My Dad is really freaking out about his retirement - any suggestions?

[RiverStone]

My dear dad has decided, via the urging of his wife - to retire from the architecture business after designing homes for 52 years - he worked an avg. of 10 hours a day - probably 6 days a week. He is almost done with his last house.

He is 74 and this has been his only career - and he has been blessed with loving what he has done all 52 of those years. He has been the boss of his company the whole way. I remember as a kid seeing him using blue ink, side rules, and giant rubber erasers - the last 15 or so years, he has been using CAD. Either way, it has been a wonderful creative outlet. I always thought he worked way too much - but his office behind the house always was burning the midnight oil as he was creating designs.

Now he is freaking out about all the free time he is about to have. Every conversation he frets over wanting to stay busy. He works out, travels (elderhostel trips), reads tons - but will miss designing spec houses. He is very fit physically -but has (genetically related) coronary artery disease, and was told that reducing stress is a good thing by his Dr. - though I'm concerned not being busy will be worse for him.

Any suggestions for a good book or web page or anything that helped your parent (or yourself) with ending a career? I'm worried he is getting very depressed over all this.

Thanks in advance for your wisdom DUers :hi:

[seemunkee]

1. What about art or miniature houses?

Does he like to build things? He could design and build his dream house in miniature. What about building a small boat? Or CAD based art.
Sounds like your dad was lucky to find something he loved to do for a living.

[Omphaloskepsis]

3. Maybe he could design and build dollhouses for needy kids...

He is lucky he found something he loved.. I would bail on my job in two seconds if I could.

[seemunkee]

5. I used to make things for Toys for Tots

When I had my cabinet shop the woodworkers guild would design a few toys and everyone would use the patterns. Doll houses, even small ones would be awesome.

[RiverStone]

7. good idea - thank you!

:) :hi:

[Shine]

2. No particular advice, just kudos to you for being such a caring son.

:thumbsup:

I would suspect it's gonna be a gradual process for him as he learns how to re-define himself and what matters in his life.

The most important thing of all whenever we go through major life changes is to be gentle with ourselves.

I hope your father is able to make the transition into Retirement with Grace and Joy! :hi:

It's not a door closing....it's another door OPENING....

[RiverStone]

8. appreciate the thoughtful words Shine!

They apply wonderfully well to any major life change - for anybody.


peace:)

[Shine]

11. You're most welcome.

:hug:

I like your sig line, btw. Very nice.

[grasswire]

4. maybe he could volunteer at Habitat for Humanity

Or maybe he could write a book. Or maybe he could teach somewhere.

[RiverStone]

6. two great suggestions!

Thanks! :)

[Shine]

10. ditto on the Habitat for Humanity suggestion

I was going to post that in my earlier post and forgot. :D They're a great organization and his talents would be used well, I'm sure. :thumbsup:

[graywarrior]

9. Habitat for Humanity sure could use him.

[SeattleGirl]

12. Love the Habitat for Humanity idea.

He could still do something he loved, could be helping others, and be less stressed. Retirement doesn't mean sittin' in the rockin' chair all day; maybe that's what he's stressed out about. He may have a preconceived notion of what retirement means. It sure doesn't have to mean "inactive" though.

Best to your dad!