Bored? Join the Club,

by Real but Anon

I don't have the answer. I am coming up to 2 years since retiring early at 58. I'm going out of my head with boredom.

I have developed that old person thing of getting really upset by things that wouldn't bother me normally. Like waiting for someone who is working to get back to you.

It seems like working people take forever to get back to you. You definitely get zero respect from anyone when retired. And probably the respect you thought you got when working was an illusion anyway.

I just cannot get friends or family (including my own kids) to get in touch. It just seems as if no one gives a s**t about old-ish men. Women seem to continue to get concern, but men can go to hell.

Worst of all, of course, men seem incapable of coming together to help one another.

Like I said, I don't have the answer, I just recognize the problem.

Comments for Bored? Join the Club,

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Bored?
by: Anonymous

I'm almost 70, a widower, live alone and retired at 62. Here is the question I ask myself every single day...

What is at least one thing I can do today that will be of benefit to me in five years?

Could be exercise, healthy eating, take a class, read a book and feed your mind... whatever. I think we can all think of something that will have a positive affect on our future.

You don't get respect?
Do you really give a s...?
Bored? No way! :)
by: Anonymous

Interesting comments. First, regarding being retired and telling people I'm retired, I don't do that anymore. I found working people looked down on me for that. So I stopped.

As far as being bored in retirement, I guess I don't quite get that. I've been retired about 6 years and have not been bored yet. I was bored working!

I worked my whole life in a field that was chosen for me. And mostly I was bored with it, though I got good at my field. I went to work, and came home and did the things that I enjoyed at night. Now everyday I can do the things I enjoy and feel lucky to be able do so.

I would think everyone has a hobby or main interest they enjoy. Although maybe some people don't, I don't know. Anyway, retirement is our chance to live the life we want and pursue our interests. Provided, of course, on health, money, other things.

How lucky I feel that I don't have to work in the corporate environment and sit in a cube 8 hours a day! I never want to go back to those days.

In this world, with all its connectedness, internet, etc., there must be something out there that generates interest for retirees to do.

Anyway, that's just my two cents. Everybody is different and has to carve out their own life.
Avoiding Boredom in Retirement
by: Bernard Kelly - Geelong

Hello Bored "Real but Anon"

Congratulations about speaking about what is a growing concern throughout society.

You have actually articulated the realization that at age 60, you may still have a full 40 years before your "estate event" occurs.

But obviously you want to maintain your zest for living - so I know that you are a member of my tribe.

Here's what I have done - it may shine a torch onto your future.

1. To give me PURPOSE, I have enrolled with an online university for a full undergraduate degree. Now there are 24 units to finish before I graduate, and to give me time for my other interests, I'm doing only one per semester. So at the rate of 3 per year, that's an eight year project for me.

2. Personally, I'm driven by my goal to maintain my zest for living and to earn some additional income. My latest venture is to teach "profitable hobbies" as an online course. To learn how, and additionally to learn about the mechanics of teaching online, after much soul searching and evaluation of what's available, I signed up with Debbie Hodge for her course Teach What You Do. You'll find it at www.teachwhatyou do.com

3 Thirdly, I take classes at my local community college. Once a month I face facilitate two classes RETIREMENT - ENJOY IT MORE and the other class is PROFITABLE HOBBIES - RETIREMENT, LEISURE, INCOME. This gets me out of the house and allows me to keep meeting new friends.

4. And I also read novels - in particular I like thrillers.


All of this does take an effort (even renewing books at the library) but to my mind it's better than being bored. "Retirement is a long time to be bored" eh?

And I have a free gift for you - some years ago I wrote the book "37 Case Studies of simple Profitable Hobbies" which I offer freely to anyone like yourself and a member of my tribe. Just request it from me SBCChobbiesforprofit@gmail.com and I'll bounce it back to you.

Incidentally those initials SBCC represent South Barwon Community Centre - my local lifelong learning center.

cheers

Bernard Kelly
Bored Oldie Club
by: Joe W.

What are you interested in? What was your profession? If you like to work with your hands there is an organization that started in the UK and is spreading around the world. It's called Men's Sheds. The men come together talk and build things.

Also, when the COVID pandemic is over try going to your local library to meet people and do some research to try finding a new purpose in your present life.

Joe W.
Find ways to meet other people
by: Michael - Upstate NY for the summer!

Dear Anon -

I am 55, just a few years younger than you. I don't care if people like me. I just offer comments, opinions, and help even if I am not asked to do so.

Seek the type of life that you want for yourself. Don't wait for other people to call you back - especially the kids. They will find you. Try to set up a weekly get together with them.

Try and meet other people who enjoy the same activities that you do. I volunteer for the Homeowners Association where I live. In the summer, I host campers on private land that I own. I also garden and ride my bicycle.

Is it the life I envisioned for myself? No. But, it keeps me busy. And, our dreams and visions change. Some of my dreams changed to meet my reality. And, I find them to be fulfilling just the same.

Yes, it is true sometimes about men. Especially men who are very dependent on their wives and do not develop friendships with other men. But, that doesn't mean that you can't develop friendships with other men, but you need to put yourself out there and get involved. It might take a bit of work on your part.

So, start with the hobbies and activities that you enjoy. And, you might have to create some new interests where you can meet people.

Instead of being the one waiting for the call, you'll find yourself making the call, and the other people will be glad that you are calling.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

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