Both of us plan to retire by the end of the year.
Right now, we're planning to sign up with Habitat for Humanity.

Other than being single and facing this alone, I am in exactly the same place you are. I do think I could work at my present place of employment parttime but I'm like you, I really don't want to. I would much prefer doing something entirely different. But here's the rub. Having worked 8-12 hours a day since age 16 with only time off to have my sons, I've not developed any outside interests that have lasted more than a few months at a time. So, what to do if not the same old same old. I'll be interested in seeing some of the answers you get. I'm afraid volunteerism will only hold my attention for the same period of time and additonally I really need the extra income from working PT.

I retired 2 1/2 ago at 58 and I love it. I do merchandising at a store about one day a week. Nothing hard. I work for an on line company. I do lots of reading and I also knit and crochet. Don't have a problem keeping busy. DH retired a few years ago. He doesn't have any hobbies so he isn't quite as content with life.
Donna

Oh, there are so many opportunities. So many ways your community needs you. Just a few ideas:

Volunteer at the local AIDs baby hospice--they almost always need people to help care for and cuddle those poor babies.

Ronald McDonald Houses generally need community members to supply meals for their guests.

Animal shelters need people to walk their dogs.

Guide dog schools need 'puppy walkers'--families who are willing to take a little puppy into their home and housebreak, love, and offer basic obedience training until the dog is old enough to be trained for it's life's work.

My aunt volunteers at the county library, going once a week to sort books they sell on their semi-annual used book sale.

Schools generally love to have someone come in to read to the children.

Now, as to parttime paid positions? How about teaching a class in something you enjoy in your town's adult school (or taking a class), teaching a summer class in your town's summer enrichment program (ours has all kinds of interesting things for the kids--juggling, theater, crafts, sewing, cooking, wiggle and giggle (I don't know?)--surely there's something you could offer the youngsters in your town.

The courts have volunteer programs--either working as a guide in the courthouse, or on committees where you advocate for children or senior citizens who find themselves involved in the court system.

Just look around--there are so many needs in every community. You'll have no problem keeping busy, if you want to.

We retired for health reasons almost three years ago (cancer got us both at once) but have been healthy since. All I can say is, these three years have been a joy. It's amazing how much we find to do, together or separately, in the house and out it. We have never been the kinds who do much to our house, so it's not futzy stuff. I guess we're lazy - the house could sure use it.

Read, write, travel. Cook, bake, garden, read some more about things you never knew about, sew, explore, take long walks, short walks, photographs. Learn a new language (I'm learning Italian). Take classes. Do the things you always said you wished you could do. Last week we drove 20 minutes from home to a community we didn't know was there and spent a lovely afternoon, had dinner in a goofy restaurant and came home happy. We're pretty broke, so we do things that don't cost much.

I don't blame you for being scared, but if you know any retired people, you'll find we all say the same thing: "How did we ever have time to work?" You'll be amazed at what you'll find to do. BTW, I'm 60, hub is 67. Housework? As little as possible. Never bored. After 40 years, we have sense enough to give and take, and that includes time alone if we need it, but we're mostly together. It's awful outside, so neither of us has been outside since Tuesday! Sounds embarassing, but it's actually been cozy. I wish you good luck.

Sherry

Took early retirement at 54. I'm now 68. Thank goodness for a great retirement system.
I did volunteer work: zoo, hospital, and once a week in my GS's 3rd grade class.
Then part time work: two courier jobs
Finally, settled down, being retired, moved, met new friends and have a much better social life!
So I just do as I please now!

Good luck and best wishes on your decision!

It's a wonderful life! My DH and I are alot like Sherry described...I do have hobbies, quilt, cross stitch and read and my DH reads constantly....But we do volunteer and there is always something to volunteer for...We love our local Meals on Wheels and of course helping out with one of our cat/kitten rescue organization..And like Sherry, neither one of us has been out since Tuesday. This afternoon my DH helps with the bingo at the firehall...It is nice to have no set schedule, do what you want, when you want....Before the gas prices skyrocked, we would pick a day, get in the car and drive..Sometimes with a map, sometimes not...We might end up in another state, have lunch and take another route home....You will find, you are quite busy. We've often thought, how did we ever have time to go to work.....

Dorothy

If there isn't a Leisure Group in your area, you might start one.

My Mother remained very, very active. She was very active in her church. Joined a Community Choir. Exercise Club 3 X's a week. Sewing Club. Hospital "Pink Lady". Bonco Club.

Around the Holidays you couldn't catch her at home.

I'm not so much of a "joiner". But, I was involved in Sweet Adeline's and loved it. Also, a Social Club. I do enjoy Church Activities and am able to say "No" if I can't do something requested of me. I never want to be an Officer of any type in an Organization.

Gayle

Here is a suggestion.

Here is a link that might be useful: Click here!

Along the lines of what msmarion said, how about volunteering in the grade schools? I think all 4 of my kids had "Grandma Katie", the story lady. They all loved her a lot. She'd come to school a couple of times a week to read to the different grades. The local library also has a story lady for the little ones.

I retired 6 weeks ago. I'm 60 and had planned to retire at 65, but circumstances were so that I really need to be home if possible.

All I've done so far is to declutter and deep clean our home. I'm still working on that. I plan to paint every room before spring then I'll work outside. Once my main chores are done and I settle into a routine I plan to catch up on crafts that I've mostly had on hold for the past 15 years because of my work schedule. Also I want to help out at our local animal shelter. I'm really looking forward to that.
I want to do something like my dd and I used to do before I started working so much overtime and couldn't. We got a weekly newspaper that has listings of local restaurants. I cut each restaurant ad out of the paper and put them into a bowl. DD picked one ad out of the bowl without looking each week and we went to that restaurant. I want to check online yellow pages and get a list of restaurants in little towns within about 50 miles from us and put those in a bowl. I would make it a little further, but I need to be home when school lets out for a few more years so 50 miles will have to do for now.

Here's what some people who retired from where I worked have done since they retired for extra money.
One works in a deli at a local grocery store.
One actually is a Wal Mart greeter
One is a security guard
Several do yard mowing etc in the summer time.
A couple of women do housecleaning for others a couple of day a week. As a matter of fact I plan to do mostly nothing that is an obligation for a year then I may possibly do some house cleaning. I'm still thinking about that.
Two other ladies clean offices on Friday evenings.
One friend told me a few years ago that his brother cleaned banks after hours and they payed pretty well. I'd be leery of that though, because if any money ever came up missing I don't want to be looked at suspiciously.

Linda

I was offered early retirement a couple of years ago and didn't let the door hit me in the back.
You'll have your time to do what you want to do.
If you're not happy, you can always go back to work.
People have give wonderful suggestions.
Go for it!

After I retired I did volunteer work at my church and at the thrift shop run by my church. It was great, made many new friends and loved it.

Linda, the money in a bank is locked in a huge vault after the bank closes - only a couple of people can open the safe - you'd be ok to get such a job.

I plan to retire at the end of May (this year), fly to Florida and bring my two young (ages 4&6) grandchildren back with me to spend the summer.

We will spend two weeks in Las Vegas with their dad, then maybe to Disney World in Orlando. I plan to move to Florida in late fall of this year. I don't think I'll have any problem keeping busy!

You all make me want to retire...NOW! Wish I could. *sigh* I will when DH does in about five years. I work from home and love what I do, but still -- it would be nice not to HAVE to do ANYTHING if I didn't want to!

I'm a person who worked part-time in high school and then full-time from the age of 18, even while attending college.

I retired 1.5 years ago (54 now) to work on a few health problems. Since my mom died at 51 and my dad at 65, my DH and I felt like I should "seize the day" so to speak.

I blog a lot. I love to write. No, I don't make much money with ads on my blogs ($35 in 1 year), but I'm not in it for the money.

I used to a do a lot of mentoring at my job, so I love to share what I've learned with others. Also, I probably spend way too much time on the Cottage Garden, Kitchen, Home Building and Home Decorating forums!

I enjoy research (again due to past career) and technology.

As someone else mentioned, I don't know how I ever had time to work.

I rode my exercise bike 2 1/2 hours this morning while watching TV. In the summer, I ride my outdoor bike, work in my big flower garden, kayak and swim.

I'm learning to play the banjo so that I can play along with my DH...who plays guitar, banjo and mandolin.

I clean the house on Fridays, do the laundry as needed, and prepare 3 meals 7 days a week, unless we decide to eat out for lunch one day.

My greyhound is my companion while DH is at work. So, I take her for walks and tend to all of her demands -- she keeps me on a strict schedule! LOL

Go for it! You won't look back.

Here is a link that might be useful: one of my blogs

Thanks so much to everyone for all the great suggestions. I had thought of a number of them already so will definitely check them out. I love books & would love to work P/T at a Barnes & Noble, or at our local library. I have 3 library branches very close to home. My church is about 5 min. away & they're always looking for volunteers I know. I'm sure I'll find something, whether ir's a P/T paid job or volunteering or some of both. Even a P/T nanny would be okay, as long as I can leave the kids with their own parents & go home at the end of the day. LOL

If you like kids helping out at school is good, but check first. Many schools now have strict rules etc and to be a teacher's aid in CA you have to have a 2 year degree.
Are there any zoo's in your area? But don't get so involved in volunteering you leave no time for yourself--Do you have a AAA or travel agency--short tours are fun too and not too expensive. Rehmann magazines ( Tastey Light) have lots in their book. Price?? Even if your DH does not have any hobbies, you can at least go out once a week or so, look for free things in your paper. And don't forget to ask for that Senior discount. The AARP card gives you 15%
Good luck

How about working as a teachers aide at an elementary school since you need some income? There are so many varied part-time jobs available and lots of volunteer options. Schools and animal shelters are usually desperate for volunteers. I used to volunteer as a cat cuddler. I also volunteered one year at the elementary school DS used to attend. I helped the immigrant kids with their reading. That was very rewarding.
I also take classes at the College for Seniors. We just listen to lectures, no homework, no grade. I have met several very nice people who are prominent in my town.

Dh and I always run into retirees when we're out camping. A lot of retirees work with the various park systems and live in their RV's and act as park hosts at the various campgrounds. I assume they get a free camping spot and some sort of stipend.

If you like the outdoors, check with the parks for volunteer positions.

I plan to retire May 1, 2010. DH is already retired and if all goes according to plan we will sell the house and buy a 5th wheel trailer and travel full time. Adellabedella is right. Lots of full-timers do work camping. Private campgrounds usually provide a free camp site + a small salary. State and federal parks usually just provide a site. The amount of time you are expected to work and the job assignments vary depending on the campground. I don't know if we will work but might just for something to do for part of the day.

Linda

As I see it, you can class your concerns into two bins: "Money" and "What to do". My advice about money is to never spend your nest egg, but its ok to spend the earnings from it. If you have plenty, save enough of its earnings and invest to cover inflation. Next, establish a budget using your income and do not spend beyond it. There are informal ways to track your spending such that you don't have to become a bookkeeper and make daily entries.

Now, what to do. Yes! You will need an activity to replace the many years of daily contact you have had with fellow employees. While your were employed, you have not realized how important this part of your life was becasue there was always plenty of unpleasantries and irritations. But, the first thing you will miss is that social contact. The first 6 months is the hardest as you adjust to you new found freedom (and apparent isolation). Look for someting to occupy your attention, something that can be enjoyed on an unscheduled basis. [I found a need to focus on something to keep from pacing the floor and going crazy.]

Now would be an excellent time for self improvement both physically and mentally. Start an exercise program, something simple (and very low cost); Walking and bicycling for example. Add other things to fit your person. Look for hiking trails and stay out of traffic.

Voluntering is good, but it was my experience that it was welcome so long as you were able to contribute financialy to the cause. I found plenty of organizations that were happy for you to provide your own vehicle to transport people at your expense and worse yet, your liability. Watch out for the liability! Avoid these 'opportunities'.

There are other things to do. If you live in a northern clime, you could join a snow shoveling brigrade and clear sidewalks and driveways for the elderly in your community.

If you are interested in arts and crafts, start making something that you have been putting off until "the day you had some time". Now is the time!

Never been interested in genealogy? This can occupy a lot of time and as you dig into your past ancestory, there will be surprises. For example, you may find that your great great uncles was one of the founding pioneers of a mill or town, or fought in one of the wars that helped to define this country. This hobby has come to the forefront with the advent of the internet. Much of your search can be done at home in front of your computer. The problem you have to solve is how to do this and protect yourself from fraud. Maybe you will find some living cousins to reconnect to. Putting together a family history is time comsuming and fraught with problems of accuracy in identification - too many people with the same name. As you progress, you will become a 'history detective'.

Ever wanted to be a better photographer? Now is the time. Take a class to fill in your missing knowledge. These classes fall into two main subjects: (1)How to operate and understand the equipment and these days, how to process and manipulate the image, and (2) The role of lighting and compostiion.

These are a few ideas to show that there are ways to occupy your time and fend off boredom. If you need a few extra bucks, do take a part time job, but don't expect that employers will fall all over you - they won't. You will have to market yourself. Be prepared to write a resume. For some gastly reason, employers ignore this vast pool of viable talent in this nation. It's silly!

I've been retired about 8 years and DH about 5 - as someone else said we're not sure how we had time to work. DH volunteers in a couple of environmental situations, works part-time, as necessary, for the library system and manages a few local websites, plus does geneology and is newsletter editor for a family history org. I volunteer at the library, knit baby hats for the newborn nursery and lap throws for the oncology ctr at the local hospital, and belong to a woman's organization that has multiple interest groups to join and spend way too much time on the computer. We both read more than we've done in years and travel a lot and enjoy the ability to explore new interests as they come up.

My DH is retiring in 45 days YIKES! He has no hobbies and no real interest in getting one. I keep wondering what the man is going to do?? I will work 2-3 more years, I only work PT, 4 hours a day at an elementary school I manage the cafeteria. I have all of the school vacation and holidays off. I love it and it is only 2 miles from my house. You can maybe check out a job like mine, I have done it for 17 years.

When I retire I am going to fiddle in my house and do whatever I want, whenever I want!! I am going to join my local senior center, I go there to a quilt guild once a month and they have lots of activities and classes you can take also some short trips.

I am not ready to retire yet but very much looking forward to it. If DH looks like he is having too much fun without me I my have to do it sooner

I've been retired for six years and my DH has been retired for about a year and a half. We are both very busy doing things together and separately. He is very involved with a museum nearby and I spend time with friends, and family, I occassionally substitute at the school which I retired from (it's nice to just go when I WANT to), I oil paint when I feel like it, some days I just go down to our brand new, beautiful library and read the latest magazines, I pick the grandchildren up from school sometimes and take them to a movie or to play at McDonald's, I SHOP, I work in the yard or inside, etc. etc. Like others have said, there are so many things to do. Oh, just this week, I was in the jewelry department at Macy's and after she had spoken to me a few minutes, the manager asked if I would help them with inventory. I made a little money and had fun doing it. Seeing all that beautiful jewelry was fun. She also asked if I could be a xoc (I think that is what it's called). This is kind of like a substitute in the jewelry department when someone calls in sick or is on vacation or something. The pay is little, but it's a getaway. One big advantage is that you can get your jewelry at cost. I don't plan to take that offer, but it might be something that you can look into. Again, the beauty of that type of job is you can take it just when you want to and there are no obligations to HAVE to go.
Lu

Hi judy jay,

Can you spell "F-R-E-E-D-O-M"?

In the western world (some parts of it, at least) we talk a lot about "freedom" ... by which we usually mean the "political" and the "social" kind.

Funny, isn't it, that we hear only a very little about the "economic" and "financial" aspects of our highly-vaunted freedom!

I hope that you and hubby have built assets, whether pension-based assets or of another kind, that enable you to enjoy that freedom as you look forward to retirement.

One major cautionary note however ... don't forget the ravages that inflation inflicts on your investment system, having an effect on your potential income stream.

Also, inscribe it in letters as firmly in your mind as those engraved on a gravestone ... that that inflation component *increases* every year. At least, it has, every year, since the great Depression of what many call the "Dirty Thirties".

Those effects are cumulative, and have an increasing effect as the years go by ... and many of us live for 30 (or more) retired years, these days.

Some years ago a highly paid professional in the city where I lived asked me whether he could retire early ... and was *substantially* disappointed when I told him that not only could he not retire early (as he had both an institutional and a private practice, and wanted to cease the private portion, as well) ... but that it would keep him busy to retire appropriately at the regular retirement age!

Possibly he, a psychiatrist, thought me slightly crazy ... but when I explained to him that he wasn't giving adequate consideration to inflation, he began to look at the retirement picture from a whole new light.

(Think how mind-expanding it can be to help a psychiatrist look at life in a different light?)

Perhaps you've read my thread posted here recently about the difference between a pay cheque and a pension cheque ... that you must be physically, mentally and emotionally able to go to the workplace and fulfill your obligations when there ... or you don't qualify for the pay-cheque.

Plus hope that your position stays intact here ... not shifted overseas ... or integrated with another when your employer is bought out (with you either "downsized" [read "outsized"] or loaded with additional work) ... or dies when your employer goes broke, etc. Such changes have a major effect on paycheques, as well!

When you receive a pension cheque, apart from the potential insolvency of your carrier, all that you need do to continue to qualify is ...

... stay topside the grass!

That is, more or less a guaranteed income - until you draw your last breath!

If it's adjusted for inflation - what could be better than that?

Which means that, if you so choose, you can invest some of your other assets in ways that help to offset those inflationary pressures. If it isn't so adjusted - such offset becomes even more important. Think of your investable assets as in about half a dozen, 5-year blocks ... several of them to last for 10 - 20 years (if you eat them earlier, you might live to regret having made that choice).

My ex-, who'd been head of food service in a substantial hospital for 20 years, took early retirement at age about 55 when there was talk of closing hers or another nearby.

She, who'd fed millions over those years, contracted colon cancer ... and died, at age 66 - ironically, it was her gut that did her in! Our kids noted with appreciation that, had their Mom retired at the usual time, it would have been the year before ... and I offered that she'd have been sick for most of that year!

That is - she'd had 10 years to enjoy retirement ... and she'd had a ball, throughout ... including, as a U.S. person, visiting relatives and newly-developed friends as she, living near here, travelled in her RV from FL to TX in winter.

You've received a number of good suggestions here for things to do during those retirement years!

Don't approach it with some trepidation, please.

Look upon it as starting out on a great new adventure.

Visit your bathroom ... look in the mirror ... smile ... tell yourself that you're about to open a wonderful new door in life.

Bring hubby in there with you ... look in the mirror together ... smile ... wink ... tell yourselves that you're about to start a new adventure together!

There's a great, fine, wonderful world out there!

Go out and explore it!

Start planning now ... beginning with sitting down with hubby and talking about the things that you'd like to consider. And that'll be an ongoing discussion, as different ideas come and are considered by both, then discussed further later.

Some things you'll want to do with him, some of them each of you will choose to do alone.

Finally ... can you spell, "E-N-J-O-Y"???

Go for it!!!

ole joyful