You’ve worked your entire life and you’re finally ready to hang up the briefcase and suit for a pair of flip flops, t shirt, and shorts. But, after a few weeks or months, you start feeling that buzz. There’s nothing to do! You were used to working for the past 40+ years, waking up every day and having to be somewhere. You no longer have anywhere to be. If you’re not sure what to do, when you’re retired, these are five great things to do when retired that’ll keep you busy and active.
Learn
You’ve worked in the same industry for years, and that’s what you did day in and day out. Was there something you ever wanted to learn, or a second major you were contemplating while you were in college you didn’t pursue? Now’s the time to go after it. It doesn’t have to be educational either. Some ideas include
- Learning a new skill
- Learning how to dance
- Picking up a new sport
- Taking a course at a community college
- Picking up a new instrument
It doesn’t matter how old you are, there’s always something new you can learn. These are some ways you can keep your mind and body working, without becoming bored in retirement.
Volunteer
Contribute in an area that matters to you. Become a boyscout leader, work at a local gym if you love fitness, volunteer your time at food banks. Or, if you’re particularly skilled in your profession (former), teach and mentor those who want to get into the same line of work. Volunteering is a great way to give back, connect, and to keep moving. You’ll be doing something good for others, while maintaining a meaningful and mobile lifestyle.
Teach
If you have a specialized skill or talent, teach others. You can become a tutor, go to a local university and teach a night or weekend class, or even work with young kids who want to join a club (which their school doesn’t have in place). You can teach those who want to learn whatever you’re an expert at.
Travel
This is one of the most common ways retirees spend their time. Visit the places you always wanted to, but never had the time to because you worked a 9 to 5 job. Take a cruise for the first time, visit a new continent, or try different cuisines in a specific region of the world you’ve always wanted to travel to. You now have the time to do it all, so take advantage of it.
Pickup a New Hobby (or Rekindle an Old One)
If you love music or dance, but have two left feet, take a dance class. Or, learn to cook. Try to pick up an old hobby you did when you were younger. Join a zumba class or karate. Regardless of what you love, join in and make it your new hobby, and something you look forward to doing everyday.
There are many great things to do when retired. These are a few ideas to get you started in enjoying your life, when you no longer have to clock in for that 9 to 5 workday.
