I need something to do in the evenings

[Britishsummertime22]

Single, no kids. Get home from work normally about half four. Once I've eaten and showered there's still a lot of time until bed. Sometimes I'll ring a family member or friend, one night a week I go to the gym (not feeling like going to the gym more) so I feel a bit of a loss really. End up watching tv and/or scrolling. I tried colouring/online scrabble/online games but just feel bored and lonely. My friends and family are all busy with family life.

@HarrietofFire I've just done this. It is great, lighthearted, fun and so inclusive. So far I'm on the shaker, but live in hope of being promoted to a big drum before the summer parades :).

Jigsaw puzzles?

(Without looking at the picture on the lid.)

Read, go to theatre, concerts, learn to cook, make sourdough bread, join a language class, learn to play an instrument, learn to paint, take up photography, start volunteering, get a pet, plan travel, learn to make clothes - join a class for that, learn to dance etc etc etc

Choir
Am dram
Governor for a local school
Volunteer - soup kitchen, local theatre, straight from work go walk a dog at the dog rescue
Local library might run a book club

Are there allotments near you? Allotmenting differs from gardening in that you can walk away from jobs half finished and come back another day.

Fellow allotmenteers will give lots of advice, some of which might be useful.

You don't have to grow just vegetables. We grow soft fruit, flowers for cutting, apples and pears for cider making.

I also sew, a lot. Hobbycraft run workshops which can get you started if you have never sewn or haven't sewn since school days. You can get a good entry level sewing machine for around £90. This will see you right until you start on more ambitious projects.

Be warned though. Find a hobby you love and you will be wanting more spare time.

Personally I think you need to make some new friends who have time to spend with you. Your friends with little kids will come back around in a few years but in the mean time you need to find friends who actually want to do things together, rather than a quick coffee now and then.

I would use this as an opportunity to try lots of new things and see what fits. I know what you mean about the gym- it’s a bit dull and people don’t generally want to chat.

Have a look at Meetup and see if there are any local groups/ events going on in your area. Try things out that you’d never usually try- you might be surprised!

You could also try volunteering in an evening. Lots of nice people to chat to and also you will find a sense of purpose. Volunteering is one of those things where you can get more and more involved, and it will defo fill your time.

You are so lucky to have so much time that you can fill with so many fun things! There are so, so many clubs and hobbies around and such little time to fit everything in. Join loads of clubs, totally new things, and keep the ones you like. I'm in a club every day of the week and wish I could commit to more. If only I didn't have to work during the day.

What about dancing? In similar circumstances I started Scottish country dancing. There are groups all over the country (world) - just google RSCDS. It’s social dancing, you don’t need a partner, or special kit to begin with. Trainers and comfortable clothing are fine. I’ve met some great people through dancing.
it’s a relatively low cost activity and has the added bonus that, when you do travel, you can seek out the local group and be confident that you’ll be welcomed into their session.

You are home from work much earlier than many others. How about finding a couple of shifts in a cafe, bar or somewhere where you'll interact with people and get paid for it?

There’s a group on Facebook called You Are Never Alone, granted this is Holmfirth, but there’s probably something similar where you are.
They have regular meet ups, drinks, meals etc but also people get together to go walking, with or without dogs, coffee, cinema etc.

Do you have any outside space? Even a small yard can be transformed to a lovely area, the evenings are getting lighter so you could spend time getting that done.

Join a sports club. You'll make friends, get fit and there's usually a good social side too.

Volunteer
Join an art or craft class, or a choir.
Join a society aligned with your interests
Go to the theatre or cinema

I used to go an evening badminton club. It wasn't serious. We'd book out all the courts and play singles or doubles according to how many turned up. It was great fun and I really got into playing and improved with little effort.

You could consider learning an orchestral instrument. As well as occupying your evenings with a lesson per week and some practice sessions it opens up opportunities to join a community band or whatever. I call learning an instrument a 'social passport' as you can move anywhere in the country and likely find a group to play with. There'll always be a core who go for a drink afterwards as well if you fancy that.

I used to enjoy crocheting in the evening when I was a teenager!

Are you happily single, or do you want to meet someone? If you do, then I'd take some classes, try some dating apps.

Otherwise, arrange stuff in the evenings with your friends, read, watch films, see what local events are on.

I also live alone and work from home, so I'd agree that sometimes the evenings seem quite long and a bit lonely (especially in the winter when its dark outside). I have two mid-week commitments which I rarely miss - pilates one night and ceramics another - and find those a really good way of breaking up the week. It might take you time to find a couple of things that you like, but it's worth pursuing.

Learn bridge. You will love it

I started a sport hobby and I love it. Also made lots of new friends

I play netball (so much fun!), go outdoor swimming (some people just come for the walk and a chat)
local park often has organised free walks with various subjects (history, bat walk, wildlife etc)

ancestry kept me busy for a long time as well

Join a choir. Join a fun sports team. Go for walks.