I don't have to stick to the routine as it is flexible. I exercise a fair bit - golf, gym, nature walks, mall walking, tried yoga and practising on my own now. I have a number of hobbies I can do alone or with friends. Doing a bit of share trading and investments help me keep in touch with the market. I still maintain good contact with my ex colleagues from as far back as the last 3 companies I worked at. Some of them are now close friends. I have lunches, dinners or drinks with them and make it a point to let them know I am keen to come out and socialise. There's plenty to talk about other than work. I think the number of ex-colleagues I still contact with amount to around 30 and I have at least 2 or 3 meet ups with them separately a month.

 

[rescueme]

Not to be a jerk, but if you can't think of anything to do with yourself besides work, you are probably pretty dull and unimaginative.

+11111111111111 ...

 

[chinaco]

I will find out soon.

My plan:

• Take some time to smell the roses!
• Work around the house
• Travel
• Pursue hobbies.
• Might do some volunteer work

 

[obgyn65]

Hello Mexico - have you thought about volunteering ? The needs, especially in Central America, are huge.

Are there any resources that are helpful in generating ideas? I guess the question could also be worded " What would you like to do with your time if you were not working?"

 

[vicente solano]

Not to be a jerk, but if you can't think of anything to do with yourself besides work, you are probably pretty dull and unimaginative.

Isn´t your comment a bit too drastic? If not, then I must be your exception, as I am not a dull person -quite the opposite- and I´m reasonably imaginative,.... and still there are daily moments when I don´t know what to do. More so, if you are a guy -like me- that usually sleeps less that 7 hours.

 

[freebird5825]

I have the same kind of question, but I wonder about personal relationships - friends. All my current friends work and I think that we will lose touch and will not have common interests since I won't be in the working world. What have others found when they ER'd?

I found that former cow*rkers slowly went out of touch. I kept up the contact, but I suspect there was a bit of jealousy involved to cause it to evolve into a one-sided exercise. I didn't take it personally.

As far as things to do, this thread is a great source of all types of things we FIREees do all day.

http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/what-did-you-do-today-37868.html#post1057837

 

[Meadbh]

I have a friend who recently ER'd from a crazy job. She and DH moved to an area where there is lots to do. They are involved in many activities. Friend is looking younger than she has in years. Nevertheless she is still talking about w*rk and is itchy to take on some. I keep reminding her that any w*rk should be kept to a minimum to avoid interfering with her social life.

 

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

I have found that working friends fade away if you don't take some initiative to keep them in your life, at least on weekends. But with a little effort, they remain on your radar screen and vice versa, plus new retired friends start getting added to your list.

 

[Moemg]

I have the same kind of question, but I wonder about personal relationships - friends. All my current friends work and I think that we will lose touch and will not have common interests since I won't be in the working world. What have others found when they ER'd?

That was one of my main concerns about ER because I always socialized with my working pals but it all worked out . I joined a Woman's only gym and pushed myself to meet people .It is three years since retirement and I have a full schedule . I still see some work pals . We set up a monthly dinner with spouses and SO's and it's been fun. I also have a group of women that I met at the gym and we socialize . We do lunch on Fridays and occasional other events . My So completes the picture . We usually go out one or two nights a week plus all our other activities (not what you are thinking Freebird ) I meant movies , shows , travel , fix it projects & just hanging out .

 

[flyfishnevada]

Isn´t your comment a bit too drastic? If not, then I must be your exception, as I am not a dull person -quite the opposite- and I´m reasonably imaginative,.... and still there are daily moments when I don´t know what to do. More so, if you are a guy -like me- that usually sleeps less that 7 hours.

I'm talking more in generalities than from moment to moment. I get bored from time to time too. What I meant was if your working and want to retire, but can't think of anything to fill the majority of your time, you are dull and unimaginative. There is no reason for anyone to retire and do nothing but sit around and complain about being bored. I suppose you could add lazy to the list.

Honestly, I think the response, "What will I do with myself?" is born more out of fear than anything. Fear of taking control of your own time and filling those hours without a boss, client or customer telling you what to do. Does anyone, no matter how much they enjoy their job, not wish they could do something else from time to time (or all the time)? So do it. Retire and go do it and all the other stuff you have always wanted and all the stuff you haven't even thought of yet.

 

[freebird5825]

That was one of my main concerns about ER because I always socialized with my working pals but it all worked out . I joined a Woman's only gym and pushed myself to meet people .It is three years since retirement and I have a full schedule . I still see some work pals . We set up a monthly dinner with spouses and SO's and it's been fun. I also have a group of women that I met at the gym and we socialize . We do lunch on Fridays and occasional other events . My So completes the picture . We usually go out one or two nights a week plus all our other activities (not what you are thinking Freebird ) I meant movies , shows , travel , fix it projects & just hanging out .

Beat me to the punch, darn it all!

Mr B and I are meeting a lot of great folks through the Legion and VFW. Some of them also happen to be freshly retired former cow*rkers who were slighly older than I am. It all comes full circle...

 

[steelyman]

I will find out soon.

My plan:

• Take some time to smell the roses!
• Work around the house
• Travel
• Pursue hobbies.
• Might do some volunteer work

Great plan. I might also add "increased physical activity" to the mix.

 

[mexico]

. What I meant was if your working and want to retire, but can't think of anything to fill the majority of your time, you are dull and unimaginative. There is no reason for anyone to retire and do nothing but sit around and complain about being bored. I suppose you could add lazy to the list.

Honestly, I think the response, "What will I do with myself?" is born more out of fear than anything. Fear of taking control of your own time and filling those hours without a boss, client or customer telling you what to do. Does anyone, no matter how much they enjoy their job, not wish they could do something else from time to time (or all the time)? So do it. Retire and go do it and all the other stuff you have always wanted and all the stuff you haven't even thought of yet.

Your points are well taken and didn't take offense to the first part. I am in the preparation stage and moving forward next year unless there is a drastic downturn in mkt. and the decision is decisive. I do, however, prefer to solicite different views in attempt to make good decisions and possibly learn something. One thing that I am coming to realize- through this board- is everyone has their own reasons for leaving work and no one can answer the question for you. E.g, I have seen people post about whether or not 3 million is enough whereas I would have left a long time ago if I had 3 mil.
I also agree that your 2nd pt is accurate in that this forum provides a lot of hand holding but with people that have common interests which I can't say for most of my friends or family.