I got the “scared” part over with before I retired… had a few panic attacks where I kept thinking “I was raised by Puritans with that Puritan Work Ethic. I’ll be useless without meaningful work.”
But damn, I’m much better at Doing Nothing than I thought.
Apparently I actually do believe all that “your value lies in who you are, not just what you do” stuff. But if I really need a task, it’s easy to find a wall to paint, a sketchbook to doodle in, tools to organize (well, in my case, it’s comic books).
I might do some freelance work eventually. Thought I’d have to supplement my pension, but I’m surprised by how little money I need these days.
It’s also easy to veg out in front of the TV. But now I can do it guiltlessly. I’m staying up late right now, watching whatever stupid sitcom’s on… huh, never knew there was a Paul Lynde Show while I was in high school…
But, hey, if I don’t have a job to get up early for, who cares? I can grab a nap tomorrow if I need it.
Another thing about retirement that I’ve discovered: not only do I need less money, I don’t need much in the way of Stuff.
The boxes of “professional” stuff I diligently sorted and lugged home from work before I left? I haven’t even opened a single box.
They’re sitting on shelves in my workshop. Next to… a couple of boxes from my previous job that I also haven’t opened. And that was almost THIRTY years ago…
I retired at the end of last year at 56, and while all the crazy shit happening makes it hard to focus sometimes, I’m still really, really glad I did it. There were a million things I wanted to get done around the house, and while I’ve only scratched them so far, things are definitely getting done.
Here’s a retirement thread I started, it’s not only full of other happy people, but some useful advice.
As I talked about upthread, I retired on May 1st at 56 after a nearly 30 year engineering career. I had no need for any of the stuff from the career. It didn’t occur to me to take anything nor did I want anything with the exception of a lava lamp. It was a peer award plus lava lamps are cool.
I am not getting to go to live music or out to good restaurants which are the things that I love to do but that’s ok. I miss my friends from work but I don’t miss anything about being a worker with the associated stress. The first two weeks were a little weird but I am settled in just fine.
I am loving being retired. I hope that you find peace and satisfaction soon singular1
Long time lurker, first post!
Had to register just to reply to @singular1
I retired about a year and a half ago - I was 67. There were many reasons, personal and financial and I’m glad I did it. Even though I loved the last job I had.
I remember I had about one afternoon of panic. I woke up the day after my last day and went to a haircut appointment that morning. Got back home and had a minor panic attack. OMFG I DON’T HAVE A JOB!! QUICK, DO SOMETHING! ANYTHING! I started pacing around the house. I had flashbacks to the two times I really did lose my job. It was rather weird. I got better You will too.
You will too.