You Are Retired, What Do You Do All day???

[rivermobster]

Interesting reading this thread.

Was going to retire at least 3 times before. Employer kept dangling that carrot in front of me. 10-15% raise. Sure helps with the public pension I have.

Decided this year is it. Told my employer I'm leaving December 31 this year. 4 Months to go.

Don't know what I'm going to do but at least not kick the bucket at work and be hauled out on a gurney.

Travel, work in the yard, fix the house. Go for walks with my wife??????

Go have fun. You earned it.

 

[CLdrinker]

You retired guys that are busy can you go to my work and do my job so I can worry about being bored?

 

[TimeBandit]

For the first year I had the feeling I was playing hooky from school.

Health issues got me to quit working 18 months ago and it seems I'm playing whack-a-mole still.

But overwhelmingly I think how did I ever have time to work?

I blame my dad. He had a terrific work ethic. It's just hard to clock out forever.

Doing the handyman gig sounds like fun, plus the labor rate is enticing. That would pay for more fun when I don't feel like working.

 

[poncho]

Can't see myself ever stopping work completely, stay busy in a limited fashion somehow. Several friends with boat, bike shops etc. could always pick up some hours when I feel like it and most of them would be happy with part time help versus keeping guys busy all week.
I do a few months on few months off schedule and I'm always joking that I'm going back to work to rest.

 

[BabyRay]

I retired 11 years ago, and have zero regrets about the decision. Retirement hasn’t turned out to be entirely what I’d hoped, due to my wife having health problems, but I figure that life is what you make of it. So, if travel is rare, keep busy locally.

I lift weights with a trainer 4 days weekly, and either do some cardio while there, or hit a trail with my dog (on that note, I spend about an hour per day focused on training and/or playing with the dog). We go to the casino occasionally, have lunch or dinner with friends or family, or go to a bar and hang out for a while.

We have a large home and several acres, so there’s plenty to keep me busy around here…in the past several weeks, I’ve patched drywall and painted a room after some electrical work, painted railings and trim on our deck, repaired and replaced lawn sprinklers, and there’s the daily gardening along with the rest of the little chores that keep a household going and looking good. We have wild blackberries at the back of our property, so I’ve been picking a number of times recently, and made cobblers and two batches of jelly (my first time) with the fruit of those labors…pro tip; the leftover blackberry juice is fabulous with vodka!

Nothing monumental, but busy enough to keep me from getting bored (it does also help that I like to read). And, my wife has been seeing a doc who seems to know his stuff, so our travel may ramp up by the end of this year. Maybe a motorhome will be in our future. If not, whatever happens….its all good.

 

[mesquito_creek]

30 years of office work in a chair, staring at a computer was physically killing me slowly. Quit work and quickly lost weight and blood pressure dropped. Stress is a killer and that went away after retirement. My wife says I am a totally different person now.

Now I do all the things people have mentioned above: walk, hike, take care of the house and vacation property. I always seems to have lots to do but I can appreciate the slow times and live in the moment, instead of living for time off.

 

[JDKRXW]

Join a gym and lift weights. Limit your time on treadmills, lift. Pick a gym that is close and convenient so you will use. I go to planet fitness . A basic membership is $10 month.

In addition; I see so many guys (and gals) that have next to zero social life after pulling the retirement pin. Staying engaged with some people is major, major factor in staying healthy.
A gym membership is a great way to maintain some face time with other people.... if you're not into going to church or getting a dog

 

[12vMan]

For the first year I had the feeling I was playing hooky from school.

Thus is so true! The first year after working so many years (49 in my case) its hard to adjust. You really feel like you're playing hookie!

 

[EPL]

We retired at a young age back in 2005 . Between apt repairs , going to lake on the houseboat and all the other water toys in the summer , off road riding , grandkids and doing the regular stuff around the house I don't have a chance to be bored !

 

[OC Daytona]

Interesting reading this thread.

Was going to retire at least 3 times before. Employer kept dangling that carrot in front of me. 10-15% raise. Sure helps with the public pension I have.

Decided this year is it. Told my employer I'm leaving December 31 this year. 4 Months to go.

Don't know what I'm going to do but at least not kick the bucket at work and be hauled out on a gurney.

Travel, work in the yard, fix the house. Go for walks with my wife??????

Sounds like me, every 5 years I said I'd say I was going to retire in 5 years, but biz was still too good to fully retire and my boats have twins and gas isn't getting any cheaper. Finally semi retired this year working Tuesday - Thursday 9-12 most weeks. Leave for the lake Thursday afternoon and return on Tuesday.
Thursday afternoon boating is now my favorite

 

[2Driver]

 

[cofooter]

To the OP, you gotta have a plan on what you are going to do those 10-12 hrs a day you used to spend working/commuting. If you don't have a plan, don't retire. I've seen a lot of people retire from work and retire from life. If you get up in the AM and turn on the TV because you don't know what else to do it's not going to end well.

I retired 20mths ago, it's been a bit of a challenge to keep every day full as I'm not good at sitting around. It takes some discipline and motivation to get up and set your new course in life where you can feel good about yourself and live your best life.

For me I started walking everyday. I get up every morning when we're home and try to do 10 miles. Eats up a good three hours. I enjoy that time immensely and other than the health aspects, you feel like you accomplished something. I've averaged just under 250 miles/mth since retiring.

Other than that, there are a lot of projects. Getting ready to sell my house in the spring and move up to the GF's house in the mountains. It's been a rental since she bought it 20 yrs ago, so it's going to need lots of updating which I like to do.

GF still like/wants to work but it's easy for her to get time off, so we usually do a weeklong trip once a month to river, local lake, visit friend, snow ski, etc.

Also do some trips on my own, been to Baja each year for a month, been climbing some 14'r mountains in Colorado, or sometimes if we go on a trip I'll drive and she flys and I spend a few extra days checking things out on the way there and back. It's nice to get up and go whenever you want!!

Every day at 5 is happy hour in the garage when we're home. Sometimes neighbors stop by, sometimes it's just me and my guitar.

I want to find a part time job do get out a bit and socialize more. Next year I'll be applying at a ski resort. Don't care what the job is, I love to ski and think it will be a blast.

So get a plan and find something that motivates you and make sure you'll be fulfilled as much as you are working!

Then get busy living, you've earned it!

 

[Paradox]

My wife retired last year and I’m looking at potentially doing likewise the first quarter of next year. We’ll be relocating to our Havasu place full time.

I’ll be 65 and my wife will be 63.We’ve been a couple since our 20s..

While we will be doing the boating, off roading and traveling thing that most have mentioned here, it occurred to me that a social club of like minded individuals could be put together. Events, travel and get togethers could be orginized that would enhance the retirement experience..

 

[fat rat]

I retired because I was just plan wore out, we did all aspects of restoration in DC, plenty of work there. Worked at it for 25 years after I retired from 20 years of military life. I had logged over 600k miles in DC. So all in all I worked just about 50 years and it paid off. Walked in my shop one day and said fuck it. Sat down with my crew that morning and broke the news to them. I told them let’s get everything done that’s in the shop and you will get rewarded nicely. Went over to Home Depot bought a for sale by owner sign. I put it out front and within 45 minutes it was sold, told buyer I need 30 days to vacate. Two weeks later I put the house on the market. Again sold the following morning for 75k over asking price and they want us out ASAP. At this point I have no house lined up. Called my realtor in Prescort and told him find me house with the biggest garage And i don’t want any land.We got down to the last week still no house. Movers were scheduled and we had lived in the house for 30+ years and we were in a 4000 square foot home, so we had lots of stuff. I had vehicles to ship and movers hauled 4bikes. Finally this house comes up, brand new build and nine car garage,I took the red eye to check out the house, made an offer, ended up getting the house $100k less than asking,have no regrets about it and never look back. The only thing I miss is the restaurants and a few friends. We litery had to race the moving trucks and get here first. We beat them by 2 days. It seems like it was an easy move, im just glad it’s over. Tme to get off my ass, been chilling for 6 years.

 

[Hoodoo]

Scheming up ways to turn this stodgy old scarab in picture 1 into cool fun run boat in picture 4.

 

[cofooter]

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[TPC]

15 weeks wife retires young probably do a lap around the USA.

 

[bilz]

I retired on a public pension buy out, post covid. Two close coworkers passed before we received our buy out checks. If you even remotely think you can make it, retire ASAP. Nothing is promised!

 

[Mr. C]

Gonna back track a little. My retirement was kind of forced in my business.
I’d worked 41 years plus in the motion picture business. Worked over a 103k hours.
Was let go by Disney last June 2023 after 25 years
There’s no work or very little and still won’t be for months.
I took my retirement at 61 cause I could. And am looking for something that is more interesting and fulfilling for another 5 years or so.

Pension money doesn’t cover your way life at my age 61. You have to supplement. With no SS coming in on my end.
If I was 65 and could get my SS. Life would be bliss

 

[fat rat]

To the OP, you gotta have a plan on what you are going to do those 10-12 hrs a day you used to spend working/commuting. If you don't have a plan, don't retire. I've seen a lot of people retire from work and retire from life. If you get up in the AM and turn on the TV because you don't know what else to do it's not going to end well.

I retired 20mths ago, it's been a bit of a challenge to keep every day full as I'm not good at sitting around. It takes some discipline and motivation to get up and set your new course in life where you can feel good about yourself and live your best life.

For me I started walking everyday. I get up every morning when we're home and try to do 10 miles. Eats up a good three hours. I enjoy that time immensely and other than the health aspects, you feel like you accomplished something. I've averaged just under 250 miles/mth since retiring.

Other than that, there are a lot of projects. Getting ready to sell my house in the spring and move up to the GF's house in the mountains. It's been a rental since she bought it 20 yrs ago, so it's going to need lots of updating which I like to do.

GF still like/wants to work but it's easy for her to get time off, so we usually do a weeklong trip once a month to river, local lake, visit friend, snow ski, etc.

Also do some trips on my own, been to Baja each year for a month, been climbing some 14'r mountains in Colorado, or sometimes if we go on a trip I'll drive and she flys and I spend a few extra days checking things out on the way there and back. It's nice to get up and go whenever you want!!

Every day at 5 is happy hour in the garage when we're home. Sometimes neighbors stop by, sometimes it's just me and my guitar.

I want to find a part time job do get out a bit and socialize more. Next year I'll be applying at a ski resort. Don't care what the job is, I love to ski and think it will be a blast.

So get a plan and find something that motivates you and make sure you'll be fulfilled as much as you are working!

Then get busy living, you've earned it!

Something I haven’t mentioned, I was diagnosed with Radiculopathy . So moving around for me is very difficult.

Radiculopathy

Your spinal cord runs downward through a canal in the center of vertebrae in the spine. Nerve roots branch off the cord and go between the individual vertebrae. When problems affect these nerve roots, the condition is called radiculopathy.

www.hopkinsmedicine.org

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

This is way to easy hee hee hee

 

[2Driver]

When I retired early at the top of my game my colleges were dumbfounded and they asked what are you going to do with your time?

I said, if you reverse that question it means the only thing you know to do with your life is to come here and work. I picked up a book on the trails inside the Grand Canyon and thought, I don't have enough time to even see all those trails and thats just hiking the canyon.

 

[adam909]

Im surprised with the retired folks in havasu they dont pick up fishing. Im not a fresh water fishermen but living in havasu theres more cool months then hot and owning a small fishing boat seems like it would make sense.

 

[Paradox]

This is way to easy hee hee hee

While I can appreciate everyone does it differently (and I do enjoy reading your thread), your life style is sooo much different than mine. To each their own…

 

[Rajobigguy]

Things I’ve learned about retirement.
1. If you’re one of those people that shows up at work and needs a schedule before you actually start doing anything, you might as well keep working because you won’t be happy being retired .
2. Retirement is a planned event and rarely does it ever go as planned. That being said, there are some things that need to happen before pulling the plug. You need to have your finances in order so you can support the lifestyle that you envision. You need to pick a place to live that lends itself to that vision.
3. You need to be flexible. Like I said, it’s probably not going to be exactly what you thought it would be but if you are open to new possibilities there is always fun to had.
4. Most importantly, be honest with yourself about why you want to retire. If you’re doing it simply because you don’t want to work anymore you’re probably not going to enjoy retirement. If however you’re doing it so that you finally have time to do things that you truly enjoy it can be the happiest time of your life.

 

[dribble]

I can’t even cover what I do in an average day. I’m 68. Over the past two months, I have:

Worked on a vintage CZ MX for a high school friend who still races it. Converted the ignition and re-did the Mikuni conversion.

Took out a tree and built a pad for a storage shed (which my GF just ordered. We will be building it ourselves.

Went boating about six times.

Three trips to Reno, one to Vegas to see a concert,

I’ve been working with a 17 year old girl (family friend) who bought a Sportster and is learning to ride. Helped her pick it out and have been taking her dirt and street bike riding to help her gain more skills.

Working on painting my Jeep
Half doors.

Helped my boat mechanic BIL get some boats finished.

I help a special needs adult woman with grocery shopping and other general living stuff.

Widened my driveway (Did everything but the pour).

This covers some of what I do. I honestly don’t know how I ever had the time to
have a job. It seems like I’m tired all the time. I can’t imagine why.

 

[rivermobster]

Something I haven’t mentioned, I was diagnosed with Radiculopathy . So moving around for me is very difficult.

Radiculopathy

Your spinal cord runs downward through a canal in the center of vertebrae in the spine. Nerve roots branch off the cord and go between the individual vertebrae. When problems affect these nerve roots, the condition is called radiculopathy.

www.hopkinsmedicine.org

Reading that article....

Seems like the most important thing you can do is exercise and stay in shape!

Also focus on eating Healthy and all that jazz.

Your health should Always come first. That can be a full time job right there.

 

[rivermobster]

Check this series out. It's about longevity. Living healthier.

Then grab the book his doctor wrote.

This should keep you busy for awhile...

 

[Rajobigguy]

It’s funny, I thought I would have more time for reading when I retired but my days are pretty full. My daughter paid for a subscription to Audiobooks for me. I have always liked reading and didn’t really think that this would be something that I would like but it turns out that I love it. I can go about my daily activities and still get my book time in at the same time. It’s particularly useful while I’m driving. I rarely listen to music anymore.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

While I can appreciate everyone does it differently (and I do enjoy reading your thread), your life style is sooo much different than mine. To each their own…

I can appreciate that. I wanted to just wake up a sleepy forum. Thanks for riding along.

 

[Groper]

Yes, all the above

 

[was thatguy]

I retire every two weeks.
Typically I spend my days at the range or annoying Dave.

 

[DILLIGAF]

After this AM it seems as though I am starting a dog rescue business. Lol

 

[mesquito_creek]

4.5 miles hike this morning to the birthday arch just north of big water… now having lunch at antelope! Retirement isnt for everyone!

 

[rivermobster]

4.5 miles hike this morning to the birthday arch just north of big water… now having lunch at antelope! Retirement isnt for everyone!

View attachment 1424817 View attachment 1424818 View attachment 1424819

Getting old ain't for pussies.

 

[clarence]

60, retired four years ago.

Busy. As. Fuck.

 

[Water Romper]

Was laid off right when I turned 65- couldn't find work so I retired. Now I do handyman work and work every day with no shortage of jobs in sight. Paid in cash and have a nice little customer base, never been happier! Screw big companies and their BS.

 

[OC Daytona]

Was laid off right when I turned 65- couldn't find work so I retired. Now I do handyman work and work every day with no shortage of jobs in sight. Paid in cash and have a nice little customer base, never been happier! Screw big companies and their BS.

Definitely something to be said for being your own boss, setting your own hours and dealing with the people you want to work for
and helping people instead of working for a soulless machine

Don't forget to give yourself DEI training once a year

 

[Sharky]

I've had this area in my garage reserved for my count down for at least 10+ years. Kept updating it every year.

Back when they used to give you a printed chart of your pension.

It's now down to single digit months. Used to be "years to go"

Probably purchase the last few months to get me to 80% of HAS (Highest Average Salary)

 

[Sharp Shooter]

We have a few guys at work between 30-35 years on the job that won’t retire. These guys have no hobbies besides drinking and can’t think of something to fill their days so they keep working. Mind boggling to me.

I can’t wait to retire!

 

[OC Daytona]

We have a few guys at work between 30-35 years on the job that won’t retire. These guys have no hobbies besides drinking and can’t think of something to fill their days so they keep working. Mind boggling to me.

I can’t wait to retire!

Yep, well you have lots of hobbies. There's a lot of guys that only have work and a large percentage die within a year or so after they retire cuz they have no reason to get up the next morning without work. Sad, but I hear that story often.

Next time you see Mark Lopez tell him the guy with the silver 67 Camaro said HEY.

Ask him if he still has his '68.

 

[mesquito_creek]

There is only one reason why people don’t retire… it’s because they “can’t”. Fill the reason in place of “can’t”. No one who can doesn’t. Money, wife, lack of social structure, lack of things to do, they truly love their work.. etc etc.

I admire those who work and enjoy it to the end. Unfortunately, that wasn’t me. I still enjoy a short term side hustle (I did a buddy’s pool route for a week while he went on vacation).

 

[EarpRider]

Carpe diem!
You never know what tomorrow brings.

 

[BajaT]

 

[DILLIGAF]

Currently eating leftover lasagna from last night Its raining quite a bit today so I am just putting around doing inside stuff

 

[Waterjunky]

Won't know for many more years. But I am very interested in finding out.