What advice do you have for a new retiree?

[HadEnuff]

I'm new to this retirement game myself, having completely retired March 1. One thing I have to remind myself of from time to time is that it is OK to occasionally be doing nothing.

One of the aspects I enjoy most, in fact it may be what I most appreciate about retirement life is the realization that if I have a list of things to do, it typically does not matter if I get through the list today, because I have all day tomorrow or the next day, etc etc to do these things. As opposed to the old mindset of having to get all of this stuff done ASAP because on Monday I'll be working and won't have time to do it.

DW is not retired, and I see her running all over the place trying to get her stuff done so she can have a moment to relax before going back to work.

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HadEnuff One thing I have to remind myself of from time to time is that it is OK to occasionally be doing nothing something.

FIFY

[HadEnuff]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo FIFY

Indeed. Clearly you have navigated farther down this psychological path than have I.

Learn from you I will, Sensei.

[48Fire]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dash man Find time to spend together and get to know each other as retirees. Life is different without the work routines. Rediscovering each other can be a lot of fun! Enjoying life!

Buyer beware Make sure your routines don't collide.

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[fishndad42]

Right behind you, 98 days and counting. Semi-RE already, and what I find best is the calendar doesn't dictate my life as much. I can do a quality job on a project because I don't have to rush it. I can go fishing when the weather is good and don't have to be upset that the weekend wasn't fishable.

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[Options]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronstar +1. Do things that you enjoy at a relaxing pace. Don't over plan. Let retirement come to you. Sent from my iPad using Early Retirement Forum

+2
I was just thinking this past week that nothing has turned out as I thought it would. Among the surprises:

1) My plan to do some consulting work in the old field was broadsided first by "I just can't get this to happen" to "I don't want this to happen."

2) I find that I like structure in my days and week.

3) Although I probably over planned, it helped to create a river to navigate.

4) I have not yet gotten over the need to do something productive at least once a day, although it feels like I'm finally slowing down a bit. OTOH, I still don't know how to "do nothing" but that's probably because I'm still in the very early "go-go" years of retirement.

5) I'm amazed at how much I love to study, read, and reflect. The two things that have contributed greatly to my much improved quality of life this past year are all the non-fiction books I've read and the act of simplifying every aspect of my life. Removing friction through simplifying is the greatest feeling.

6) I am so glad I followed the advice not to move geographically right after retirement (no matter how bad I wanted/still want to) in order to allow for a transition period into retirement.

With so much of the pleasure of living and enjoying life to do now, I can't fathom how I had time to work.

[Tree-dweller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyp Expect the unexpected and go with it. No matter how much you plan ahead it will look different on the other side. Some of the things you thought you would do no longer seem important. Other things you never thought of will surprise you. Other than that I would advise that you have a little bit of structure in your life and endeavor to interact with people at least once or more per week.

Yep. That "look different on the other side" rings true. Learn to relax and enjoy and appreciate how lucky you are.

[gretah]

Start spending more time at your local library and get to know the librarians.

They will get to know what you like in terms of books, DVDs, etc, and can make terrific suggestions to expand what you borrow and download. When I visit to get my weekly group of things I requested, I often find a magazine, DVD, or other thing one of the librarians think I will enjoy.

My local gals have been very helpful in showing me how to connect HDMI tools to my TV, download free music and podcasts to MP3 players, etc. Plus you can use your library's website to learn a new language, access online periodicals, query databases, and all sorts of things.

You can also access things from your library while traveling. You can download audiobooks, music, and more via your library website and your Log In information even if you are hundreds or thousands of miles away.

Happy RE!

[tennisplyr]

Enjoy yourself, you earned it. Worrying about money is not going to help. Spend within your means.......retired 5 years and doing well.

[Doughpile]

Its been 5 months for me and sometime I still dream I am at work and have some stupid project assigned to me, then when I wake up all the stress goes away.


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[misshathaway]

Do this at least once. Put something that you SHOULD do on you calendar. When you get to that day, decide not to do it. Ahhhhhh, such joy.

[Freedom56]

I retired at the end of June 2015. It was little disorienting at the beginning due to the transition from working 60 to 70 hours a week to full retirement. Every day seemed like a weekend. Sometimes I didn't know what day of the week it was. Prior to my retirement, my wife and I started getting back into shape by cycling regularly (28- 50 mile rides). We traveled for the first two months and then focused on home projects and traveled some more. Now I'm almost 14 months into my retirement and couldn't be happier. I would focus on staying fit, hobbies, managing your investments, travel, and other leisure time activities.

Good luck!

[Koolau]

Plan (or, better yet, don't plan) a daily "event" which reminds you that you are now retired. Such events can help you transition more quickly into the retirement mindset. Events should not be complicated or even well thought out. Could be as simple as an unplanned mid-morning walk in the neighborhood, spur of the moment trip to a new restaurant for lunch, a drive to the mall, take in a matinee or just an afternoon delight

Anything reminding you that you don't have to BE someplace or DO something is a good way to transition from w*rking to being retired. But, whatever you do, enjoy it!

[MRG]

Enjoy.

One early source of free entertainment was watching the local traffic. I'd point out to DW where on I70 I'd likely be sitting at. Always puts a smile on my face.

[ExFlyBoy5]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRG Enjoy. One early source of free entertainment was watching the local traffic. I'd point out to DW where on I70 I'd likely be sitting at. Always puts a smile on my face.

You aren't kidding. Nothing brings a smile to my face more than sitting in my underwear on a Monday morning enjoying a fresh cup of coffee and watching the traffic cameras that are streaming on the local public access TV channel...it's quite cathartic.

Sent via mobile device. Please excuse any grammatical errors.

[Scuba]

I am so looking forward to it! Love the opportunity to do spontaneous things and certainly can appreciate how great it will be not to have to do my horrible commute anymore!


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