Hello. I'm 45 and hope to RE within 3 years or so. My question is not really about the financial aspects of ER, but the psychological aspects. I am 45 single, no kids. My NW is nearly $2M, so I think my finances are in pretty good shape. I really dislike my job (hate is a little bit of a strong word) so I’d like to get out ASAP. My question/problem is that I really have no idea what I would do in retirement. Sure, there are plenty of things I could do to catch up on, reading, other things I've put off, etc. But I'm afraid that after doing these things for awhile, I'd get bored and miss work. And my family (even extended family) is very small, so there would not be many family obligations. It's funny, but right now, I dream of being able to RE and have all this free time, but I am also afraid of having so much free time. Is this normal? Since I have some time before I'd RE, what can I do in the next couple of years to overcome these barriers? I'd really appreciate any suggestions. Thanks
David,
My situation is close to yours. I'm 50, single,and no kids. ~1.5M NW. ER'd just over 4 months ago. Very small family....Mom is the only one nearby....others are 700-1000 miles away. I w*rked 30+ years at a job that was mostly OK, but became near intolerable the last couple of years. I stayed there all those years because they had the trophy I wanted.....very good retirement benefits!
Most of the people that I talked to pre-ER, gravitated primarily to 1 of 2 opinions on boredom after retirement. Most of those who were still w*rking, said "Oh, you'll get bored real fast, and then go out and have to find a job.". While
everyone who was already retired said "You'll find so much to do, you'll never get it all done."
The reality has panned out to be the latter opinion. After almost 4 1/2 months ER'd, I can honestly say that I have not been bored at all! I have a couple of hobbies that I've had time to play with....model railroading and gardening. I've also had more time to travel and take a lot of 'day trips'. I've taken a couple of 'classes' at the local community college....the last one was a trip to Chicago's Chinatown and Little Italy. The next one, in a few weeks, is a 70 mile, paddle-wheel riverboat trip down the IL River. I've taken in several concerts, and other "cultural" activities, as well as a trip up to "Medieval Times". I've gone to Chicago several times for day trips, including a Cubs game at Wrigley. (going to the Cubs vs Cards game on Friday!)
If I have a day when I don't have anything to do, I go up to the local coffee shop and visit with a bunch of retirees that gather there....neighbors, former co-w*rkers, and other folks that I've met over the years.....including my Mom's 90 year old, former employer!
So, in other words, I wouldn't worry much about boredom setting in. At least not if you have any hobbies, or if you like to travel or go places. Also check out local colleges for classes...or "classes". Also be sure to check out your local library (no pun intended), because many times they have different programs or events planned. Our library has concerts, interesting speakers, and movies (they have books too
).
I only know one person who is retired and is bored most of the time.....but he was that way while he was still w*rking. If you're not bored now, you won't be bored later!