Retired guys, how has your life changed?

[dennis in se pa]

I retired about 4 years ago. Wife could not because she has "bills to pay". She had always spent way more than she made, on jewelry, fancy pocketbooks, clothing, etc. I always worked 60-80 hours a week at 100 MPH. At 62 I was burned out. Now I love to do NOTHING ALL DAY but spend time with my pups and doing whatever occurs to me at the moment or MORE NOTHING. Very few scheduled events. I had had enough of that. I hear retired people often trying to tell me how busy they are. Did these people have part time or no jobs and feel guilty? I am the only one I know who is finally happy to be able to do NOTHING! We are now amicably divorced. She hated seeing me lie in bed with the dogs while she had to go to work. Early on we had separate accounts because of her spending habits. That became a big point. Doing nothing is OK. Slowing down is OK. Living with dogs is OK!

"That health thing suddenly becomes real around 60, if not for yourself, then for those around you."

Absolutely. Don't take it for granted you will live forever, or even a long life.

"Only the Rocks Live Forever"
from James Michener's "Centennial". GREAT STORY!

[tabs]

It has taken me nearly 30 years to perfect the art of doing nothing. I still have some areas that need improvement though.

[dennis in se pa]

Yes to what tabs said.

[Jim Richards]

I have more time for daily exercise since retirement, and I make sure to use it.

[LakeCleElum]

Very fortunate here to retire at age 52 (14 yrs ago) as the State Retirement system I was in maxed benefits at 30 yrs. I had started right out of College.

I said I'd do what I wanted the 1st year. Tried to be doing something each day from 9-12, take a long break and then again from 2-5 PM......Kinda worked, but I had a very lax supervisor.

Then, We were building our retirement home on 3 acres 100 miles away. I only had the contractor do the framing, roof, insulation, rough wire/plumb and exterior doors/windows. I took over and farmed out sheetrock and paint. Working 3 to 4 days a week, I did siding, cabinet install, finish wire/plumb, trim/interior doors, and landscaping. If I hired work out, I could get someone to do it for 1/2 of what the contractor had quoted.

I was retired 5 years before my wife retired and we could move. For some social contact, I started (and still do) to volunteer with a busy county Search/Rescue. I don't climb mountains, but run the Comm Van, radio/computers, do ORV and Snowmobile search. Got appointed to County Civil Service Commission and became Chairman 2 years later.

Joined the biggest snowmobile club in the state and have the trophy for "most miles" 2 of the last 5 years. 3 years ago, a friend got elected county Coroner and needed some help. So, I've been a Deputy Coroner the past 3 years. A work day is a 24 hr day. I only want to work 4-5 days/month, but have done 11 days/months twice in the past year. I now do the scheduling.

I don't golf, hunt or fish, but seem to stay busy.....Was keeping up 4 homes till recently when I sold my rental and my mothers house; now just the house and cabin. I do 12-15,000 motorcycle miles a year. 2 long hoods and a 1960 190 SL to play with. Down to 10 motorcycles, 4 snowmobiles and 4 John Deere..

Travel overseas at least once a year. Usually a 3 week trip, but did 5 weeks in Fiji and Australia a few years ago.

At age 66, I'm very lucky to be blessed with good health and income......Sorry to not respond sooner, I was on a trip to Spain/Andorra/Portugal and Morocco....Just got home...

[carreradpt]

I retired just shy of 55, almost 8 yrs ago. My wife says I am so much more relaxed than my working days. She said I adapted immediately. I have to agree. We live an almost stress free life here in FL, with the exception of a hurricane or 2 and my golf game.

We do exactly what we want to do and when, our decision. We take frequent short trips for seashelling or golf outings together. She takes golf trips with the girls and I take long solo 911 roadtrips to somewhere that ain't flat 2-3 times a year. We saved plenty, and that is important, to live comfortably and be able to afford to indulge the things you are passionate about.

We have yet to find ourselves bored or even the slightest bit tired of each other. And that is most important for a happy life, especially going into retirement. I couldn't imagine it being comfortable if you are not in a strong relationship if married or with a partner. You will be spending a lot of time together.

I have always tried to not sweat the small stuff and it seems to be easier nowadays. Retirement is good, but be prepared.

Yes I have changed. I loved my job and career, but now, I am done working, never again in this life.

[jyl]

All I want to know is: what brand cat food to buy, if you don't have a cat.

[dw1]

I'm probably about 2 years (and maybe a bit more) from retirement and while I am concerned about how the loss of my and my wife's paychecks will impact our psyche, I am really looking forward to it. It has be looking at day-to-day struggles at work very differently.

Our biggest decision will be on where to live. Taxes are too high where I am, but despite having relatives in FL it doesn't currently have much appeal.

On the original question about lifestyle changes: I think I'll miss work, but really enjoy finally having the time for things that my 12 - 14 hour work days (and working on weekends) don't permit me to do. As was stated in a prior post - every day will be like a non-work Saturday.

[NSX430]

Retired 6 years ago at 54 yo. I am now totally irresponsible; I get up when I want, go to bed when I want. I avoid responsibility and structure at every opportunity. The only stress I have now is, am I going to run, swim, bike or take one of my cars out today.....sometimes all three.
Yeah I worked hard to get here & I achieved my goal of retiring alive.

[Rich Lambert]

Since retirement, a lot more women shake their heads and try to comfort my wife.

I have no idea why...well, maybe an inkling https://youtu.be/4If7bF_zF9w

[pavulon]

Originally Posted by NSX430

The only stress I have now is, am I going to run, swim, bike or take one of my cars out today.....sometimes all three.

That's uh, like 4 choices. Time to up your aricept dose!