Recently retired...and I

[RIHMFIRE]

I want to know how you retired guys stay busy!
So far for me...going to the gym first thing in the morning, 4-5 times a week.
Yard work...and in this heat, it really sucks!
Fixing or maintaining tools, chain saws are next
Skeet on Wednesday and Sunday
Little bit of archery......
and soon, hunting as much as I can

[Walt]

Rihmfire, I retired 6 years ago and I remember that I had the same concerns about what to do with myself for a time. I developed a routine which I'm pretty happy with. On Mondays I go shooting with a friend who has the same interests as mine. I have Tuesdays and Wednesdays relatively free and I sometimes check out the gunshops in town for components, tools and guns. As an alternative, on those days I sometimes go for a motorcycle or ATV ride in the mountains. On Thursdays, my (sometimes) riding buddy and I go out for a green chile cheeseburger, going all over northern NM and also locally for the best ones. We have a top five list which we visit most frequently. My wife is off work on Fridays so she and I do stuff together, often going grocery shopping together. Then, we cook together and do meal-preps for the coming week. On Sundays we always barbeque and just spend a relaxing day together.

It'll get better, Rihmfire. Socializing may be what you miss the most as I did. I'm sure you have acquaintances who like to do what you do. Find a couple of them who are similarly retired and plan to spend some time doing stuff together.

I really enjoy reloading and I spend a fair amount of time doing that and casting bullets.

Good luck!

[oldebear1950]

I retired from the US COAST GUARD IN 1989, went to work for the post office , retired again in 2007. Was free and easy, reloaded, shooting, reading and playing on computer.
I got married in 2018 and been busy ever since.
Get married and you will stay busy.

[Griff]

Retire? What's that? I hear about other folks that do that. Maybe when the VA finally comes thru with my disability...

[AJMD429]

.
I'm still working on the "Tired" part - it's worn me out too much, so I haven't got to the "RE-Tired" part.

Besides - "Re-tired" sounds like being even MORE tired than before, so I'm hesitant...

[OldWin]

I have two years left to go, but am kind of "semi retired". I have worked 3 days a week for the last 4 and a half years. That 3 days of working REALLY gets in the way. I have so much to do and want to do I can't fathom being bored. As long as I can get around and keep in good health, I will never run out of things to keep my busy and engaged.

[765x53]

Stay busy! I haven't had an hours rest since 2016!

[jeepnik]

Are you kidding? Beyond the honeydo list I have enough stuff of my own to do. And prove I didn't have enough on my plate I recently got back into radio.

[Mark in MO]

Retired last year after 40 years with the same company. At first it felt strange, like I was playing hooky. I initially worried I would get bored. Was approached by a couple of consulting companies and even interviewed with one. Sadly they really needed someone willing to work 50-60 hour a week, while I was thinking something part time.
Anyway I finally discovered I have more than enough to keep me occupied. Shooting, reloading, fishing, helping friends and family with projects, etc. Took up fly fishing, which I enjoy but it's very much a work in progress. As a friend once told me after he'd retired, "I have 6 Saturdays and a Sunday every week."

[COSteve]

I've been a 'Gentleman at Leisure' for 18 years and I've found that establishing a routine keeps things interesting. In addition, I don't blast through chores like I used to but rather treat them like a job and start at about 9:00 am and stop for the day at about 1:30 or 2:00. That way they don't wear me out and get to be a pain to do. I also enjoy my hobbies with a true relaxed approach so that I savor them.

I also spend a lot of time planning trips as we've traveled to all 50 states with targeted itineraries; most multiple times with different focus as well as we've visited 83 countries. Variety and a relaxed approach is what keeps me interested. I keep to myself during the day as I don't want the wife to feel like she has to babysit me so she can do her own thing and enjoy her time.

Lastly, even though I'm almost 78 and she's approaching 75 and we've been married for over 52 years, we still go on date nights and enjoy every evening together we can.

[oldebear1950]

I retired from the US COAST GUARD after 20 years in 1989.
In 1990 went to work for the post office and retired again after 16 1/2 years, 2007.
I was divorced and had a lot of spare time and reloaded, went to some blue grass jams with my guitar, and had a generally good time playing on my computer.
I also went to school again and took a machine shop course at the local junior college and actually got my certificate to be a machinest.
I also had my disability thru social security and did not need the full time work, even though the pay was good.
They wanted me to work 50 hours a week, 6 days a week.
I would have worked part time, but did not want to work like that at my age.
Then in 2018 gpt married again and been busy ever since.
But we still have dates and go dancing, church, and family.
So my days are full, and so are my nights.

[RIHMFIRE]

Here's a few more things I do to keep me occupied.
I go to all the local car shows and cruise around in the mustang....needs tires$$$$:shock:
detailing the stang and F150
Did I mention ******* yard work! grrrr
Not to mention that honey-do list.
I am going to start reloading again and shoot my rifles more, especially the old 22's
and the new cz457 22mag!

CZ_457_Varmint.png

[JB]

I retired fairly early two years ago, but still have a kid in school so don’t get to do all the fishing and shooting I’d planned on. My wife still works so summers I’m watching the kid and during school time I’m fairly restricted as well.

[Old No7]

I retired on May 1st, then took a really bad fall on July 1st and had rotator cuff surgery right after August 1st -- so I kinda "screwed the pooch" on the summer and first stages of our retirement.........

But before that, and often at my own thinking or choosing -- I had noticed the "honey do" list was growing!!!

That's because we always took care of the "A" items as repairs or upgrades, and some "B" items -- but now I have the time to notice and work on (um, after my shoulder heals that is...) some "C" and "D" items which are now listed. Those will help keep me busy for sure!

Only issue is -- besides my injury -- I wasn't getting out to shoot regularly or often enough before it... That will HAVE to change once I can shoot again.

Congrats, and cheers!

Old No7

[Paladin]

Welcome to retirement! My first retirement was on December 31st, 1999, from the WV State Police, and my second was in Feb 2004 from DOD. I still play (though not very often) as a contractor for various government operations. I was a contractor in Afghanistan with JTF Paladin when I joined this website in 2008. I now try to spend most of my time hunting and fishing in Alaska or WV. It may take a while for you to find "I want to do this thing." I have spent a few years doing different volunteer things when not at what I want to be doing or with Doctors' appointments. Good luck finding your thing, and don't forget about friends with the same problem.

[Steve in MO]

Retired from the US Army in 2009, then went to work on the shooting range at Bass Pro in Springfield, MO. Started my own training business which really took off after the Sandy Hook shooting. I was also working for a national training company, so I was staying so busy I burned myself out of training. 2018 went back to school and finished my bachelors in HIstory. 2022 we got custody of our third grandchild, so we're raising twin 12 y/o girls and their little brother. I figure this is God's way of getting back at me for being gone for so many years and my wife raising our three children, LOL. She's working full time from home now, so I'm doing all the stuff she would normally be doing.

I've started shooting USPSA again, so at least I know I'll be shooting at least two weekends out of the month. Other than that, I'm pretty content to stay on our little farm, away from the craziness of town. Congrats on the retirement!

[Rimfire McNutjob]

I recently retired as well. I'm building up my powder stock to get back to reloading. I'm thinking about joining that range off of SR 44 in Volusia so that I can shoot any day of the week. Seems pricey though.

[Wolfshead]

I started making knives a few years before I retired, which lead to making leather sheaths, which led to other leather products.
It’s been about 12 years now.
I retired in 2018 and started working full time the next day for myself, and from November until Christmas I was working 12-13 hours a day, seven days a week!
Did that for three years and finally said to myself, “I thought I retired!?”
So now if I’m making a knife or doing leatherwork, I plan on working mornings only, and no weekends, unless I want to do more.
Once I retired I was WAY more busy than I was before.

[sghart3578]

My advice to anyone still young and working is to do the things you want to do now while you are healthy and able. My wife and I had big plans for when we retired, mostly travel stuff.

I won't bore you with the details but first a health crisis for my wife of 40 years then a cancer diagnosis for me. We are now content to drink coffee on our swing and talk about grandkids.

Don't wait till you retire.

Man plans and God laughs.

[AJMD429]

.
Definitely a couple things to consider in addition to what the docs tell you; there are lots of NUTRITIONAL and other supplement things that can be added to, and compliment, cancer treatment. They are typically ignored by oncologists, and it is a real shame. Part of it is ego, part is the way 'chemo' is sometimes reimbursed (they may not get paid if they even add something as innocuous - and beneficial - as Vitamin D), and part of it is that they often assume that anything the patient suggests is 'quackery' and is something they want to do INSTEAD of traditional treatment, whereas often the goal is only to add something that may compliment the 'traditional' treatment, and improve outcomes.

A $12 book with TONS (#1314) of journal and legitimate detailed references:

> https://www.amazon.com/dp/0960126503

A couple podcasts overviewing the topic; Dr Paul Marik (one of the above book's authors has several in addition to this one, and so does Dr John Campbell, but these are a couple good starts:

> https://odysee.com/@FrontlineCovid19Cri ... Oncology:7

> https://youtu.be/0gIYQCjB_NU

As with ALL healthcare issues - of course get yourself competent and trustable physicians, but ask questions, and be your own advocate as well...!!!

[RIHMFIRE]

So far, it's been pretty good!!
Skipped the gym this morning and cooked a big breakfast!
Now I need to go to the gym to work this off! hahaha!!

[fordwannabe]

I retired August 1. I spent a week goofing off. I got a part time job at a LGS. I am building a car trailer for my project mustang( 1966 tubbed and nitrous injected), I have a project car(obviously). I bought a retirement gift for myself , 1886 in 40-82 so doing load development. I was offered soooo much money to come back to the state for 3 months, I couldn't turn it down( why can they pay me double but won't up the pay scale so they could just fill the position??? GOVERNMENT should be a four letter word) AND I am planning a small trip in APRIL, Wannamachers gun show in TULSA for 2 days then driving to Cody Wyoming for a week before the 2100 mile drive home. Dang I am more busy than before retiring.

[GunnyMack]

So you did get the 40-82! You neglected to tell me that!!
So Thomas is NEED a 40-82 for my cartridge collection!!!

[Streetstar]

I have two years left to go, but am kind of "semi retired". I have worked 3 days a week for the last 4 and a half years. That 3 days of working REALLY gets in the way.

Pretty much my schedule --- although i am going to have to stay on the 2 or 3 day a week plan indefinitely -- probably wont ever get to officially and fully retire -- but i like what i do for money. Basically look out my bay window while i do computer things and argue with insurance adjusters - and far too much of my "workday" is spent browsing internet forums or gun classifieds looking for stuff i dont need

[MadDog3030]

I have been retired for the past 6 years and my routine is pretty consistent. Get up at 5:30am, walk my 3 big dogs (Weimaraner's), go to the gym for a 1 hour workout 4 to 5 times per week, come home and have breakfast, do a few chores or repairs my wife wants done, then it's fun time. Fun Time is usually going to my local 3D archery range and flinging some arrows or going through my safe an picking a few guns I haven't shot in a while, taking them to a gun club I belong to and getting some range time in. On the weekends I either shoot local 3D matches, shoot local 3 Gun Tactical matches or go to a rather large pond near the house and run some of my gas powered RC Speed Boats.

There's always something to do to fill my week.

[OldWin]

I have two years left to go, but am kind of "semi retired". I have worked 3 days a week for the last 4 and a half years. That 3 days of working REALLY gets in the way.

Pretty much my schedule --- although i am going to have to stay on the 2 or 3 day a week plan indefinitely -- probably wont ever get to officially and fully retire -- but i like what i do for money. Basically look out my bay window while i do computer things and argue with insurance adjusters - and far too much of my "workday" is spent browsing internet forums or gun classifieds looking for stuff i dont need

Thats good! When I went to work at my job back in 88, it was a great place and company to work for. Fast forward 37 and a half years and I hate it. It's an awful place now. They can't hire anyone, or keep them if they do. The last several years I've been just running out the clock.

[Ysabel Kid]

My financial planner says I can retire now, but every year I hold on (mainly for medical coverage) means less draw on my saved resources until I am eligible for Medicare. My plan is to work a bit over 2 years - until January 2028 - and hit my 40th anniversary with my employer. However... if they offer me a package to go early I will take it and run so fast there will be an outline of my body through the nearest wall (think the Road Runner cartoons).

The way I think of it, every day I hold on not only saves me money, but allows me to continue to buy "toys" and supplies to enjoy in my retirement. Also pay for vacations while I'm still earning. But I have to admit, I have "senioritis" in a big way, especially when I do come back from vacation. I don't want to wish my life away, but retirement can't come soon enough!

[OldWin]

My financial planner says I can retire now, but every year I hold on (mainly for medical coverage) means less draw on my saved resources until I am eligible for Medicare. My plan is to work a bit over 2 years - until January 2028 - and hit my 40th anniversary with my employer. However... if they offer me a package to go early I will take it and run so fast there will be an outline of my body through the nearest wall (think the Road Runner cartoons).

The way I think of it, every day I hold on not only saves me money, but allows me to continue to buy "toys" and supplies to enjoy in my retirement. Also pay for vacations while I'm still earning. But I have to admit, I have "senioritis" in a big way, especially when I do come back from vacation. I don't want to wish my life away, but retirement can't come soon enough!

I hear you, Kid!
Having started long ago, for a big reputable company, I have a decent pension and supplement, along with my 401k. I will be just a couple months shy of 40 years when my date hits. I'm not staying 10 minutes longer than I have to.
When I was young, I worried about money and starving in retirement, just like everyone else. I thought when I got closer it would be worse, but now I don't even care. Luckily, I live pretty small. I will adjust my life if need be. Ive just seen too many guys work their life away. Taking every minute of overtime they could, while talking about all the things they are going to do "when they retire". Their wife and children are strangers. They missed their kids growing up. They never did a thing but work and have no hobbies. When they finally retire they don't know what to do with themselves, their kids don't bother with them, and the government ends up profiting most from their slaving away. They are dead in a year or so in more cases than I care to count.
There's worse things than being poor.

[Ysabel Kid]

I've seen the same thing.