Currently 58, retired at 56. NOT BORED.

by Anon Nimus/the south

I am 58, have been retired for two years. I am not bored, and do not understand others who are.

Perhaps you retired too early — financially. I’ve traveled, worked on my properties, visited close friends. But my net worth is 8-figures so maybe that helps, though I do not spend a lot, no more than when I worked.

I also have gotten into cooking which I love, and volunteer. I serve on two boards.

So I think if you’re bored you must either lack the ability to find things to do, or retired with so little money (other than to pay your regular bills) that you can’t do things. And those things aren’t the main things I do either. I sleep long and well, enjoy walking, reading watching streaming, sports.

No I do not get it. Bored in retirement.

Comments for Currently 58, retired at 56. NOT BORED.

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Not Bored
by: Anonymous

Dear Not Bored,

I also retired at 56. It was forced when my company left the state.

At first, I was not retired. I planned to return to work after taking a year off. It was spring, I received a substantial severance package, took a long cruise (my 10th), signed up for health insurance and everything was good. I gardened all summer and went to Cape Cod for a vacation.

In the fall, my niece died at 38 from brain cancer and I did the final wrench to my lower back moving her furniture. (I suffered with and been under doctors care for my back for years). I totaled my car weeks later in an accident being in a fog of trauma from losing her and back pain.

The following spring I had back surgery and spent the summer in therapy and left with residual pain and an arthritic spine. I knew I couldn't return to an office and sit all day, also couldn't stand, lift or do anything for any length of time, so my working years were over.

I lost my mother the following year, the person who loved me unconditionally like no other. She lived in an assisted living facility and was my job during those years, her POA and caregiver.

So I lost my niece, my Mom, my purpose and started to become money poor. My severance was depleting and I had to live without discretionary income, the first time in my life. I worked for 40 years and always had my own income.

I should mention that I'm married, happily to a man who became totally disabled at age 42 from an accident at work. He has income from SS and other sources but now our monthly income was cut in 1/2.

At first I worked at it like a challenge which I love but that wore thin when I couldn't buy anything or go anywhere.

When I turned 62 I took my SS. That changed everything, I had discretionary income again and could buy and travel before all the setbacks and loss of loved ones.

Your life is unique with happiness and means.
I just wanted to share mine.
Currently 58 retired at 55
by: T/Florida

What a great sense of relief. All the negative posts all the time was leaving me with a sense of when should I retire.

I’m 63 and cut my work hours to 20, plan to work until 65 so I qualify for medicare. My point is how I already love my freedom from full time work. I enjoy the things I never had time for.

For me I want to ease into retirement that way income is slowly decreased and I have friends and activities that I look forward to continuing.

Try and be optimistic about how to retire - everyone is here for a purpose !
Period of adjustment
by: Michael - Sunny and Warm Venice Florida

There are so many changes that happen to us when we retire. Many social activities that we enjoyed were connected to our work. Just seeing someone on a daily basis brings us a certain level of comfort and sense of well-being that may no longer be there.

For myself, I had enough time for hobbies and interests outside of work. Now, I have the extra time that used to be filled by preparing for work and work activities that needs to be filled. Others find themselves in the same position.

Yes, you can always find something to do. The real question is, are those activities fulfilling to me?

I could care less about doing repairs on the home or working in the yard. I will ride my bike, sit at the beach, read a new book, or watch a favorite TV show.

I miss my family often, especially those who have passed. Money isn't everything.

Feeling that you have a sense of purpose, are needed, and seen and heard is so much more important.

If you know someone who is bored and lonely (retired or not) reach out, talk to them, and spend time with them. Even "come for dinner" or a phone call once a week can make a huge difference in life of someone else.

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