Your least favorite retirement experience. (federal, friend, wife, travel)

[Stratman]

Originally Posted by SunGrins

Of course losing my wife was the worst but I came through that in one piece and reinvented my life on a different track. But otherwise, it is mostly a few health issues that hold my attention too much. Generally, life is good. Going on a road trip today for a week and will do some fishing if the weather holds.

You're my new hero. Anyone who can deal with grief and stay in one piece is to be admired. I'd be interested in hearing more about how you reinvented yourself. Perhaps you can start another thread on that subject.

[SportyandMisty]

I'm of the opinion that there is no such thing as retirement. You just change what you do.

Few people go from working 60 hrs/week to watching reruns of Wheel of Fortune 60/hrs/week.

You apply the disciplines learned from a lifetime of working to your professional life.

Some of it is deciding what you will do, then create 5 year plans, 1 year plans, quarterly plans and monthly plans. Then execute your plan. Of course, it is OK to change your plan -- but have a plan.

[shamrock4]

Actually nothing comes to mind except minor issues (as of now) with aging. Compared to working and the stress that entailed, it is nirvana.

It is important to stay active. We walk the neighborhood daily, work in our yard, go to concerts (particularly outdoors), try out new ethnic restaurants, browse the library for interesting books, enjoy visiting our grown kids and make detailed plans for a major trip each year in addition to shorter ones.

We make a point of doing something special every week. It doesn't have to cost money - even walking through a different park can be uplifting. To me, it is most important to get out of the house and away from the tv! It is increasingly obvious to me how short life really is.

[slyfox2]

If you had a job where you can do volunteer work in it, then this helps. Or if you have a really gregarious personality.

If you worked in a job where you had to have licences and certifications that you can't get now, that no one volunteers doing, you may find it harder to feel useful in retirement.

And if you have hobbies and activities that are unusual and thus you can't find other people with similar skills(especially if you are way better at them than anyone you know anywhere), then it can be hard.

I never regretted retiring, or moving 700 miles from my previous place of living, but the effort to feel useful and to be valued for how I help has been much harder to get than where I spent a 40 career doing.

For me its very important that I do things to help people grow, and not just have endless fun.

[SunGrins]

Originally Posted by luvmyhoss

By yourself?

Sorry to hear of your loss.

Thanks. Yeah -- I'm at peace with myself and often travel on my own. I just got back from a 12 day trip home for a family reunion - on Amtrak. There's always new people to meet and things to learn. I keep several blogs and write a lot and enjoy photography. New Mexico is perfect for that.

[StealthRabbit]

least favorite?

when the 'direct deposits stopped'

now 'everything' flows OUT

Been 10.5 yrs OUT, (32 yrs service; No pension, no HC) yet a LONG time remains to get to SS / Medicare age (staying lucky so far... just one broken leg on last birthday, 1st broken bone came on the day AFTER insurance of 40+ yrs expired)


I do 'miss' paid vacations

[Sand&Salt]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

least favorite?

when the 'direct deposits stopped'

now 'everything' flows OUT

Been 10.5 yrs OUT, (32 yrs service; No pension, no HC) yet a LONG time remains to get to SS / Medicare age (staying lucky so far... just one broken leg on last birthday, 1st broken bone came on the day AFTER insurance of 40+ yrs expired)


I do 'miss' paid vacations

Looked into Obamacare?

[luvmyhoss]

Originally Posted by SunGrins

Thanks. Yeah -- I'm at peace with myself and often travel on my own. I just got back from a 12 day trip home for a family reunion - on Amtrak. There's always new people to meet and things to learn. I keep several blogs and write a lot and enjoy photography. New Mexico is perfect for that.

You're my hero

[TMKSarah]

It is uncanny to stand at the hostess station with others that are 45 or so years younger than me. I have decided to just stand back and listen. It really is an education. Was I really like that....I don't think so...really. They ***** that they have two jobs. They ***** that they are so tired. They ***** that their dad or boyfriend had to overhaul their car.

Lord....what are they going to do when no one is there to do the heavy lifting?

This is my fun job after leaving corporate America. I think I must be doing this job just for the shear experience of experiencing
1. being invisible...which has its many perks...believe me...if they don't realize that you are there it is amazing what you can listen to...ha ha!
2. having the guests look to me for anything that has any kind of thought process to it. I am a lowly hostess but the guests gravitate to me. Go figure!
3. I get to wear all the lovely outfits that if I did not have this job of looking like I just came out of a band box they would rot in my closet
4. They may have long flowing golden hair, blue eyes and no need to wear glasses but shoot I got the clothes and bling!

So retirement is not so bad....I just found out where I can find information on anybody that works there...the Hispanic staff. THEY know EVERYTHING! They like me and have been filling me in.

Gotta love retirement!

TMKSarah

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Sand&Salt

Looked into Obamacare?

I live rural, the BANE of the left wing... we don't vote as a majority, so we have no reresentation, no HS internet and VERY expensive Obamacare. $1800/ month for 2. so... we are without HC.

Medivacations and HC sharing network

Spouse has chronic / terminal issues, so this too is 'short-term' (as are all of us....)

Should reduce the time required for caregiving, BTDT for 32 yrs for a disabled parent. (Worn out)