Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.
-Mr. (Fred) Rogers, 1928-2003
AFTER DECADES IN THE WORK FORCE, retirees finally get complete control over how they spend their time. Here are some of the many terrific things you can do with your time and energy in retirement:
Travel the world
Now that you don’t have to worry about the limits of vacation time, take extended vacations. Go live in a foreign country for a while or take an extended cruise. Also day trips, foreign travel, golf camp, wine camp, sports, music, or art camps.
Start a business
Start the business you’ve always wanted. Consider your career experience to start a consulting firm. You are only limited by your imagination, interests, and finances.
Get a part-time job
This will not only bring in a little extra income, but it will also give you a place to socialize every day. “Encore” careers can be liberating and fulfilling.
Teach
Start a free course at the local library or community center. You could possibly teach at a local elementary or high school or community college or university.
Volunteer
Use your time in retirement to give back. Contact your local church or charitable organization to find volunteer opportunities that suit your skills.
Go into public service
Serve your community by participating in the political process. Become a local representative or a school board member. Become an activist.
Spend time with friends and family
Get to know some of the other retirees in your area. Make plans daily or weekly to just hang out. Join meet-up groups, dating sites. Make new friends with those of different ages. Spend time out of your week with family members, near and far. Explore your roots.
Be a mentor
Find a young person to mentor. Many young people would love the chance to learn from the experienced and successful. Take time out of your week to change the life of someone else.
Get educated
Finish your diploma or get a graduate degree. You could take classes just for fun to learn more about a subject of interest. Master a foreign language, grasp computer skills, learn new hobbies. If you have plans for foreign travel in retirement, take the time to learn the language. It will serve you well on your extended vacations, and it will keep your mind sharp.
Write a book/start a blog
Writing a book takes time—you now have plenty of it. Write a novel, a cookbook, a how-to guide, your memoirs, or a book of poetry. Learn to blog and start sharing your retirement experience online. You can also start a blog sharing your knowledge from your past career or a hobby you have.
Read
Spend your days reading all the books you never had time for. Aim to read all the classics or join a book club and add a social element to your passion.
Learn to play music/start a new hobby
Take lessons and learn to play the piano, guitar, or any other favorite instrument. Now is the time to expand your interests. Take on a new hobby such as fishing, hiking, gardening, painting, photography, ceramics, or genealogy.
Take up a new sport/join a fitness group
Stay active by taking on the challenge of a new athletic pursuit. Many people complete marathons or snow ski well into their retirement. For example, take up golf, canoeing, scuba diving, bowling, or tennis. To stay committed to your new active lifestyle, join a team of others who are also looking for accountability toward their fitness goals. Work toward getting in the best shape of your life. Silver Sneakers is a possible venue.
Nothing
You earned your retirement. Go do whatever you want, including nothing.
Best wishes.
Daniel J. Jachimiak, BA, is a Feature Writer/Journalist and Speaker. Dan can be reached at djachimiak@bex.net or 419-787-2036. ~ You can have a better life ~
