Groundhog Day

[Superman]

I woke up this morning with this feeling and started an inventory of stuff I do, then some fellow posted a remark involving chess which is on my inventory so I took that as a sign to create this thread.

I wake up every morning, median wake up time of around 5:30, and think "Well here we go again. Another verse, same as the first." Like just going through the motions. My routine starts. Coffee. Do some reading. Check on the Pelicanheads and some others. Wife gets up, I bring her coffee. Eventually I take a shower and get dressed, though sometimes that is pajamas pants and a sweatshirt. I make a smoothie, give half to Lois Lane and drink the other half. Do some chore around the house. Clean something (I like to clean things). Organize an area (my garage and my office usually look like the scene of a burglary). Practice some music. Maybe paint. Play golf. Gardening. I do have hobbies and such.

And yet....it seems like the same ol' routine. But on the other hand, I am old enough to not love "eventful" days where I deal with crises or unusual things or inconvenient things. I used to think life was a bit more fun when it was difficult. Now I don't think that. I retired 18 months ago, so now there are no dragons to slay. But do I really want to slay dragons again?

Maybe I just should find some more hobbies? But i do have plenty of those. Maybe volunteer? Maybe teach a community college class.

I'm bored, and not sure whether to do anything about it or not.

[Ralph3.]

Retired in 2015, only thing I miss about my old job is the second check every month. Currently working part time at a couple of different jobs. One for our local MLB Team another seasonal for a local retailer in Seattle. Find both entertaining for the people and the customers/guests. Have no desire to work full time anymore. Right now drinking a second cup of coffee and reading your post. Enjoy your retirement, you earned it, if there’s anything else you have wanted to do look into it and give it a try. Enjoy!

[Seahawk]

I deal with this all the time.

Managers, lawyers, business owners, briefers, yappers, etc. are often horrible at retirement. Engineers otoh, seem to do very well.

I am a year or two away from moving on to the next phase of my life, at least I hope to be there for it, of part time employment. I don't need the money, but I am a yapper and won't do well Hans Solo.

I have already begun to talk to folks in SC about potential opportunities to help others in a way I see fit, 10 to 15 hours a week.

Get your yellow legal pad out and find the pluses and minuses of what you want, what makes you want to contribute, then pick one.

[Bill Douglas]

That sounds like a good day Super. I wouldn't change a moment of it.

[Flatbutt1]

18 months isn't that much time for decompression. Give yourself a chance to get acclimatized to the new eco-system.

I'm 8 years into retirement and you guys know my story. I just took on a new commitment with my township volunteer first aid squad. I was lacking purpose, and this seems a good fit.

Give yourself time.

[HobieMarty]

My advice, build a model car. Build it right out of the box or make it as detailed as you like. It's fun and can be relaxing.

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[Dixie]

Sounds to me like you're living the dream. Does your post imply you feel guilty about that?

[herr_oberst]

I was born on Groundhog Day. Shaking up the routine affects my equilibrium, so I just go with the momentum.

[pavulon]

Imo, people accustomed to actual productivity need a (special) purpose beyond soaking up resources. Retirement presses the issue. Seek, find and sleep well.

[porsche tech]

I retired in 2012. My job required that I produce…no production = no pay…42 years of it. I don’t sit around well. I loved my work but no where close to how I love retirement! Golf, fishing, volunteering, yard work, maintaining my vehicles, work around the house, etc but all on my schedule. I am very thankful to be able to be retired! I dread the thought of even having a part time job.

[Superman]

Not sure why I posted, as this is just a personal musing and not a very interesting one, but I am glad for the excellent inputs. As always.

The yellow pad idea is a good one Seahawk, thanks. I am sure we are both aware of our personal differences and here is, I think, another one: You may be an extrovert, in which case you will go insane without contacts with other people. I am a gregarious introvert. In a cocktail party full of strangers I feel like a "kid in a candy store" (more on that in a moment) But I really don't need people. I am just fine alone for long periods. I prefer it. I need my wife and I have friends, but I charge my batteries in silence.

Originally Posted by Capt. Carrera

Sounds to me like you're living the dream.

Indeed. I am along much of the time, doing what I want to do, and I like that. I also like that my stress level is about 5% of what it once was. I take many calm delicious deep breaths every day. I am happy.

Originally Posted by Capt. Carrera

Does your post imply you feel guilty about that?

Not even a tiny bit. None. I contributed in a big way. Worked my ass off. I still wake up at 5 and can't sleep more, but that's when I used to hit my desk. No, I paid my dues. Contributed meaningfully to a robust industry and made a difference. Left what feels like bits of my flesh and bone on the battlefield. I owe nothing further.

Originally Posted by pavulon

Imo, people accustomed to actual productivity need a (special) purpose beyond soaking up resources. Retirement presses the issue. Seek, find and sleep well.

This, is meaningful. Thank you. I used stress as a stimulant. I loved the smell of napalm in the morning. And then one day I was done. In my mind. I didn't want to do it anymore. The passion was gone, finally. Mercifully. I stepped out of the hurricane, and I think I am experiencing withdrawls from the excitement. I had 36 hours of stuff to do each day and only 24 hours to do it. Now I have nothing on my calendar except the occasional dentist visit, etc. I guess I feel a bit like Bilbo Baggins when he retired. I want to see the ring again, but I know it would destroy me again.

I think Mr. Flatbutt may have nailed it. I need to stay in Rivendell a bit longer. Maybe forever. What I am feeling is probably just missing The Ring, and I need to let it go.

[masraum]

It sounds like you need to give yourself something to do that would require you to push your envelope a bit. Maybe learn something new that's likely to be difficult. Start some sort of project that's going to be a little bit of a pain in the rear, but not crazy.

Maybe take up BASE jumping like they do in Russia
If you don't know, click the image.

[Superman]

And now I think perhaps Steve is also right. I do have a LOT of energy and perhaps that needs to be channeled. But wait....I would likely tear into a new cause with enough fervor to end my retirement peace, which I think I need. I think I'm Bilbo.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Superman

I think I'm Bilbo.

Short with hairy feet?

[Zeke]

A long term project is what you need. I don't know what your hands on abilities are, so long term can mean anything from restoring a car, boat, bike and so on. Or it can mean writing a book. Or it could mean going back to school to learn something new. And by going back to school that can mean many different approaches.

15 years ago I was in welding school. Thinking now about this private course in learning to be some kind of chef. I can cook, but no one has ever shown me how chefs work. I can do a couple of sauces but it would be nice to be able to do half a dozen, from scratch without a measuring spoon. It would be fun to do a catering gig once a month.

You say gardening. There is bonsai and grafting. Lots of different gardening certs if you want to delve in.

The list of side hustles is endless. Take as much or little as you like. Go on Fiver and see all what is offered. I think someone would come over and iron your shirts (just a joke).

And I'll tell you that you can help people. People need help. I've met a few that do Meals on Wheels once a week. They seem gratified.

A long term project is defined by commitment to an objective. It is not playing golf, it is learning to play golf with a single digit handicap. Just consider that a metaphor.

[unclebilly]

If you are bored, get some cows… they have a way of upsetting the best planned days.

[oldE]

Supe, your mornings sound like a clone of mine. That is both good and bad.
In order to have another project, aside from replacing two windows, refurbishing the ride on mower, building a cold frame and a shed for the mower and fuel, I was looking at an old BMW R1100, but the Missus freaked out at the thought of me riding again. However I have an outlet in music. Jamming with some folks every couple of weeks and playing for folks at the seniors' home each month. I also try to learn a song each month.
Keeps me out of trouble.

Best
Les

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Superman

I'm bored, and not sure whether to do anything about it or not.

Your post hit so many button for me Sup. Thanks for posting it. I was thinking of starting a thread "What is your day like?" but this is pretty close.

I'm bored out of my mind too. And yet I have so many things to do. I think my problem is I am so depressed. It is so hard these days to get up any enthusiasm for the things I used to look forward to (and tell myself I still want to do). A string of health problems, being in constant pain from arthritis, sleep issues, and whatever the hell is going on with my back doesn't help. We are in the depths of an Ohio winter too - haven't seen the sun for going on two weeks - and that doesn't inspire much enthusiasm for life.

I have:
guitar lessons practice
A Speedster to put back together
Three cars to maintain and enjoy driving
A fancy CNC quilting machine to master
A book to write

Yet I spend my time sitting on my ass watching TV, working puzzles, and reading. I don't even throw darts anymore, and that used to be my go-to when I didn't feel like doing anything else.
It just feels like going through the motions of living every day without really feeling alive. Groundhog day.

[pavulon]

Originally Posted by oldE

Supe, your mornings sound like a clone of mine. That is both good and bad.
In order to have another project, aside from replacing two windows, refurbishing the ride on mower, building a cold frame and a shed for the mower and fuel, I was looking at an old BMW R1100, but the Missus freaked out at the thought of me riding again. However I have an outlet in music. Jamming with some folks every couple of weeks and playing for folks at the seniors' home each month. I also try to learn a song each month.
Keeps me out of trouble.

Best
Les

How long until Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, Stones, Nirvana... are the "go to" choices for nursing home music? If I end up there, I'll try to see it as an opportunity for one last college dorm experience. I'd hope my kids would set me up with a nice stereo and music streamer.

[KFC911]

Zep nursing home tune playlist....

"Been a long time since I rock and rolled..."

"Stairway to Heaven"

I'm sure there are others