Retiree Hobbies

[Fosgate]

CtDNa Test came back on "Black Friday" (Nov 29th) so my cancer may be coming back. Been struggling at work and I was becoming a liability so I made the decision to retire so I resigned. Now the question is, what do I do with myself? I've worked since I was in 4th grade about 40 years ago. I had a chance to be the first one out on the trails in the Black Hills for the season and I'm paying for it now with a cold on my third day of retirement. Sure I've got a few projects that will keep me busy for a few weeks but after that....I don't know. I do plan on snowmobiling at every opportunity I get while I can physically do it but it might be my last season. Not real smart to head out by myself either.

[Wookie]

Maybe start your own business? I did that 22 years ago and it was the best decision ever. Woodworking? Contemporary, Federal, Chippendale is stuff I’ve been doing for 25 years..very rewarding but it can be physically taxing depending on scale. Fine arts? I started drawing 3 years ago and recently joined an atelier of 9 artists, 4 of whom are gallery-represented professionals. I’m an oil painter but there are many media that are thoroughly rewarding. Best of luck with your health and happy hunting!

[Rhinoww]

I have a long list of projects (driven by wife 😂) for when I retire, whenever that is. Easy to say let me put that in the list dear. . .

Ideally a lot of slower travel. I have enjoyed my two week holidays and look forward to a longer trip during the relative shoulder seasons so I won’t be fighting for resources. I would also add watch collecting/working. I have been collecting and slowly working on a variety of 50 plus year old Seiko watches - fascinating machines w a great history. Watches can be had from Japan for not immense money. It’ll be a while before I open up a Rolex or omega and tinker, but a Seiko 6139 movement no worries. I have dabbled in the edges. Was actually thinking about my first overhaul this winter break if time permits…

Curious what others are doing?

[BlueRidgeFly]

Hope your cancer does NOT come back, man. I see you’re in Rapid City. I drive through there every summer to/from the Rockies to fish, so I’d say get a fly rod, a vise, fur and feathers from some dead animals, hooks, thread, learn to tie flies all winter and fish the rest of the year! You can do it when you’re young and strong, or old and feeble, and right in the Black Hills too or even in town on Rapid Creek. It’ll keep you entertained, motivated, frustrated, laughing forever. You can turn it into an artistic pursuit. You could help out at the fly shop in town. Fly to Mexico and fish all winter. Etc etc etc. Can’t go wrong!

[Fugu]

Yeah, wishing you all the power to stay strong and healthy! Hang in there, man!

Perhaps consider some voluntary work / community service (provided money is no object)? Ideally, something where you can bring in your personal expertise (professional or else). Lots of options out there to engage. And not least, often good company, too. Just check out what suits you. And don't be shy to quit if it doesn't fit and look for something else instead. Most of the time it's all about the people, and finding the good ones.

[El Presidente]

You are an inspiration!

Go hard. Family, faith, fun, fitness. What in hell did you ever want to do? Do it!

You have worked hard. Enjoy it. If what you are doing is not moving the dial/smile..discard it. 

 

 

[poorman]

Do whatever you want. 

I retired very young.  It took about 8-9 months to get used to it. 
Once you’re comfortable not leaving the house every morning, you’re there. 

Eventually it only takes one thing a day to keep you busy.

A walk. A golf round. Skiing. Reading for a few hours.

Hell, during Covid-19 I walked around the grocery store every few days just to see what they were out of. No joke, to quote someone finally being retired, it was always cat food that disappeared first. So weird. 
 

You’ll get used to it.

[Chitmo]

I retired in Jul 21, still haven’t sorted that out myself. I’ll be following for ideas 😆 

[Dr vonPuffenberg]

I hope your health doesn't become too much of a hinderance to finding your hobbies. Good luck moving forward.

I strongly recommend fly fishing like the gentleman above. It's been such a fun and rewarding challenge as I've delved deeper into the hobby. If you are like me and fellow FOH member brewhoser, you can camp while on a fishing trip. Camping can be as luxurious or primitive as you want, and it's a great way to 'get away from it all.' If you really want to lean into fly fishing, start tying your own flys. Not my cup of tea, but a lot of the old timers do that.

My other 'hobby' is cooking. It has been so rewarding over the years cooking for my family and friends.

Either way, you already have the best hobby there is...cigars!

[LordAnubis]

I retired for a while (at 32) and eventually went back to work cos I actually liked the travelling I used to do. At the moment thinking about retiring again as I’m now no longer travelling but that’s a different question. 

Pretty much volunteering is my suggestion. 
- volunteer doing first aid at events. You generally get to go to events and watch the action for free. Maybe put on a Band-Aid or two. 
- taking elderly (random not asking about my family or anything) to doctors appointments etc. it’s a service here (Aus) run by hospitals directly (all free services)

- volunteer at schools for various stuff

- of course family stuff  was basically the designated family Uber driver and form submitter.

Hobbies wise I used to find making a “no cost” run at hobbies would take quite some time. Cigars are easy. By 4 boxes. Flip 2, keep 2 and it costs you nothing. Takes lots of time though between “advertising”, dealing with buyers, packing etc, but you got nothing but time. Remote control car racing was also time consuming buying and selling etc. 

[Cigarsmoker81]

Sorry to hear about your cancer coming back hopefully things will be ok. Travel if you can afford it my man. See the world, new experiences etc. My brother retired at 47. Took it hard in the beginning but now living his best life. No wife, no kids just doing what he wants when he wants. Find your rhythm and be positive. 

[anacostiakat]

Best wishes on your health.  

Do whatever the hell you want and feel like doing.  Been retired ten years and that is my advice.  FWIW.