STRUGGLING as an empty nester

[Anonymous]

I am STRUGGLING. I do stay busy. I work. Everyone said to find hobbies, and I did, and it helps. I have a book club one evening a week, joined an evening fitness class, plan dinner a couple times a month with friends, do little hobbies and occasionally find a home project to keep me busy. My main issue is that my DH travels for work quite often, so I’m alone. I stay busy, but no matter how busy I am, I come home to a quiet house, alone. He can’t do anything about his work schedule right now because he’s so close to retirement. But I feel like I’m struggling to stay afloat in this situation. I don’t know what else I can do. Does anyone have any advice?? Please be kind!



*I didn’t know where to post this, so please move if this isn’t the place!

[Anonymous]

I can identify and maybe should go under adult child? How old?

[Anonymous]

Just my sympathy OP. I am a few years behind you but see this being me exactly. I’m sure parts will be nice but I’ll be so lonely and untethered.

[Anonymous]

This is me, too, OP, except I don’t have a husband. I’m all alone.

It’s hard.

[Anonymous]

Perhaps adopt a pet? They really do add so much to life. Maybe serve as a foster to try it out?

[Anonymous]

Do you want to be a hostess on airbnb?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am STRUGGLING. I do stay busy. I work. Everyone said to find hobbies, and I did, and it helps. I have a book club one evening a week, joined an evening fitness class, plan dinner a couple times a month with friends, do little hobbies and occasionally find a home project to keep me busy. My main issue is that my DH travels for work quite often, so I’m alone. I stay busy, but no matter how busy I am, I come home to a quiet house, alone. He can’t do anything about his work schedule right now because he’s so close to retirement. But I feel like I’m struggling to stay afloat in this situation. I don’t know what else I can do. Does anyone have any advice?? Please be kind!

*I didn’t know where to post this, so please move if this isn’t the place!

Why don't you just travel with DH when he goes for work. Could be better than being home?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Perhaps adopt a pet? They really do add so much to life. Maybe serve as a foster to try it out?

Do not unless absolutely sure you like pets and are willing to put in work to care for pet. A puppy for example is like a newborn human

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is me, too, OP, except I don’t have a husband. I’m all alone.

It’s hard.

This is me too. Divorced and launching to college in same year. Super tough.

[Anonymous]

Volunteer and do something of value to others.

In the evening, listen to podcasts/watch interesting clogs about people's lives. Non-fiction stuff that broadens your perspective on life.

What did you do before kids?

[Anonymous]

^vlogs (video logs) like on YouTube...not clogs...sneaky Autocorrect struck again...

[Anonymous]

A visit. A hotel. One meal.
Go visit them! Your kids. Explore their area on your own. Learn what it's like for them to be living where they are.

Take a weekend and visit an old friend. A childhood friend. A college friend. A parent. A sibling. Travel without your husband.

[Anonymous]

I became foster cat mom. So many animals need homes if you have the capacity to take one in.

[Anonymous]

Just go with your husband when he travels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I became foster cat mom. So many animals need homes if you have the capacity to take one in.

Along those lines, this org is great. They match foster families with pets who belong to military members who need temporary care for their animals. Something like that could be great. https://pactforanimals.org/