How to Keep Busy After Retirement

If you have been making plans and know what you want to do when you retire, that is marvelous, as knowing what to do with all that retirement time needs thought and effort.

However, sometimes one avoids thinking about what happens after retirement, perhaps due to the mixed feelings, reticence about facing the long 'holiday', or if you are happy and successful in your job - the difficulty of stepping aside.

If you are part of the small percentage of people who have sufficient means with which to enjoy your retirement, then you have a vast range of activities just waiting for you to decide which will be included in your life.

WHAT TO DO IN RETIREMENT - NEED TO WORK OR KEEP BUSY?

There is no doubt, that some people simply need to work either to boost their income or because it is just in their 'DNA'.

If you are lucky, many companies are pleased to have their experienced workers back on a part time basis or perhaps as a consultant on projects, or a teacher or mentor to newer workers. If you need to earn an income, there is also a possibility of setting up a small business such as doing tax returns, cake decorating, sewing and mending or perhaps running a Bed & Breakfast.

BORED AND RETIRED?

The first six months are usually fine, with the new retiree enjoying the unscheduled days, the freedom to decide what to do and when to do it, or perhaps if it will be done at all!

When all the hullabaloo has worn off, you may very well start wondering "and now what - is this what the rest of my life is going to be like?"

It is time to deal with how you are going to keep busy. What retirement activities do you need to do, as what you don't want to become is lonely or depressed nor to feel as though you can no longer contribute to society and lose confidence in yourself.

Now is time to learn a new skill, perhaps you could take a course in cookery, pottery, or follow an interest in painting, photography, another language, maybe ballroom dancing, or adult education courses. Find local clubs, watch the papers, and join in for like-minded fellowship.

Retirement Hobbies - Earning a small Income:

Perhaps now you can pursue that hobby you so enjoyed in your younger days, before life took over. If it is a hobby that produces a finished article that may be sold - so much the better, and the pleasure in that hobby will increase exponentially.

Selling or making to order, handmade articles produced from your love of knitting, crochet, carpentry, or designing of any kind, can all be sold either on line or through an outlet who already stocks or would wish to stock your product.

If you have a special skill or craft teach it - either in your home, community centre or on line. There are customers out there, or online, who are willing to purchase if you try to meet their needs. It is also a very effective means of socialising and keeping busy.

What about writing?

It could be articles such as this one, written for Hubpages, or writing an eBook based on your special knowledge or skill. Or perhaps you have always dreamt of writing short stories, a novel or a tome.

Now is the time - do it. If you need help, there are many courses out there, and you could learn to become a writer.

Exercise:

Take up some exercise after retirement, walking, or a planned exercise such as Yoga - very beneficial in keeping the moving parts, bending and moving!

Perhaps you want to learn how to play golf, or join a bowling club - many of these activities improve your health, and become treasured parts of your new life.

Volunteer Work:

There are many charitable organizations or churches who constantly looking for volunteers - and there is nothing quite so rewarding and empowering as working with those who need and appreciate your help.

Don't forget that hospitals, senior homes, homes for mentally or physically impaired, hospices, children's homes depend on volunteers to fill their work rosters, utilize the organizational skills or undertake administration tasks.

Volunteer work with animals - again, depending where your interests lie, there is so much in this line of work who would value your assistance.

Travel:

Now is also a great time to travel, whether it is to visit old friends, family you have not seen in a while, or places you have always wanted to visit. Many travel agencies have access to tours where you can travel in safety, with like-minded older generation travelers, anywhere in the world.

if money is tight, learn about where you are right now and visit places of beauty or historic value on your doorstep.

Retirement should be a time to slow down a little, smell the roses and take in the view. Keep moving, keep doing, keep involved and your retirement will happy, successful and rewarding.