Hello. I’m not of retirement age but can offer an idea or two. I work for an animal charity which has lots of volunteers. Some are retired and very happy. Is there a charity you could offer to help out? Or even make things for that they can sell? How about taking photos for an animal charity for a shop to help list their products? Could you assist in digital or social media aspects? Hope I haven’t just repeated other responses here, but I wanted to offer something from my own knowledge base without feeling like my ideas may have already been stated, and therefore don’t need to be here. But as a helper, you won’t be rushed into things, and therefore will hopefully enjoy what you put in. The volunteers I know well love what they do.
repleo wrote:
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?
I know there are a lot of retirees here on UHH and... (
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