new life after retirement

Sounds like you want to keep busy,which is great! Try any animal sanctuaries or rescue centres in your area for voluntary work-you can feel fulfilled and learn so much at the same time.There are also some good courses at local council centres-you could try a basic counselling course and then go on to do the qualification courses if you enjoy it.Hospitals usually have volunteers for visiting lonely patients,reading to them,doing crafts,etc..There are so many possibilities for voluntary work and you can get a taster of things before deciding if you would like to re-train in any particular field.
Have fun and good luck!

I agree with Nannarose.
You don't know what the future holds don't make too many plans go with the flow. Good luck.

we're "retiring" from one of our businesses at the end of this year ,simply because its the most stressful and my OH has already had a stress related heart attack,we have however been building up another business over 20 years to take its place and he loves working in and on it so it will keep him happy and occupied.He is the type of man who if he's had lazy day thinks its wasted time .So this is the ideal solution .I only work part time in both for now and look after GC a lot so I'm sorted for the forseeable future.Proper retirement doesn't appeal at all .I've seen too many people give up on life an die young soon after retiring.

Actually, I think everyone should stop feeling guilty if you aren't busy every minute. Sometimes I have days when I don't to anything very much, but am learning to stop thinking of it as a wasted day.

I agree that stopping gradually is a good plan if you can do it. I went from full time teaching to three days and then two. I would probably have carried on a bit longer, but the school became an academy.

We moved too (twice) and that's been a challenge, to develop new interests and meet new people. I wouldn't say I've cracked that yet. I haven't found volunteering to be that easy either, but maybe my expectations are too high and you do have to consider the financial implications (well, I do.). One volunteer job cost me money, so I stopped.

I started a business, could not think of doing anything else. I garden, bake, read a lot but the business has taken over completely. As my husband has been very ill in the past, this is my lifeline as well as a good earner.Wish I had done it years ago.

Devongirl... if you live near an animal sanctuary, eg donkeys, horses, eg, they are often looking for volunteers. It could be a way in for a paying career, even if part time.

Our city zoo has a Wild Place project that is just getting going after the basic infrastructure was put in place outside of the city. They have WOLVES, and other large animals that are no longer appropriate to keep in the city zoo's confined space. I fell in love with the lemurs and they work right in their enclosure. The volunteers there are mostly of retirement age and if I had time, I would jump on this. But, I don't know if I would ever qualify to work with wolves LOL. I am doing a moderate amount of DGD minding with my DH which is how I discovered that place.

For myself (just presenting to show there are really interesting things out there in many fields), I am on my 3rd career as a graphic designer, though I only work part-time from home for the printer. I took that on at age 55 and am now coming up to 68. I have now moved on to 3D illustration (video tutoring). I am learning to create characters to use in children's books about early peoples. Once I have a Distance Learning credential in a related field (by end of summer I hope), the writing and illustrating begin in earnest! Certificates take less time and are less expensive than degree courses. Or you can take non-credit courses... they look good on a CV and can give you a good foundation.

If you have an idea in mind... Google those key words along with Distance Learning. There is a lot out there! My very first DL course was with Exeter University.

education.exeter.ac.uk/dll/

Good luck!

I haven't posted on here before although I often read the threads. I retired after many years of teaching and took phased retirement where I dropped a day and then two days for a few years. It definitely helped me to adjust - I was dreading retirement after a very busy if stressful career! I managed to start a couple of (small) internet businesses which have kept me busy but I have grown to love my new freedom. I had planned to learn a new language or take an OU course or work in some form of counselling but now find that my new 'career' and walking along with spending quality time with family and friends is very satisfying. I really don't miss getting up at 6 and battling with the traffic not to mention the car parking spaces where I worked!

tbh I've never been busier since I retired - but it's been on my own terms; that's the beauty of retirement. I'm a campaigner and meet a wide range of interesting people, am trying to learn some Welsh, enjoy controlled exercise, read lots and still keep in touch with the family business - oh yes, and we're expecting another grandchild! So I think retirement is what you make it - another stage in life with some interesting choices. Have fun!

Devongirl........ have to say it was both for me. Started out scary and ended up in pretty much bliss. Knew I wanted to be in the voluntary sector and roughly in which arena. Slowly I ventured forth and it has been SO enjoyable so far. Just for the record, I didn't retire until I was 74 and even then somewhat reluctantly. Hope you find the path for you and relish the experience as much as I am doing.

The only advice that I would offer is that rather than jump straight into "keeping busy and useful" you give yourself at least 6 months after you retire just to weigh it all up. You may well then find, as many people do, that opportunities which weren't as visible from the vantage point of a busy, working life will then present themselves to you. I've been retired for some 15 years now, and as retirement approached, I remember being quite worried about how I was going to fill my time. Seriously, I need not have worried, and even now I have days when I wonder how I ever found time to go to work! Involve yourself in activities that will help keep both your mind and your body in as good shape as is feasible, and your retirement years will be rewarding.Finally, set aside some time to write out a comprehensive "Bucket List", then plan on working your way through it.

I'm currently in the process of joining this group which is aimed at seniors: www.nationalservice.gov/programs/senior-corps/senior-corps-programs/rsvp
Wish I'd known about it years ago. My interest is in helping school-children with their reading.

I agree totally with Vampire queen and Joan10. Give yourself time to think, relax, and decide what's best for you. There are loads of opportunities out there, so pace yourself! Perhaps start with a well-earned holiday? Wishing you a very happy retirement.

Sorry, that should be Jane10.

Hello Devongirl. I too am 65 years of age and a retired teacher. However, I retired at 60 so am now a fairly experienced retiree. For what it's worth, I think that retiring from teaching is unlike doing so from many other jobs/professions. We work from 8ish in the morning until about 10pm with few breaks. On days when we are not in school, if we are not still working, we are thinking about it and wondering how we can help X achieve Y. Given my time again I would retire gradually and work part time for a couple of years, or have something 'set up' ready and waiting. For me, just stopping after a lifetime of working 24/7 was difficult. I too searched for other uses for my skills but haven't yet found the right thing. It's a work in progress. ? Good luck!

Yes, do take a little 'sabbatical' and rest while you decide what you wish to do. Retirement is wonderful, especially if you are fit and dont have too many financial worries.
I can recommend volunteering - it's given me some of the happiest days of my life!

I knew I would be bored after taking early retirement so I joined the local branch of the political party of my choice and within a few months I was Treasurer and Branch Secretary! If you like animals, what about volunteering as a dog walker at a local rescue centre or a puppy socialiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Explore your new area first after the house move, sort out decorating it/gardening, maybe learn to play an instrument and relax a bit watching daytime tv!!!

Direne3.....thank you very much for that website. Very promising for me and never knew it existed even though I am a keen surfer and GN. Looking forward to going in depth later. Currently on transport to London so too distracting for concentration. Need all the help I can get!

I volunteer at a Wildlife Trust nature reserve: there are several retired teachers volunteering there both on the conservation - hacking, slashing and digging - and the educational - projects and visits from schools and families - sides. Good fun, plenty of fresh air and wildlife, friendly faces and all very worthwhile.

For years literally, after I retired I worked at my old job(District Nurse), when I was asked to work I did so if it suited me, I loved it and gave up at 72, since then I have many activities which suit me, we moved house to another area three years ago, I am now adapting to this area, although it has taken time, the best of all is I dont need to get up early, sheer bliss!
I have a sign saying "retirement is when the sun rises and you dont" I am 75 and still enjoy travelling.

Guide dog puppy walker?

Make sure you have fun whatever you choose to do.

How about starting a blog - it involves loads of new skills, can be very useful for other people and is creative. It will also use skills you have as a teacher.

I'm working on a new blog (not up yet) on how to become a superager. I'm also floating round Europe on my boat. I don't miss work at all even though I enjoyed it when I was working!

Best of luck

If you want to be productive and useful, I think volunteering is the way to go. I felt I needed to give back something to society and volunteered at a local child contact centre for ten yers (only one dsy a month)which was very worthwhile. MyDH , also a teacher, became a school govenor which keeps him busy. And we ste involved in community activitis in the village.al of which gives plenty of time for hobbies such as golf, singing in a choir , learning new languages, U3A groups , walking and much more. As well as visiting GC and occasionsl babysitting! And good holidays. Retirement's wonderful!

Retiring is the best thing I ever did even though I really enjoyed my job! After a week wondering "is this all there is left for me?" I haven't looked back. At first I was approached to do maternity cover for another institution, then had a number of temporary short-term contracts. So since I retired the second time I have developed my creative side which had lain dormant for most of my life, joined 2 local groups and as a result am now a national trustee for the craft guild. I took up ballroom dancing again after 50 years and started bowling, both things we could do together. The best thing is that we can do things when we want to, not to someone else's timescale. We are also gradualy working through our bucket list of places to visit.
I appreciate that not everyone's experience is the same - I don't have grandchildren to help take care of - but retirement is what you make of it. Yes it is easy to sit and "wait to die" but not necessary.
As regards voluntary work or similar, the Citizens Advice Bureau does fantastic work and is always in need of volunteers, you can start as a receptionist and work from there. Lots more excellent suggestions above.
Go out and enjoy yourself. Very best wishes.

Thank you so much all you lovely GNers! I am
very cheered by all these positive posts! I have opened the link from Direne3 which I will peruse later, and I particularly liked the idea of doing something with Guide Dogs.

I am seeing someone from the place I intend to move to, who is keen to start on a joint enterprise as soon as I get there (in fact, to move in together) but have been feeling trapped by this, and reading your responses, I think I will gently extricate myself from the commitment, at least until I have had time to 'draw breath'; maybe rent somewhere on my own initally, and take it from there.

Thanks once again for all your support.

I have a slightly different experience to many of you, when DH Retired at 65 his health was poor (depression) so when the opportunity came for me to take Early Retirement a few months later at 50 I jumped at it. We had a large house & garden so spent time getting ready to downsize. I put a lot of research into our chosen area. Everything happened in a rush when the house went on the market,, within 8 weeks we had sold, bought in our chosen area & moved.

We settled into our new home, approx half way between our DDs (1 his, 1 mine). Unfortunately DH developed Terminal Cancer & was admitted to Hospital 11 months after we moved. I was left on my own & after about 9 months put my house on the market, took me 14 months to sell (cash buyer who wanted to move quickly). I went to stay with my DD for 2 weeks then a Holiday Flat until I could move into my new property about 10 miles from my DD, her OH & 2DGS.

Moving again has meant I have had to make new friends & explore my new area. I have lovely neighbours, joined a couple of Meet Up groups. I enjoy the freedom of Retirement, go out, stay in, read, see my family & fit in visits to my DM who lives 300 miles away & at 88 doesn't travel any more.

My advice would be sort out your move making sure you're in the right area & check out activities, volunteering etc. Good luck

Life doesn't always work out as planned, I'm glad I Retired when I did, I had almost 7 years with my DH which I would have missed if I'd worked until Retirement at 66