I just celebrated two years of not getting up for work. I didn’t have solid plans for what I was going to do instead. My plans shifted like sands on a windy beach. I knew I would spend more time traveling and volunteering, but the rest of the time has been a lot of experimentation and a little bit of frustration. I’ve written quite a bit about my retirement revelations here on WordPress, so what’s knew? I didn’t realize, until recently, that I’m not as uniquely confused about retirement life as I thought. There are other women out there blogging about retirement transitions. Other women without kids and grandkids searching for their next in life. Other women dealing with the loss of their corporate identity.
In fact, the other day I was catching up on posts by author and fellow blogger Patricia West Doyle about her recent book Retirement Transition: An Innovation Approach. (Doyle’s blog is also called http://retirementtransition.blog and full of great nuggets. ) I wish there had been such a book when I started contemplating early retirement! In her blog she mentioned the project http://www.retirementvoices.com. Through Retirement Voices, authors Leslie Inman and Roxanne Jones are creating a book called Voices from the Other Side…of Retirement to guide soon-to-be-retiring women with lessons from women who’ve already retired. Inman and Jones are looking for input. Doyle had responded to their survey and shared the invitation. Now I’m doing the same. In responding to their thought provoking questions, I realized I wasn’t alone in this quest for non-financial related information about retirement. You too can assist! How has retirement affected your relationships, your physical health, your sense of identity? Add your insights by following the instructions at http://retirementvoices. Deadline is April 30, 2019.
Meanwhile, although I’m still searching for my “higher purpose meaning in life identify” I’ve learned a few great things about the retirement transition:
- You can’t travel, volunteer or read too much.
- You have time to improve your health and fitness.
- Relationships get better without the stress of work.
- New connections are made through hobbies and volunteerism.
- You have time to think about what is important to you and make plans accordingly (Thank you Pat Doyle!)
- You learn new things – painting, drawing, photography and selfies!
ARTISTIC PENSION 
Congrats on two years! I’ve only started the volunteering part; it took me a while because I took a detour by getting a part-time job. Your mention of new connections through volunteering and hobbies I’m also finding to be quite true — mostly because my former colleagues haven’t quite taken the same path as myself, so I do think it’s good to find new folks to meet. I downloaded Pat’s book to my Kindle but need to read it now (oops); thanks for the reminder. 🙂 – Marty
LikeLike
You’re welcome Marty, now we not only need to finish reading the book but do the exercises in it too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I echo Marty’s congratulations on your two years of retirement. I’m just coming up to my fourth year and seriously do not know where the time has gone — it has definitely sped past quickly! I love your six “takeaways” at the end, especially #3. For me, they are all very true!
LikeLike
Thanks, and yes the time does fly! #3 has also been very important for me!
LikeLike
Loving what you’ve learned so far in retirement, Tracey! That’s pretty much what I anticipate experiencing when I retire.
Deb
LikeLike
Thanks Deb! I just assumed that you already were retired – maybe its all that fun you’ve been having with Joanne that made me think so! Tracey
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nah, just pre-gaming! Hehehehe!
LikeLike
I’m coming up on my 5th year (mid-May) and I still feel as thrilled with my freedom as I did five years ago. Traveling, house projects, book/photography/interest club meetings, get togethers with friends, etc. have kept me pretty busy. I haven’t gotten into volunteering yet, but that’s probably in my future. Congrats on your 2-year anniversary!
LikeLike
Thank you! It’s good to know the thrill isn’t gone yet after 5 years! Tracey
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi
I am already on board with Leslie and Roxanne. I look forward to their book.
Laura
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ive been retired for 10+ years. I’m 71 yrs old. I think I have established a good balance between volunteering, friendships,
welcoming new relationships, spousal
comittment, hobbies, new interests
and studying on a spiritual journey. If I could I’d like to travel a lot more before
health issues interfere. Ive not regretted
retiring but I do miss the stimulation of
being with college students preparing
them for their career objectives.
Not wasting time but not over-committing
oneself is an ongoing challenge in retirement.
LikeLike
Thank you Jan! So far, I haven’t over-committed (something I always felt while I was working). It’s a nice change.
LikeLike