On retiring, what new things did you start...

[lovetravellingoz]

I see that we are having a good discussion here.
Having a sense of purpose is fine. When I was working - and I enjoyed my jobs - my ultimate purpose was to have as much time off as was reasonable while working, while accumulating enough money so that one day I could spend all my days as "days off work". I worked to live, not lived to work.

Having a sense of purpose in the manner you desire is fine - so long as when inevitably something goes wrong in undertaking that purpose, or the day comes when you are no longer capable of achieving that purpose, you don't make yourself miserable about it.

As I suspected we are in agreement. And I fully agree that one does not need to work, consult etc. Though equally some may find that doing so as part of their retirement is what helps to keep them happy etc.

Some for example would find satisfaction in managing their finances, super etc. My wife for example most certainly would not as she finds these topics to be a chore and indeed even stressful.

When I say "I do nothing", I really mean that I do nothing that most other people who are big on doing things would consider "worthwhile". Stacks of people have asked me why I don't get a part time job, or become a consultant (i.e. do something they consider "worthwhile") and my answer is that No - I prefer to do nothing (i.e. nothing they believe is worthwhile). I own 12 telecopes, I love going to the beach, I love planning trips, I love doing trips, I love shopping and I have a big block that needs maintenance. My time is filled in.
Regards,
Renato

So yes your "nothing" is as I suspected really a lot of pastimes, but not paid-work related ones.

So I am interested in what people enjoy doing once they have retired.

Thank you again for your input.

PS.. Shopping for me is mainly a chore...though I do have particular interest where I do like to browse. ie outdoor stores etc. But yes I do get that mainly enjoy it as an activity. We are all different.

PSS And yes I too have a had liftetime love of travel and maximising it and time -off. Some left their big trip to after they retired. I took them as I went along, as had several 3-month trips, though am also intending bigger ones once retired. I have always been of the view that you area long time dead, so make the most of today.

 

[JohnK]

Many would consider the above two items in bold as being what would provide many with a sense of purpose.

True although most people wouldn't have a young child so close to retirement.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

True although most people wouldn't have a young child so close to retirement.

Many will have grandchildren though (mine I suspect are a long way off).

My sister who is 61 minds two of her grandaughters 3 days a week as she enjoys this. It also helps her as unfortunately her partner of 45 years died from leukaemia a year back ( 18 months from diagnosis till death).

 

[Renato1]

I tasked my husband with finding a tree company that would grind down a stump in the front yard.

He announced he was a manly man that was going to Bunnings to get a sausage sizzle sandwich and a very sharp axe, to chop the stump himself. Because thats what manly men do plus it would be exercise.

Yeah, I shut that down real quick although he was allowed the sausage sizzle.

It doesn't look so hard, but is actually very hard work - even with a small stump. I used combination chainsaw, wood-splitter, shovel and axe to get my small one out. Fine to attempt it if you have all the implements handy, but expensive if one doesn't.
Regards,
Renato

 

[lakeman]

Great discussion thread.
I had some thoughts prior to reading this.
I may have to rethink if I can follow the renato1 philosophy that I was leaning toward or wether i need the positive confirmation that I get from my current profession.
I have lots of stuff to play with and things to do and places I want to go.
Decisions ,decisions !

 

[Quickstatus]

I tasked my husband with finding a tree company that would grind down a stump in the front yard.

He announced he was a manly man that was going to Bunnings to get a sausage sizzle sandwich and a very sharp axe, to chop the stump himself. Because thats what manly men do plus it would be exercise.

Yeah, I shut that down real quick although he was allowed the sausage sizzle.

Axe that would not do it. Need a stump grinder. Rent from Kennards for about $150. Or pay someone $200. Cheaper to DIY.

 

[JohnK]

Just be prepared for teenage hood when they are reticent to have their oldies around. Don't take it personally.

Thanks. Fully expect that to happen. In a way daughter is preparing us for that time now as she wants to do her own things.

 

[Deleted member]

To answer the actual question posed by the OP, I/we started living on a tighter budget.

Only one bottle of wine per night ?

 

[Buzzard]

Thank you. However with this thread I am more interested in lifestyle aspects than financial ones and that was my intent. So fitness, new hobbies, interests, social groups, volunteering..... and even say part-time work if the prime reason are factors such as interest/ satisfaction/ social contact rather than the money. Or a sea-change, tree-change, becoming a grey-nomad to caravan/caop around Australia (or indeed international as well)


Though it may well be too of course that as a lifestyle choice you decided to live a simpler less expensive life.

I'll try and answer your questions @lovetravellingoz
I intend to regularly swim (20M Infinity Pool) so that I get and stay fit.
No new hobbies but I want to ride my motorbike more. I've done just 5,000km in the last 13 years!
Social groups? I am a member of an ageing motorcycle group so I intend to hook up with the local branch. Good way to make new friends too.
I have been doing some part time work because I enjoy it. Whilst getting paid, that is not the motivating factor. I have even done some work and told the business owner not to pay me, I'm happy to help.
Definitely a sea change. We have just purchased a 3 bedroom apartment/townhouse that is about 200 meters from the beach. Not exactly sure when we will sell our current house, we will have the place available as a holiday let until we are ready. When available we will also use it ourselves. The move will mean leaving ADL and moving back to NSW. Neither +1 or I have lived near or by the ocean so this is how we have decided to end our days.
With our 2 grand daughters being in NSW, we also intend spending more time with them.
+1 also retired, currently does volunteer work and will continue to do so. She is trying to encourage me to do some and thinks I would be suited to palliative care.

 

[Quickstatus]

I don’t know where I want to retire which will be in maybe 10 years.

Have been attracted recently to country towns but don’t know whether that’s valid or not (grass is greener effect)

Wherever I end up I’ll take up where I left off with photography

 

[UP4014]

A very good and wise friend told me many years ago to plan your retirement early, and not just the financial aspects. Plan what you want have, as when you get there you will have it ready for you that you don't consume funds and time.

So with his advice in the back of my head, we completed all the renovations of the home, wine cellar is full (1550 wine, 101 single malt), all hobbies underway as almost completed the "n" gauge train shed, and of course a very healthy balance of airline and hotel points. And about 3 years away to start to enjoy.

Yes accumulating the train room stuff, but having a mortgage in Sydney means retirement at 80 I fear.

 

[RB]

I don’t know where I want to retire which will be in maybe 10 years.

Have been attracted recently to country towns but don’t know whether that’s valid or not (grass is greener effect)

Wherever I end up I’ll take up where I left off with photography

Obviously views vary & I was born in a small country town & loved that lifestyle BUT as we get older I am not sure many "towns" especially ones say 5,000 population and less have the essential services that may be required.
The thoughts of others above re new friends is also interesting to me. I find that I have many acquaintances through various sources but not many what I would call real friends-maybe it is just semantics.

 

[drron]

One thing I have observed is that those that move when they retire often end up regretting their decision.
We decided where we wanted to live 15 years before retiring and moved there to work.Not a decision I regret.

 

[Quickstatus]

I think location need to be near transport. Self drive may not be possible later in life. I don’t see autonomous driving will be legal than when I retire

Many small towns don’t have app ride sharing

 

[Quickstatus]

BUT as we get older I am not sure many "towns" especially ones say 5,000 population and less have the essential services that may be required.

Wagga Wagga has a cosmetic vein clinic so should be a big enough town. Maccas no longer indicate the size of town

 

[RB]

Wagga Wagga has a cosmetic vein clinic so should be a big enough town. Maccas no longer indicate the size of town

I guess I don't consider Wagga to be a to be a country town-60,000 population?

 

[Quickstatus]

I guess I don't consider Wagga to be a to be a country town-60,000 population?

Plus university and airport.

 

[CaptJCool]

I'll try and answer your questions @lovetravellingoz
thinks I would be suited to palliative care.

Methinks sneaking in a wine or three at the aged care home or hospice isn't quite what others would see as "palliative care". But sounds perfect to me

 

[CaptJCool]

Great topic

You don't retire from life, but you finish up working for the cash or interest to making money while you sleep..

Key themes
Power is illusory As much as I enjoyed a lot of the work, definitely don't miss the dawdling and personality based decision-making that went on. And you do need to cope with giving up any power you may have had. It's permanently gone

Work runs like a teenage boarding house so when the routine changes many can't cope - see above.
Learn to Manage Yourself. Peter Drucker wrote about it in Harvard business review

Remember, money is just a tool to live a better life. No point in being rich if your life is just as stressful as it was before!
Income / wealth enable you to live longer
Money isn't about being rich. It's about enriching your life.
If you're giving back now. Then you probably took too much along the way

Ricardo Semler, radical wisdom

Do what pleases you not your parents or spoilt brat kids or former bosses but we all need structure BUT not routine which is for lazy minds

Eat healthy food and exercise

It's now a quarter of a year passed by and the works been something I haven't missed. Lots of sleep and relaxation to get through the departure months, and to cope with half pay long service. At this stage, my European vacation plans are on ice. This half pay long service means reduced spending and a fair chunk of less cash. While I'm willing to dig into some of the savings on the mortgage it's not desirable to go too far.

Strata corporation plus children (tutoring accounting I've relearnt a lot) plus pesky parents plus this forum and House group plus electiOns and chasing the Test cricket plus lots of walking (to a friends cafe which is out of the city and struggling) and Coffee trails with a range of different friends plus the Drum at 1.45am hence why I'm on here now are a good start...

Some links I've read or Contemplated recently
A New Lifestyle After Financial Independence
Life Changing Items to Be Aware of As You Get Older
Happiness is Utilitarianism – Our Stoic Framework
The identity behind work
'Happiness thinker' Paul Dolan on pleasure, purpose and everyday happiness

After retiring at 34, Brandon realised a 'shocking and uncomfortable' truth
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/01/13/the-shockingly-simple-math-behind-early-retirement/
The 4% Rule: The Easy Answer to “How Much Do I Need for Retirement?”

Doing Nothing - Martha Beck. Renatos comment reminded me of this
2015 - Martha Beck7/make-right-decision

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/08/is-this-japanese-concept-the-secret-to-a-long-life/
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017...ls-you-should-learn-that-will-pay-off-forever


https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2018/1/9/16860994/life-expectancy-us-income-inequality
While poor Americans are dying earlier, the rich are enjoying unprecedented longevity and unlimited travel !

 

[Renato1]

As I suspected we are in agreement. And I fully agree that one does not need to work, consult etc. Though equally some may find that doing so as part of their retirement is what helps to keep them happy etc.

Some for example would find satisfaction in managing their finances, super etc. My wife for example most certainly would not as she finds these topics to be a chore and indeed even stressful.



So yes your "nothing" is as I suspected really a lot of pastimes, but not paid-work related ones.

So I am interested in what people enjoy doing once they have retired.

Thank you again for your input.

PS.. Shopping for me is mainly a chore...though I do have particular interest where I do like to browse. ie outdoor stores etc. But yes I do get that mainly enjoy it as an activity. We are all different.

PSS And yes I too have a had liftetime love of travel and maximising it and time -off. Some left their big trip to after they retired. I took them as I went along, as had several 3-month trips, though am also intending bigger ones once retired. I have always been of the view that you area long time dead, so make the most of today.

Maybe I can get you to come around and explain to my wife how I'm not really doing "nothing" most of the time?

Shopping is only a chore if you are not "hunting" for bargains. But if it's a hunt, it becomes more interesting.

You are right - time is short. Unless you have previously gotten into astronomy, did you know that you can check out a fair chunk of the universe from your back yard or while on vacation at somewhere dark using a humble pair of 7X50 or 10X50 binoculars that most people have lying around the house?
One can see -
The moons going around Jupiter,
Stars four light years to over 500 light years away,
Open Clusters of stars and Nebulas from around 10 to hundreds of light years away.
Globular Clusters of stars from 30,000 to 100,000 light years away,
Satellite galaxies 170,000 light years away,
Galaxies 2,000,000 to tens of millions of light years away.

Of course, with a big telescope you see a whole lot more of them. The greatest distance I've ever seen is the brightest Quasar just over 2,000,000,000 light years away.

Though closer objects like the planets are more impressive to casual viewers. I'll always remember on girl looking through my telescope at Saturn and saying "Well, I always knew that Saturn with its rings was up there.......I just never realised it was in your backyard".

Travelling around our little planet to see sights is great fun, but other sights are unimagineably more distant - and very easily seen.

Be warned though, if you get the astronomy bug, it will consume many years of your retirement.
Regards,
Renato