What I Learned in My First Year of Retirement

 

I can't believe it's been a year already.  What have I learned in my first year of retirement? 

 

Boredom 

Some people get bored in retirement and go back to work, at least part-time, to help fill their days.  Luckily, this hasn’t been an issue for me.  I think because I had a plan and realistic expectations.  But that didn’t stop me from fretting about it, at least in the beginning. 

 

I gave myself 6 months to de-stress (goof off) and get used to my new life before committing to anything.  It helped that I had an end date for the "vacation" or "honeymoon" phase of my retirement.   

 

Routine 

I had a pretty good idea of what I was going to do to all day.  But if all that free time ever made me feel anxious, I'd just break it down into one hour increments.  Filling a day can be overwhelming, but one hour is much more manageable.  

 

I'm one of those people who likes structure.  It makes me feel in control.  I now have a daily routine that works for me.  For example, mornings I have the most energy, creatively and physically, so that’s when I write and exercise. But I tend to be really lazy in the afternoons, so that time is more flexible.  I can do whatever I’m in the mood for (read, walk, nap). 

 

I also learned to slow down.  I no longer have to constantly multitask.  I now have time, and can savor each moment, each activity, each encounter.  

 

Purpose 

I knew I could spend part of the day doing things I enjoy like reading, watching TV/movies and playing games on my iPad.  But I also knew this wouldn’t be enough for me.  I’d need to do something that challenged my brain, used my skills, and gave me a purpose.   

 

I hoped that writing a blog would fill that need, and it did.  In fact, I enjoy it even more than I thought I would.  I don’t think of it as “work” but a passion.  It gets me up in the morning and gives me a sense of accomplishment that my hobbies don't.  And if even one person gets something beneficial out of something I've written, that’s icing on the cake. 

 

Work Identity 

Some people are very invested in their work identity and aren't sure who they are away from work. I wasn't too concerned about this.  I liked my job well enough, but I always had other interests.  If anything, it surprised me how little I thought of work after I left.   

 

I loved being a librarian.  And I’ll always be one.  But now I also think of myself as a blogger or writer. 

 

I certainly don't miss working for someone else.  I love being my own boss. 

 

Social Life 

Some people miss their social life at work.  I had an easy transition as most of my work friends had already left, and many friends were already retired.  Also, the last couple years I was working remotely full-time.  So I was used to being home alone all day.   

 

In retirement I had time to re-connect with people, get together for lunch, or just exchange emails/texts.  I met new people at my neighborhood pool and during my daily walks.  There are also local clubs where I live that I can join anytime.  I have as much social engagement as I want.  More so than at work. 

 

Money 

Prior to retirement I was constantly saving and worrying about money.  Will I have enough?  Since retirement and hiring a Financial Services firm, I no longer spend a lot of time thinking about money.  I’m done saving.  Now it’s time to start spending, or as I look at it - paying myself.  This does take getting used to.   

 

I also learned I don't need as much money as I thought to live a comfortable life.  And I know I could always go back to work if I had to. 

 

Health 

Prior to retirement, I watched a lot of videos where the retired person talked about the weight that is lifted off your shoulders when you retire.  And the stress you didn't even know you had, disappears.  I totally agree.  I started to relax right away.  But it took a few months for it to really sink in.   

 

I still get stressed about things.  But it's not a constant stress anymore.  I sleep better and longer.  I have more time for exercise and home cooked meals.  My last physical showed improvement in my bloodwork.  Retirement is good for my health. 

 

Fear 

Preparing to retire is exciting, but scary too.  All that uncertainty.  However, don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone.  And don't let the anxiety become so debilitating it stops you from doing what you want to do.  Have faith in yourself.  If you’re like me, those fears will go away once you retire. 

 

Go For It 

Planning is helpful, but it won't prevent every problem.  Retirement is something you have to experience for yourself.  And what works for me may not work for you.  But I highly recommend it.   

 

Nobody knows how much time they have left.  And even if I die tomorrow, I'll still have had this wonderful year.  

 

What Have I Learned 

• I wasn’t bored before and I’m not bored now 
• Planning for retirement helps smooth the transition 
• I had more stress than I realized when I worked 
• I love retirement even more than I expected 
• I love blogging even more than I expected 
• I almost never think of work 
• I can have a new career identity outside of my old job 
• I am the best boss I ever had 
• I don’t worry so much about money anymore 
• It’s possible to sleep well again 
• My doubts and fears about retiring went away as soon as I retired 
• I have more patience with people (and according to my mom, I’m nicer these days) 

Do I have any regrets about retiring early?  Only one.  I wish I’d done it sooner! 

 

Are you retired or thinking about it?  What worries you? What have you learned? 

 

Check out my previous article, Are You Ready To Retire?.