Retirement....how has it been for you?

[BermudaBlues]

I am planning (hoping) to retire earlish (around 58) and have been saving towards achieving that...but I have worked full time for many, many years and I am feeling a bit nervous about it all (I have a few years to go mind) - what will I actually do? Will I lose my identity? Will our marriage dynamic change?

Can anyone share their retirement stories with me? What went well, what didn't? What you wished you had done/prepared for? Am I just being a nervous nelly? I know I am quite fortunate position to even consider it a possibility.

I retired 17 years ago and had just finished cancer treatment (op, chemo, radiotheraphy) and was exhausted. My DM had died the month before and I was Executor. Lots going on with DS as well. After all the turmoil had died down 8 months later, I joined the local U3A and signed up for 4 courses. I found after 6 months or so 3 was more manageable. I had also signed up for the local gym (twice a week). I have made more friends and interests since retirement than I had when working. DH and I have moved to a different area and are both active members of U3A here. If there is an activity/interest group that they don't cover in your area and you are willing to be the leader/guide there is always someone in the committee ready to help you do so as it is a self-help organisation. It is International and doesn't cost very much. Just look it up in your area.

I love it so much. My job was very busy and sometimes stressful but rewarding, so I was half and half on getting too exhausted to carry on much longer but worrying about the big gap it would leave in my life.

I did think that once I’d had a rest, I’d do some voluntary work. But the rest was so damn restful, I thought ‘sod it, I’ve done my bit’.

I’m still pretty busy, but it’s all stuff I choose to do, and the freedom to get up when I wake up naturally and take my coffee back to bed, several days a week, gives me great pleasure.

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Argh! My message just disappeared into the ether.

I really enjoy it as I can stay up until i feel tired rather than needing to be presentable and out the door at a specific time. Lunch out can be flexible timewise. I can go to a weekly dance session. I go to a church social for older people in my area. Meeting friends is easier. Flexibility for holidays as off peak can be much cheaper. Days out are easily planned. Not having to deal with management or colleagues or in my case not having to deal with the public .Lunches out are usually cheaper than going for an evening meal. Matinee performances at theatres are often cheaper .Someone has already mentioned it is easier to arrange appointments. I love being retired.