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I know there are many types, such as "artistic explorer", "hobbyist", "hands-on grandparent", "still working", and many more, and I am curious about how you now identify yourself other than as just 'retired'.
I am now 64 and fast approaching my final stage of life (barring, I hope, a stay in an ALF!), and it occurs to me that I am not sure how well I am handling -- or will handle -- my retirement as far as my attitude, lifestyle, etc. I have had no real role models, and I am basically clueless as to how I should approach being in my 70's and 80's, assuming that I am in good health and have enough money.
When I was younger, I was too busy just living and trying to survive -- working, paying my bills, etc. -- that I just never stopped to really think about retirement except as some vague notion as far as living in a pretty spot with my husband with occasional dinners out or sightseeing trips. When I was a kid, I just thought I would end up as a kindly grandmother who provided cookies, babysitting and holiday dinners -- but that has not proven to be in my future. As my husband and I are both non-churchgoing introverts, I am envisioning basically living life as bored shut-ins, as we have no hobbies unless one considers cooking and reading "hobbies". Neither of us have ever been either the hobby or sports/physically-oriented type, as our jobs have been our focus for most of our lives.
So I guess I am asking is how did you find YOUR "retirement identify" and I am looking for advice as to how to find mind and not go crazy with boredom in the coming years!
Dog person/conversationalist (nothing new- I never identified with "being" an RN. I worked as an RN. It was not an identity.)
Soon I will be "the new person in the house with the bright blue roof."
I agree. I never was my job. And after retirement, I am me. I have always been me. I am still me.
As to what you do with yourself after retirement... just start looking around you. Read the activities section in your local paper, see what any nearby colleges have to offer (search for OSHER), read this forum to see what other people do, go to meetups.com to see what is happening in your area. Keep looking until something sparks your interest (even if it's just a little bit of interest) and then go TRY IT. If it doesn't suit you, let it go and keep looking.
Added: It won't (shouldn't) be just one thing to define you. Over time, the idea is to develop different interests and activities. Be a multi-faceted person.
“Blissfully Idle (and enjoying watching my kids become successful adults)”. I’ve been retired for a year now, and like some others here, I don’t really identify as my past-life’s occupation (IT-Adminstrator).
I’m still early in my retirement, and haven’t really settled into any set activities. My wife is semi-retired and has a couple GFs she meets with regularly for shopping, lunch etc.
our little town is very walkable, so that’s an option. No grandkids, but I’m sure that’s in the cards. So far, I’ve been comfortable at this pace, though I’m sure it will pick up.
I am envisioning basically living life as bored shut-ins, as we have no hobbies unless one considers cooking and reading "hobbies". Neither of us have ever been either the hobby or sports/physically-oriented type, as our jobs have been our focus for most of our lives.
Now is the time in your life that you explore interests and find activities that make you happy...experiment, go different places, do things you haven't done before, things you've never thought of doing before, get in the car and just drive...or do nothing, as retirement is also a time to rest if you want. Get up in the morning and do whatever you feel like doing.
Think of it as the last day of school, now you're free to run off and do whatever you like. That's my retirement identity, I feel like a teenager fresh out of school, on summer vacation every day.
Status:
"Mistress of finance and foods."
(set 13 days ago)
Location: Coastal Georgia
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I enjoy doing what I darn please. Sometimes I do something, and sometimes I do nothing.
I enjoy always having something to plan, like a trip, or a garden or decorating project.
Hubby works part time, but lately he’s been kicking around the idea of going full time. He’s really at loose ends without a project to work on.
And dog person. Even though I got into this totally by accident. I am done with that part. No more inmates coming in - lol.
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