Retirement panic

Hetty58 I did enjoy reading your comments on your experience of retirement so far. I retired from teaching five years ago and have no desire to volunteer, join groups of strangers for activities etc. I am much more content looking after my grandson a few days each week and for the rest of the time enjoying peace and quiet. Like you it’s the small pleasures which make me happiest.

Helenlouise3, I knew I'd take time to adjust but was surprised by my own reactions to so much free time. All those things I planned to do 'later' - I still didn't feel like doing. Guilt set in as my excuse had gone. The books remained unread. I didn't miss work or teaching one jot. I loved spending whole days in the garden and walking the dog. I didn't want to holiday, go riding/swimming/skiing - or see more of friends and family. I joined a group of retired teacher (for lunch time meet ups and activities - and was bored rigid. I looked into volunteering but couldn't bear to commit myself. Now, I've found a new love and appreciation for the little things in life, the newly noticed details, the peace and quiet. I hopped off the merry-go-round and I'm so happy!

I have no hints, we are all so different; but I do want to thank you for the service you have given. Whatever else you do, you can be proud of your contribution.

Spontaneous "treats" not "hints" ?

Before you leap into things zir down and think about what you really want to do, are interested in, how you really want to use this time. Then think about your options for yhose goings and fo some local research on what is out tgere that is relevant. And avoid filling every hour of every day, or you will have no time for those lovely spontaneous hints with friends etc that tend to pop up on occasions!! Enjoy!?

I dont really know what "retirement" is. I was an academic and for several years and drew my state pension in 2004. I continued to do some consultancy and research work for colleagues at the uni to bring in some extra income.

I had already been selling vintage on Ebay for some years as a side husstle and then gradually opened more shops and built it into a business. It gives structure to my day as I plan around a list of tasks I hope to achieve. I dont always get through all of them. Nor do I sit around from 9-5 as selling online does not have time limits. Sales come in while Im asleep and when I wake up I send the invoices or pick the orders.

Just taken the entire month of september off and will be taking 4 weeks off at christmas. Took April off as well.

I sometimes feel I envy other retired people I know who just potter or watch daytime Tv or Netflix. Living life on a low level without the worry of demanding customers or things going astray in the international mail. However I would quickly become very bored. I enjoy a challenge.

I fully understand your panic but it will soon turn to joy. As Monica says, it's a pity you hadn't organised an immediate wee holiday to ease yourself in. I phased myself in by doing fewer hours each week for three months and building in some gentle voluntary stuff. Fully retired from everything now. Bliss.?

I was fortunate to be able to retire at 59 after working full time for 43 years and I felt I was more than ready for it. The first day though felt really strange, as you say OP a sense of panic, what am I doing? I am far too young to retire!
It does take a while to get the job out of your system and to realise that after working so hard and paying into your pension all those years you truly deserve it.
Now I absolutely love the freedom and the fact that your time is your own. Seven years on the thought of going back to work horrifies me.

Not so easy to rescue a dog, we tried for two years before giving up.
However it’s early days of course it’s strange but you have had some good advice and mine would be must to take time for yourself to get used to the idea you are now retired after so many years.
Won’t be long before you wonder how
You found the time to go to work.

Gosh, I was so grateful to retire. I was worn out. I certainly didn’t panic! However, some structure to your days might be helpful. Maybe get a rescue dog which will instil routine in terms of walking and feeding?

You've been used to a routine and having to do certain things at certain times (whether you wanted to or not!).

Perhaps it would help if you set yourself a simple routine so that you know what you're doing. The good thing about it will be that you can vary it if you want to!

That first day, always is frightening. Suddenly, ts happened, you are a pensioner, what do you do next.

It is a bit late now, but it helps to go away for the first few days so you can pretend it is a holiday and the first few days when you get back are a few more days off before you go back to work, and also to have already been in contact with no more than two organisations that interest you.

It is the beginning of the academic year, see what classes your local authority offers, they may have started but it is still not too late to signup. My college offers classes in sewing knitting crochet, jewellry making and a host of other subjects. It will give you one day a week with a definite regular engagement.

I agree with kittylester have some organised time in your week Helenlouise but take time out just to relax and smell the roses. You don't have to fill every minute of every day. Enjoy or two.

It will take time to adjust, but you will and then enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

Nothing to panic about. Join a walking group and knit n Natter. Find your local U3A. You will be fine. Relax and wnjoy

Lots of people find it helpful to organise things 'to hang their week on'. That might be a day when you volunteer, go on a course, join a group that interests you. Something that has a definite day and time in your week.

Enjoy your retirement.