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What to do when we retire

After a 40 year career, I'm months away from retiring. I'm not sure what I'm going to do and it is daunting.


I've thought about mentoring, and volunteering but I'm really not sure.


Does anyone have any tips on what do - what do you do that brings the most satisfaction?


Created By on 03/11/2019

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ColinC8
22nd Jul 2020 17:27:51 (Last activity: 22nd Jul 2020 18:23:52)
0
Thanks for voting!
Buy a Motorhome or a Touring Caravan best thing we ever done.
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 22nd Jul 2020 18:23:52
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Magspots
6th Jul 2020 22:48:52
0
Thanks for voting!
Hi

I have just written my first blog and it’s all about retirement. It was very daunting when I first finished work as there was no structure to my day but gradually things have changed and I now can’t imagine going back to work.

See my blog at https://magspots2.wixsite.com/retirementglory

I would love to hear from people re other ideas for things to do during this special time
Frankly
16th Jan 2020 15:09:38
0
Thanks for voting!
How’s it going Harry?

Not having the focal point of working I think is the biggest issue. Great at first as the pressure is off, but it’s easy to just drift after a while, which if it continues can lead to a lack of involvement / interaction with the world and a feeling of isolation.

So I would suggest you start whatever activity you are interested in before you retire and build on it later. This is particularly important if you follow up on your thoughts of mentoring. It will be easier to do this while you still have the contacts/network readily available.
Camperman
26th Dec 2019 17:51:37
1
Thanks for voting!
If you're anything like me, you'll soon wonder how you ever found time to work. It had always been our (my wife and me) ambition to retire at 56, not 65. When there was a big re-organisation in work, we took the money and ran - all the way from S. Hampshire to N. Aberdeenshire. We bought a 1830's house which we restored and cultivated the garden which was rough and overgrown. We've acquired new skills from bricklaying to roofing.

During the course of this we became friends with two ladies who had quit the academic life to start a market garden. We help them from time to time in the garden and also with them, raise rare breed pigs and sheep. Retirement also gives us time to visit shows at one or other of the Aberdeen theatres and our National trust membership provides great places to visit. Oh, and we can have our holidays during term time!

Now I don't suggest that this is the life for everyone, but after careers in IT and education, we could never have imagined the path our lives would lead. Do not be afraid of retirement. Go for it, do things you've always wanted. Travel, learn new skills, take up a sport - and grow old disgracefully!
Casualgrey
26th Dec 2019 17:25:20
0
Thanks for voting!
Try Joining a a Men's Shed in your area
ecarg
4th Nov 2019 09:54:43 (Last activity: 26th Nov 2019 20:55:19)
0
Thanks for voting!
I think that if you have thought about mentoring or volunteering you should research the options available to you in your area ,depending upon your interests and skills they will be openings available to you that you would find worthwhile and rewarding. The hours you give are up to you so that you can do other things that you may not have tried before.
Personally I found adjusting to retirement took a while losing the structure of my day did make me a bit aimless to start with. I now volunteer for Visibilty and attend a social group weekly as well as becoming a Community Councilor that and the grandchildren keep me occupied ,with plenty of relaxation time to.
All the best for a happy retirement.
,



P
Response from P0Pcorn made on 4th Nov 2019 17:55:04
IF you are in the north take up crown green bowls. All clubs are crying out for new members and it is part of you cutural heritage. DOnt let it die out.
Join a community choir, they always want more male voices. In a choir you dont hav eto be able to sing as long as your voice blends in with the rest.
Join a dance class, they are always after more men. Once you can dance the ladies(or guys) will flock to you.
All these will keep you fitness ticking over nicely.
Too energetic?
Join a book club, ask at your library. See if there is a bridge club or other board game club anywhere near. Join Meet Up an online social group not about dating.
Join a walking group.
Try to learn something new, chinese, marquetry, flute, guitar, ukele, bonsai, jewellery making.
So many possibilities
Response from Harry3645 Original Poster made on 6th Nov 2019 09:36:42
Thanks @P0Pcorn & @ecarg - do you have any suggestions on the best places to mentor/volunteer? And the best places you use to learn things?
Response from Silverworld made on 26th Nov 2019 20:55:19
Hi Harry

Obviously depends what's on in your area - I actually moved 90 miles away as soon as I retired. I didn't know anybody but I researched there were plenty of clubs and activities to do, most of which are free.

You could look for your local U3A group. https://www.u3a.org.uk/find

Don't worry about the name 'University' it really isn't about studying there are plenty of activities if you want - table tennis, trips, learn a language - whatever you fancy. I suggest you search the various groups in your area and see what's on their programme!

For volunteering, I do some research for a charity - it keeps me mixing with younger people, keeps my brain working, whilst I contribute quite significantly by only doing 5 hours at week. Try this link and enter what your criteria is and it will show you what's available. I just happened to come across my organisation because they are based in the area. Good luck.

https://do-it.org/

If there are any walking groups (short walks !?) it's amazing who you meet and find out all sorts of stuff just by talking to people!

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