repleo Loc: Boston

I know there are a lot of retirees here on UHH and I am looking for some advice.

I have tentatively targeted retiring in two years time. Financially, we should be in pretty good shape, or at least better than most. My problem is I can’t see what I am going to do with myself in retirement.

My joints get stiff when I sit around too much, and my hearing is fading, but otherwise I am in good health. I have returned to photography in a pretty serious way, I play a bit of golf and am a pretty decent handyman around the house. I do a lot of DYI projects. Over the years I have done professional level, full gut rehabs on six bathrooms, three kitchens, and two decks and never ending painting projects. My wife and I enjoy travelling and are well able to undertake self-conducted tours abroad a couple of times a year.

At 65 I am still working full time. I don’t really find my job satisfying anymore, but it is well paid and low stress. I could probably taper down to part time if I wanted to. So what is keeping me from retiring? Fear. Fear of losing a regular pay check. Fear of watching savings do down instead of up. Fear of not knowing what to do with myself all day. Fear of losing interaction with vibrant young folks. And yet I don’t want to wait until I am too old or sick or dithery to enjoy retirement.

Googling ‘retirement advice’ just seems to bring up endless financial advice. That is not what I am looking for. I am looking for real world advice on the other aspects of retirement like happiness, fulfillment, satisfaction. I know many of our UHH retirees are just living hand to mouth and had no choice in their retirement due to health or employment issues and may find this all very self indulgent. However, I would like to hear from those who have found retirement rewarding and satisfying. Any good articles or books you can recommend or advice that worked for you in your transition?

DNW

The Bible.

Pepsiman Loc: New York City

Find and join a Senior Center near you.

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

Im 87 and been retired for 24 years. The thing not to do is head for that big soft chair or they will soon be putting you in that big box. Keep on the move shooting photos as you go. Good luck on your retirement.

ricardo7 Loc: Washington, DC - Santiago, Chile

I got lucky and was financially able to take a very early retirement.

Good points: Each day is mine. I get up when I want, go to sleep when
I want and in between I pretty much do what I want.

Bad points: NONE

All the stuff you are worrying about will all fall into place. Bail out.

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

I'm 63 and been retired for about 3 yrs.
Your fear of losing a sready pay check is very valid. We are doing fine finacialy but I don't spend more than about fifty bucks on whim, serious money now gets serious thought.
Your thoughts about missing people is also spot on, I miss the daily interaction with a lot of good friends.
Your worrries about what to do with all the time, fuggett aboutit! I have no clue how I fit a job in before. When I get up in the morning I don't have a thing to do and at the end of the day I'm only half done!
We travel as much as possible and I have more projects than I could ever finish.
Just go over the money thing real well do your due dilligance and go for it.
It helps a ton that my wife is my best friend.
Good luck!

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Since this is a photography forum, I'll limit my response to how photography could play a role in your post-retirement life. The best way to do that is to relate my own experiences. Since retirement, I have increased my involvement in photography, including learning new photography skills, as well as post-processing skills. My interest in outdoor and nature photography keeps me active, hiking and exploring my surroundings. I've started a photo site, joined a photography club, and made new friends. Photography, as well as other interests, keep your mind and body active and healthy. Don't stop learning new things!

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

I go to the gym three days a week and spend about 1 1/2 hours per visit working at my level on the machines.
Right now, I starting to train for climbing lighthouses this spring. Lots of steps up and then, back down... Looking at one that has over 200 steps up.
Visit lighthouses when we are around them.
We have photographed all the county courthouses in Texas (254 of them).
Working on state capitals. Six, left to photograph.
We travel around seeing the USA in our little travel trailer. There is a lot to see out there.
Enjoy visiting Working steam locomotives and museums.
Enjoy visiting old gold and silver mines.
Enjoy photography.
Spend a lot of time on the computer visiting different forums.
Tell my wife I lover her and take her out to eat, often.
Pat

Straight Shooter Loc: Newfoundland, Canada

You say that your financial situation is pretty good. Excellent; you need to feel comfortable that your finances can cover the lifestyle that you would like to have. The next thing is your physical condition: as others have said, keeping active is vital; remember "use it or lose it". If you have these two bases covered, have no fear, go for it. You will likely still be busy, but the difference is that you get to choose what to do or not do. There are loads of volunteer opportunities out there. If there is a local photography club, join it; if not, start one. Get up early and watch the sunrise. Visit friends and relatives. Explore new places. Consider writing some memoirs to pass on to future generations. Your DIY skills sound impressive, and could make you very popular and/or a source of extra cash. You are well placed to enjoy a new stage of life.

anotherview Loc: California

Please excuse me if your statement evokes a chuckle: "Fear of not knowing what to do with myself all day."

Fear not because things to do will come your way when you stop reporting to work. You couldn't know this fact until you experience so much more free time.

I should put the expression "free time" in quote marks because you will find your spare time filled with fresh obligations, duties, and demands, atop your existing interests. You will probably have to buy a day planner to keep track of all the little things that will then beg your attention.

You may realize you have put off doing certain things because they might interfere with your job. Now you could do them. For example, you may see that you should visit your doctor more often.

Seriously doing photography by itself will definitely eat up your available time. As a craft, this field requires much individual practice along with attention to detail -- all very absorbing.

Get back to us after you have been retired for 3 or 4 months -- if you can find the time.

Happy Holidays!

anotherview Loc: California

The voice of experience speaks here.

PhotoKurtz Loc: Carterville, IL

A) Retire on Monday and start practicing.
B) Each year/day becomes a larger percent of your remaining years daily.
C) There are photo ops passing you every day that you are "behind a desk." Call me from your job on Tuesday to discuss what I did on Monday.
alt: D) keep working and paying into SSI for the rest of us.
Things to do: Join Stock Photo sites for free and make a few bucks. Post photos to Google Earth. Enter photo contests. Blog your travels with photo pages. Send photos to the PR peeps at places you have visited.
E) Contact my retirement advisor at Drinkwine & Fishmore, LLP.
F) Don't believe half of what we tell you.

Jeff - 69, retired 7 years.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

I forgot about this one. Although, I'm behind with mine...
You are two or three generations from being just a name on the family tree.
I don't want anyone to forget the good stuff I did. Well, what I think is good stuff....
Pat

neco Loc: Western Colorado Mountains

74, retired ten years ago. I do some writing, lots of photography and post processing, pickle ball, fitness classes, genealogy, hiking, cross country skiing, coffee clubs, golf, politics, folk music group, some travel, just joined an 8-ball group, grandkids. I found out early that staying away from health issues is a major goal, so lots of activity (and I am not fond of activity). Usually I don't miss the structure of work, but that structure stays with me. I was in education and "taking a bath during third period" was the best statement I heard from the question, "What are you doing to do after retirement?"

anotherview Loc: California

Interesting perspective: "You are two or three generations from being just a name on the family tree."