Retired this summer and am in my mid 70s. Have been blissfully happy even though I loved my work and 50+ year career. I also can’t travel, but due to health issues. I’ve had no trouble making my days and weeks fulfilling. I’ve added a structured gentle exercise class each morning, taken time for more thoughtful reading, made plans with friends, and started downsizing in a measured, one room at a time way. I’m starting to relearn a language too and am serving on an advisory group related to my old field.Having some mix of things that feed the of the mind, body and spirit seems to be a good fit. Hope you will enjoy your retirement. Congratulations.

Retirement is great. Even without travel and volunteering, we are super busy. Not having to deal with staff issues is priceless.

Also, congrats, OP! How many years have you worked? What field? How old are you?

If you can’t travel, maybe you can get people to come visit you!

Anonymous wrote:OP, just some advice for you actual last day of work. Have something planned for when you walk out-of the office for the last time. You will want plans for that evening, something. An office party goodbye doesn't count.

NP. This is such good advice!

PP who has 4-6 months off each year: what do you do? That sounds perfect!

Have fun. I ended up getting another job. There are an awful lot of hours in the day. And, I have dogs, kids still at home and traveling plus hobbies. I just have a hard time not being really busy and relaxing.

Anonymous wrote:I can’t believe I’ll be retiring on December 31st! I’m excited for the freedom, but I have to admit—I’m also a little nervous about what I’ll do with all that extra time. Sleeping 12 hours a day sounds tempting, but I don’t want my days to just slip away.

I don’t have the money to travel, so I’ll be looking for fun ways to enjoy life at home: walks in the neighborhood, hobbies, reading, maybe even learning something new online. And of course, spending more time with friends and family.

Retirement isn’t just about stopping work—it’s about having the freedom to fill your days with things that make you happy. I can’t wait to figure out my new routine!

I have a few years to go and I'm looking forward to retirement. It's not that I'm wealthy or anything like that, but I can't wait for the days when I will no longer have supervisors or managers running any part of my life. No more paperwork to fill out if I want to take vacation, no more having to call in if I'm feeling sick and cannot work. Within reason, I'll be able to do what I want to do with my life.

I'm sorry that I don't have any advice for you, but I just wanted to wish you good luck!

OP, just some advice for you actual last day of work. Have something planned for when you walk out-of the office for the last time. You will want plans for that evening, something. An office party goodbye doesn't count.

If I were retiring but couldn't travel, here's what I would do:

1. Volunteer one day a week at a dog shelter
2. Volunteer one day a week in a school, like a teacher's aide or to help little kids with reading or something (if not possible, volunteer at the library to teach illiterate people to read)
3. Volunteer at a farmers market one day a week
4. Spend some time each day working on learning a new language
5. Spend at least a half hour a day walking
6. Spend at least a half hour a day working on balance and stretching
7. Spend at least a half hour (ideally an hour) reading a book
8. At least 3-4 times a week, call a family member or friend to catch up, even if it's just five minutes

Retired at 55 three years ago and it’s been hard. Hobbies are fine, but in the end they don’t really amount to anything, or contribute to a larger purpose. Eventually they just seem like ways to pass time. It can also be tough to find good volunteer gigs, that are at once rewarding, challenging, and social. Good luck to you.

I have worked part time since age 35. I work only 20-25 hours a week with 4-6 months off ca year. Spending is under control. Budgeting and finding deals is a small hobby of mine.
Go back to work part time if it gets boring at home.

Plan to retire this time next year - in my 50s. The two things that are making me anxious are how to fill my time and spending rather than earning. Spouse and I plan to travel a lot and have established workout routines that we will add other activities to. Otherwise, I think I will also look for part time work to keep my brain engaged.

look for classes to take through your local community college, parks and rec, etc. Someplace in person, not online, where you can meet others who are also available during the day for activities.

It’s boring tbh. Especially if u are retiring young. I’m in my 50s and everyone my age is still working. I could hang out with a bunch of 68 year olds at the senior center where I volunteer but my brain needs the stimulation. Went back to work pt. It’s perfect for me. Good luck and congratulations give yourself a year to figure out the new routine. The first 5 months feels luxurious though.

Volunteer
DC has loads of free museums and sites.

I can’t believe I’ll be retiring on December 31st! I’m excited for the freedom, but I have to admit—I’m also a little nervous about what I’ll do with all that extra time. Sleeping 12 hours a day sounds tempting, but I don’t want my days to just slip away.

I don’t have the money to travel, so I’ll be looking for fun ways to enjoy life at home: walks in the neighborhood, hobbies, reading, maybe even learning something new online. And of course, spending more time with friends and family.

Retirement isn’t just about stopping work—it’s about having the freedom to fill your days with things that make you happy. I can’t wait to figure out my new routine!