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Nov 2020
8:39pm, 2 Nov 2020
425 posts
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stilldreaming
For those of us who are newly retired, thinking about retiring or are experienced retirees, how are you using your new found freedom? All suggestions, advice and experiences (good and bad) appreciated!
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Nov 2020
8:44pm, 2 Nov 2020
10,622 posts
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XB
Hiya. I retired 4 years ago. I struggled a bit at the start because I felt I always had to be busy. The day I realised I could laze around all day and do sweet FA, was the day I started really relaxing. Now, I don't stress if I have stuff on my to-do list that doesn't get done until I'm ready to do it.
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Nov 2020
8:54pm, 2 Nov 2020
18,406 posts
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GimmeMedals
I’m newly retired - 2 months ago - and I’m really enjoying the freedom of doing what I want, when. I do some exercise each day.
During the very first week, MrGM and I did something each day - went to the seaside; visited the Bomber Command Centre, went for a bike ride; went out for lunch. That’s not possible now with the lockdown, but a daily walk or cycle is still ok.
I cleared out my wardrobe and got rid of old work clothes that I no longer need.
We had intended to go away often in our motorhome but that hasn’t happened. I intended to read more but haven’t found time yet.
I no longer know what day of the week it is 😁
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Nov 2020
8:56pm, 2 Nov 2020
426 posts
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stilldreaming
My friend from work said it took her about two months to really get into retirement, so I'm working on that! Lockdown restrictions aside, I'm really looking forward to doing all the things that work has prevented me from doing!
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Nov 2020
8:58pm, 2 Nov 2020
18,451 posts
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Rosehip
I've been retired about a year, I'm struggling with covid curtailing my plans more than work did 
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Nov 2020
9:11pm, 2 Nov 2020
16,713 posts
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Sharkie
Guilt.
I find guilt the hardest thing. I don't think any more work will come my way thanks to the pandemic (I am/was a freelance graphic designer and illustrator) so I think I have to say I finally AM retired.
I shouldn't feel guilty about being retired at 67 years old. Never had kids (or a rich partner!) so no time off since I left art college more than 45 years ago. So really that's QUITE enough work.... but I still feel guilty!
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Nov 2020
9:17pm, 2 Nov 2020
31,492 posts
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LazyDaisy
It took me a long while (possibly a year?) to 'decompress' from leaving a stressful job. Only then did I have enough mental energy to think about taking up a new hobby - I joined a choir - and getting involved in running my running club.
It depends on how you feel about giving up paid work but I think for me it was essential to have a break, some 'freedom', between those two stages.
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Nov 2020
9:17pm, 2 Nov 2020
16,714 posts
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Sharkie
Perhaps my partner being nine years younger doesn't help with my guilty feelings. Not that he thinks I shuould be working! Absolutely not. But I do feel bad that most of my friends have to work when I am gallivanting about.
Not gallivanting much at the moment.
A) the obvious
B) can't afford
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Nov 2020
9:20pm, 2 Nov 2020
18,408 posts
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GimmeMedals
My husband retired in 2014 so he’s been waiting for me. I have a few friends still working and a few who have retired early, so it hasn’t felt odd giving up work at 55. I’ve spent the past 2 years planning for early retirement and slotted right into it because of that.
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Nov 2020
9:33pm, 2 Nov 2020
31,493 posts
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LazyDaisy
The partner thing is an interesting one. OH didn't retire completely til last year and I wasn't at all sure how I'd like that!
Luckily he has picked up an old hobby - the unfathomable-to-me amateur radio - so he disappears into the attic when he's not out on his bike. This means we don't spend every minute of the day together. Don't get me wrong, we're happily married, but we've always had different interests and groups of friends. After a lifetime of going out to work, suddenly being together all the time can take a bit of getting used to and I have friends for whom the adjustment has not been the 'golden years' they had envisaged
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CumbriAndy