I have never adapted well to being retired.

[Peregrine Took]

I find it very hard to not go to work every day so, instead, I push myself to "accomplish" a lot every day -well, Monday through Friday. That way when I go to bed I can count off what I did and feel ok about myself.

My brother is the same way and re-created a 1990's type office in his house with big desk and leather chair, employee's chair opposite his, file cabinets, etc. Its the whole package. He goes down there every day (M-F) around 7 AM, works on his investments, email, and various projects, comes upstairs for lunch, then back down and finishes up at 5 PM.

[seabeyond]

1. my father is 72. buys businesses to ensure he has a job

Last edited Thu Dec 15, 2011, 03:26 PM - Edit history (1)

with the hours he wants doing what he wants to do in that business. he states he is retiring (since his early 60's) and lasts no more than 6 months, before he is buying another business. he likes working. won't quit working.

[Peregrine Took]

5. I would still be working but I was ready to have a breakdown. Place was a pressure hell hole.

I'm glad to be away but I do miss some of the people and the money.

I'm still looking for a part time job now but none to be had. I've done several volunteer gigs but eventually they take advantage of you - that was my experience. People don't appreciate something get for free.

[bemildred]

2. If you like your work, why quit?

I like being retired, but I didn't like work much. The good thing is being able to do what you want.

[Peregrine Took]

4. I hated it

They offered early retirement and I grabbed it. Worked 5 years on a part time job after that but the new dude in charge and I didn't hit it off - had to leave there.

[RebelOne]

14. I loved my work, but was forced into retirement in 2010.

My company downsized and I was laid off. I was already 70 years old at that time and had been wishing that I could retire, but the choice was made for me. I was making a salary and also collecting Social Security, and that salary has been missed as I have had to cut back on spending. And I really miss going to work every day because now I am bored as hell. Then when I see the traffic reports on the TV in the morning, I am glad I do not have to drive through that mess every day.

[bemildred]

15. There is always volunteer work.

Church work can be good if you are religious, charitable organizations, politics, there is plenty to do. It's up to you to find something to do, preferably when the drive does not suck.

Different people have different ways to amuse themselves. If you are past 65, you should be thinking about what you have not done yet in life, seeing if you can get around to those things you never had time for. The clocks ticking.

[jwirr]

3. And if those old enough to retire find it hard imagine those who are being laid off and cannot find

another job. I have suggested to my s-i-l that he start one of those businesses that we want to rebuild in our local areas. He is interested in gun-smithing.

[frebrd]

6. I took to retirement like a duck to water.

That was almost 23 years ago. Haven't missed working for a minute.

[Peregrine Took]

9. My husband is like that.

From day one it just fit him like a glove.

[marybourg]

12. Me too! 25 years & and loving

Every minute.

[demosincebirth]

19. Thirteen years ago and I feel just like you. Love it.

[Lugnut]

7. My other half didn't either.

He would've worked until he was 70+ but he was forced into retirement by a work injury. He was a surface mining coal miner and his job occasionaly required physical labor. On the rare occasion that he had to use a sledge hammer he tore his rotator cuff. His doctor released him for light duty only but there's no such thing available at a mine.

It took about a year for him to accept his new lifestyle. He felt guilty about staying in bed past 5AM. He's still an early riser but he's more comfortable about pulling the covers up around his ears, rolling over and grabbing a few more winks before he crawls out of bed when the mood strkes him.

He, like you, has his daily list of To Do things. If it's a rainy day or he's just plain tired he's finally learned to let some things go until tomorrow. There's no time clock here to punch.

[Peregrine Took]

10. I got called back to my old job a few years ago as they were short handed. Disaster!

I had been retired about 10 years then and although I'm active, daily runner, and read and 'am on the internet all the time I couldn't believe how I'd slowed down, mentally. Although I'd been pretty good in my day, there was no way I could keep up with the current crop, considering how many changes had been made. I felt like mentally I was walking in 3 ft of sand.

My supervisor seemed to hate me from day one and into the 3rd week she wrote me up for being too slow. I was furious with her as I was working myself to death, not taking breaks, short lunch, coming in early, etc. but the big boss wouldn't back me up (he knew I was only going to be temporary and he had to get along with her) so I just walked out. Thank God I have the ability to do that - one upon a time you just would have had to take your knocks and go cry in the bathroom (like in Mad Men.)

I still have nightmares about being back there and can't figure out while that woman hated me so much.

[JDPriestly]

8. I always loved working, and there are days when I really miss it.

I don't think I could fool myself into thinking I was working just by sitting in my office. (I still have an office in my home.)

When I worked, I worked long, long hours. My family annoyed me about being a "workaholic." That is an exaggeration. I just always liked my work and was known for being "thorough."

I could not now do what I used to do.

When I did it, I neglected my household. So for the past few years I have been trying to clean it up and get rid of stuff. It seems to be a never ending process. The bins of paper I have joyfully placed in the recycle bin is astounding. And I have lots more to do. I have not been retired long enough to be able to throw everything away without violating certain rules about keeping documents.

So, I am busy, but I really miss work.

[Peregrine Took]

11. See my post above about trying to go back to your old job. Didn't work out for me at all

I discussed this with a fellow retiree friend of mine and she, also, is very active - walks 5 miles every day, takes classes, is a great cook, lots of friends and the like but she said that she can tell that she has slowed down mentally, too.

I notice my reaction time is so much slower. its like something happens and then it has to register with me for a while and THEN I react whereas when I was younger that "registration" time must have been instantaneous.

[housewolf]

13. That's why we're getting Bill Moyers back on PBS in a couple weeks!

He claims he has no retirement skills! LOL!

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

16. Everone on this thread may wnat to consider

looking up the local RSVP office. I know about the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program because I"m still working for my local office of RSVP. They will help you find places to volunteer that will NOT take advantage of you.

[tru]

17. It used to be possible

to volunteer at the library, animal shelter, etc. in my town, but the union put a stop to that even though the town has no money to pay people the salary and benefits to do those jobs. I really miss doing that. What a waste.

[DavidDvorkin]

18. I've never been happier

Retirement came earlier than I'd planned, resulting in a lower retirement income than we had been anticipating. Nonetheless, every mornint I wake up amazed at my good fortune, and every day is filled with satisfaction.

Retirement is the first good job I've had.

[mysuzuki2]

20. I have always been a lazy bastard so I love being retired.