Finding a post-retirement vocation
Retirement is a moment many people look forward to for years – it’s a new chapter where your time becomes your own once again and the responsibilities and financial burdens of raising a family are behind you.
Concerns over boredom and loss of purpose are a common worry for new retirees, but figuring out how to fill your days can be a wonderful process.
Find meaning
For most people, jobs and families are what give life meaning. Realising one day that a career has come to an end and children have grown up and begun their adult lives can come as a shock.
Finding something to do which gives your life a sense of purpose during retirement can help you feel excited, happy and fulfilled rather than bored and listless.
Whether you’re preparing to retire, newly retired or been retired for years, here’s a few simple ideas of activities and vocations to try during your retirement years.
Pursue education
Retirement is a great time to pursue your education if you ever thought about going back to university. There are part-time and full time degree and continuing education courses in a huge range of subjects at most universities around the UK and beyond. It’s never too late to dust off your old textbooks and keep learning.
Volunteer for charity
If you have a charity you support or a cause that’s close to your heart, consider getting involved and volunteering your time. Your skill set can be incredibly valuable to a non-profit organisation and is a great way to stay engaged in the community too. You can do anything from volunteering for your local politician, taking part in a local park clean up or even working as a guide at a local National Trust site.
Tutor someone
For many retirees, it’s difficult to leave the skills you worked so hard to develop over the course of a career on the shelf. Why not consider tutoring – there are very likely school-age, high school and university students in your local area who could use some extra help and it’s a great way to keep your brain engaged. Mentorship, too, can be very fulfilling – passing on hard-earned wisdom to the next generation in your community or field of work is a great way to put your skills to use.
Start that business
Many of us feel there are things we could have done better if we were in charge. If you have a passion for what you do or a business or product idea you’ve always wanted to try, retirement is the perfect time to get started. You have years of experience behind you, and freedom from mortgage payments and family maintenance costs mean it’s relatively low risk to try something new. If you find yourself missing work, think of how you can do it a way that suits you – through consultancy, part time or by setting up on your own.
Find a hobby
Pursuing new hobbies and interests is one of the joys of retirement. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do or try? Taking advantage of new opportunities will help you discover new things about yourself, develop new skills and meet new people. From cycling to allotment gardening, crafts and everything in between, don’t be afraid to try something new or pursue an interest – you might find something you love!
Write
Many of us have stories we’d like to share. Why not try writing? If you have an idea for a screenplay or want to write a biography or family history, retirement is a great time to explore this. Local writer’s groups and workshops can provide you with deadlines and give you the opportunity to meet new people and learn hints and tips along the way.
Do you have any tips for navigating retirement? How do you like to spend your time? Let us know in the comments below!
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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