Retirement and next chapter

[fourfive8]

Azkimsr, thanks. Good post! Investing time and yourself in people and family, especially the young, is tops. Good thought about adding names. My list would include: Mikaila, Mary, Shiela, Fredelyn, Maing, KatKat, Duday, Cherise, ChaCha, JunJun, Elgen, Layca, Alea, Althea, Andrea, MukMuk, Nel, Claire, Benson and a few more.

 

[SStomcat]

The first thing in retirement is something to get you out of bed every morning. A hobby, part-time volunteer work, etc. You must stay active and mentally challenged. I will be semi-retiring in the next couple of years, probably fully retire in five. I already have a plan to stay occupied and active. My lovely bride will make sure I am out of the house almost every day.

You Sir, dont have to go out of the house every day

 

[Arctic97]

Some great posts on this thread. Enjoyed reading and learning what people did for their work lives and what they are up to in their non-work lives.

I retired one year ago this week. Last 30 years were up in the Bering Sea as a marine electrician on a factory trawler. I miss some of the people I worked and lived onboard with, but I can easily say that I do not miss work or being at sea one little bit.

As with most posters here, I am busy all the time now, but with what I want to do. I caught up on firewood this summer and cut, split and stacked 14 cords. I am in my reloading room almost daily tinkering with one project or another. And I try to shoot something at least once a day, even if just a few rounds of 22. Having more time for the kids and grandkids is the best.

My wife and I took 2 months this spring to see southern Africa at our pace. We took some friends for the first 2 weeks to hunt. They had never been before and that is always the best - enjoying their excitement as first timers. Then my wife and I were alone together for over 6 weeks to go overlanding through Namibia, Botswana, and Zim. It was a grand retirement safari and even after 2 months we were not ready to come home. Africa does that as we all know!

Guided Granddaughter to her first elk a few weeks ago, and grandson is enroute this evening to go out tomorrow to look for deer. Life is good indeed. Enjoy your retirement!

 

[scubasteven25]

I love reading all these posts with some great advice. I'm 49 yo and retiring effective 1 November 2026 from the Air Force after 27 years, 7 months of service. My last day in uniform was 29 May and I've been contemplating my next move ever since. It was initially a rough adjustment mentally for me as I never had to think about what to put on to go to work or what am I going to do today. Maintaining aircraft was and is still in my blood and I miss it. I've adjusted to the time off and doing what I want but I can't seem to get settled on what's next for me. We've been blessed enough to where I don't have to work if I choose not to, but I also realize I'm in the prime of my earning years and could really compound what we have saved with just a few more years of work plus potentially earn another retirement. Seems like I'm busier than ever before with the wife and I staying pretty active. My wife has started up a travel agency, and our love of travel is what fueled this adventure so hopefully I can give her as much support as she provided for me for over 24 years. Thankfully she is the people person and I'm the tech guy so we balance each other out. I think I'll go back to work instead of taking too much time off because it seems like it would be real easy to fall in love with my current routine. I've got a couple of irons in the fire for jobs so my fingers are crossed that I'm a fit for one of those positions.

 

[Azklmsr]

I love reading all these posts with some great advice. I'm 49 yo and retiring effective 1 November 2026 from the Air Force after 27 years, 7 months of service. My last day in uniform was 29 May and I've been contemplating my next move ever since. It was initially a rough adjustment mentally for me as I never had to think about what to put on to go to work or what am I going to do today. Maintaining aircraft was and is still in my blood and I miss it. I've adjusted to the time off and doing what I want but I can't seem to get settled on what's next for me. We've been blessed enough to where I don't have to work if I choose not to, but I also realize I'm in the prime of my earning years and could really compound what we have saved with just a few more years of work plus potentially earn another retirement. Seems like I'm busier than ever before with the wife and I staying pretty active. My wife has started up a travel agency, and our love of travel is what fueled this adventure so hopefully I can give her as much support as she provided for me for over 24 years. Thankfully she is the people person and I'm the tech guy so we balance each other out. I think I'll go back to work instead of taking too much time off because it seems like it would be real easy to fall in love with my current routine. I've got a couple of irons in the fire for jobs so my fingers are crossed that I'm a fit for one of those positions.

Thank you for your Service sir! Best of luck on your next adventure!

 

[SStomcat]

I love reading all these posts with some great advice. I'm 49 yo and retiring effective 1 November 2026 from the Air Force after 27 years, 7 months of service. My last day in uniform was 29 May and I've been contemplating my next move ever since. It was initially a rough adjustment mentally for me as I never had to think about what to put on to go to work or what am I going to do today. Maintaining aircraft was and is still in my blood and I miss it. I've adjusted to the time off and doing what I want but I can't seem to get settled on what's next for me. We've been blessed enough to where I don't have to work if I choose not to, but I also realize I'm in the prime of my earning years and could really compound what we have saved with just a few more years of work plus potentially earn another retirement. Seems like I'm busier than ever before with the wife and I staying pretty active. My wife has started up a travel agency, and our love of travel is what fueled this adventure so hopefully I can give her as much support as she provided for me for over 24 years. Thankfully she is the people person and I'm the tech guy so we balance each other out. I think I'll go back to work instead of taking too much time off because it seems like it would be real easy to fall in love with my current routine. I've got a couple of irons in the fire for jobs so my fingers are crossed that I'm a fit for one of those positions.

Thank you and my respects for your service.

 

[Bill Thom]

there are some great things waiting for you in retirement. as other have commented simplify you life and downsize (number of guns, number of bank accts, size of house etc . focus on the parts of your life that gave you satisfaction. invest extra time in maintaining regular contact and time with friends and family. The nxt chapter has a lot of promise!

 

[SStomcat]

there are some great things waiting for you in retirement. as other have commented simplify you life and downsize (number of guns, number of bank accts, size of house etc . focus on the parts of your life that gave you satisfaction. invest extra time in maintaining regular contact and time with friends and family. The nxt chapter has a lot of promise!

Downsize no of Guns Sir… What does that mean?

 

[Azklmsr]

Downsize no of Guns Sir… What does that mean?

Very confusing statement. I don’t think it was a good translation to english?

 

[Bill Thom]

Very confusing statement. I don’t think it was a good translation to english?

sorry guys- I meant reduce the number of guns you own. Over time some wind up owning fairly large collections and that can create logistics burdens like storage lockers, under utilized ammo inventories or multiple gun safes etc. I was suggesting that if you do have a good sized number of guns you shrink yit down to 4 or 5 favorites . The same applies to fishing gear, sleeping bags, hiking boots, baseball hats, etc. I had accumulated way too much of this over the years I picked the essentials and personal favorites and culled the rest. It really helped me transition to a more active semi retirement. when I was working full time I wound up with multiple bank accts , credit cards etc. I folded everything into 2 with different institutions and found it much easier to manage and keep track of. maybe I was more of a pack rat than most and had trouble parting with stuff that was still functional but not in regular use. having fewer things to look after and choose from made things easier for me and day to day stuff became a little more streamlined. Good luck as you transition to the next chapter and Im sorry for the confusion

 

[SStomcat]

sorry guys- I meant reduce the number of guns you own. Over time some wind up owning fairly large collections and that can create logistics burdens like storage lockers, under utilized ammo inventories or multiple gun safes etc. I was suggesting that if you do have a good sized number of guns you shrink yit down to 4 or 5 favorites . The same applies to fishing gear, sleeping bags, hiking boots, baseball hats, etc. I had accumulated way too much of this over the years I picked the essentials and personal favorites and culled the rest. It really helped me transition to a more active semi retirement. when I was working full time I wound up with multiple bank accts , credit cards etc. I folded everything into 2 with different institutions and found it much easier to manage and keep track of. maybe I was more of a pack rat than most and had trouble parting with stuff that was still functional but not in regular use. having fewer things to look after and choose from made things easier for me and day to day stuff became a little more streamlined. Good luck as you transition to the next chapter and Im sorry for the confusion

Ahh… no need to apologise, my friend! I meant my comment in good humour, nothing more. Just a bit of light hearted banter!

 

[Azklmsr]

sorry guys- I meant reduce the number of guns you own. Over time some wind up owning fairly large collections and that can create logistics burdens like storage lockers, under utilized ammo inventories or multiple gun safes etc. I was suggesting that if you do have a good sized number of guns you shrink yit down to 4 or 5 favorites . The same applies to fishing gear, sleeping bags, hiking boots, baseball hats, etc. I had accumulated way too much of this over the years I picked the essentials and personal favorites and culled the rest. It really helped me transition to a more active semi retirement. when I was working full time I wound up with multiple bank accts , credit cards etc. I folded everything into 2 with different institutions and found it much easier to manage and keep track of. maybe I was more of a pack rat than most and had trouble parting with stuff that was still functional but not in regular use. having fewer things to look after and choose from made things easier for me and day to day stuff became a little more streamlined. Good luck as you transition to the next chapter and Im sorry for the confusion

Was poking fun at the notion that one would reduce number of guns. Sorry for the poor attempt on my part’

Your suggestion is actually a very good one. I have 15 recurve bows. I shoot 2 or 3. None of my kids would fight over the others.

Lots of handguns. Many require handloading. Same issue.

Have been actively reducing rental properties. Got 4 to go.

Airplane and a boat. Both could use new homes

As I simplify, each step feels better for sure

So please forgive the bad attempt at humor and accept my agreement!

 

[Bill Thom]

the cull was very liberating for me. going lean and (almost) minimalist but with an emphasis on quality helped me get my mojo back. I was as stale as jail house cake and needed to snap out of a rut
on a related note.......
I am not so optimistic on the 3-5 year outlook for importation of DG trophies into US-specifically elephant and big cats. As we look at retirement, should we take this into consideration and accelerate plans for these hunts? since the window for trophy importation could narrow or close entirely. Thoughts from the group?

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I retired at 55 last November after 35 plus years being a Union Steamfitter. Started collecting my pension. Last 20 years was Supervising and Management. Stayed working to finish an obligation, then took a couple months off. I quickly got my big “To Do” list done! Had an offer to go back to work for my old company in the pipeline business to take care of a my old client -big gas company in Ca.

Talked to my financial advisor, as well as my accountant and they both asked why? Took me a while to figure it out. I first talked to my old buddy and real estate broker who got me into investing in real estate in my late 20’s and he helped me realize I don’t know how to be idle, but told me to focus on a goal, a moving target, work to accomplish that and reassess. I agreed and went back to work. My girlfriend also agreed, because she is younger and has to work anger 12 years…

My company agreed to terms to allow me to have time off to take the vacations/hunting trips I need or want, and a roll that allowed some other important options.

I’ll likely work another 5 years and buy the ranch property I want without having to finance it. As well as build my game room and guest house.

 

[Bill Thom]

I concur. Like you I need a bone with some meat to chew on otherwise I get bored/frustrated. It sounds like you have successfully navigated the transition and can stay engaged but now have more flexibility and control over your time. In my 30's and 40's cash flow was more important than time. After 50 the pendulum swung the other way and time has become more valuable. I did spend 18 months in full retirement and it was not a good fit for me-Im now back working but more selectively and in lower impact role.a litttle rusty but feels good to be back in the harness!

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I’m curious how others here are thinking about the next chapter of life.
I’m planning to semi-retire and, assuming everything stays on track, spend more of my time on the things I’ve always enjoyed but never seemed to have enough time for - hunting, shooting, travel, other personal interests, and most importantly, spending more time with family and the kids, I'm now a regular at all my sons football games.. I also plan to spend more time with extended family abroad.
After decades of work, I’m beginning to think that having the time to actually enjoy those things is worth as much if not more than what money can buy you.

For those who have retired, or are getting close to it, what are your plans?

Did retirement turn out the way you expected? Did you find yourself spending more time hunting and traveling, or did other interests take over?

And for those still working, what does your ideal retirement look like?

Just curious how others here are approaching that next chapter.Cheers
SS

@SStomcat
I was forced into retirement and had trouble adjusting.
My wife is looking at retirement next year and is wondering what she will do.
We sat down and she now has a list of things she would like to do when she retires.
My advice is if you are going to semi-retire ( we call it transition to retirement) make sure you have an idea of what you want to do first and go from there. That way you can see if retirement suits you.
Once you have a plan in place and it's working you will wonder how you ever fitted work in.
There's things in life that money just can't buy like family time. These times you just can't put a price one. Son's foot ball game or $1,000. The money is soon gone but the memory of that game even if they don't win can never be replaced.
Plan for your retirement then enjoy it to the maximum
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Good thoughts Ontario Hunter.
Sorry to know about your loss. It is indeed hard to come out of such devastating losses in such a short period of time.
I’m happy that you have found a way out, financially stable and have high moral values.

I’m lucky to be able to retire or semi retire at 58. I’m perhaps in one of the best shape of my life. Had a wake up call five years back, that forced me to make changes to my lifestyle, cut down on fried stuff and sweets.
I try to eat in moderation and exercise regularly.
Other than some tiffs with my wife occasionally I’m mentally away from the highly demanding and stressful job I was in.
Time will tell, hunting is in my blood and the blood still flows

@SStomcat
Health scare are just Gods way of telling you to slow down, smell the roses and start living right.

My wife says I have a seafood diet, I see food and eat it. Fortunately I doesn't matter what I eat I don't gain weight.

When it comes to exercise my wife says I get enough exercise running and jumping. That's running off at the mouth and jumping to conclusions.

I do sit ups daily. I sit up to get out of bed then finish it when I go back to bed.
I also do bilateral bicep curls to help with arm strength. I drink my first coffee left handed and second one right handed.
Can't overdo these things
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Bob

 

[SStomcat]

@SStomcat
Health scare are just Gods way of telling you to slow down, smell the roses and start living right.

My wife says I have a seafood diet, I see food and eat it. Fortunately I doesn't matter what I eat I don't gain weight.

When it comes to exercise my wife says I get enough exercise running and jumping. That's running off at the mouth and jumping to conclusions.

I do sit ups daily. I sit up to get out of bed then finish it when I go back to bed.
I also do bilateral bicep curls to help with arm strength. I drink my first coffee left handed and second one right handed.
Can't overdo these things
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Bob

Bob, I see you have this health and fitness business pretty well figured out! Why spend a fortune on gyms and personal trainers when you can get a complete workout from the comfort of your own bed and a couple of cups of coffee?

On a more serious note, you're right about slowing down and enjoying life. Sometimes a health scare is a timely reminder that we spend far too much time worrying about tomorrow and not enough time enjoying today. Life is too short not to stop and smell the roses preferably with a good cup of coffee in hand!

Just remember, Bob, moderation is the key. Even with those bilateral bicep curls, don't strain yourself trying to lift the coffee pot!

Wishing you good health, plenty of laughs, and many more years of enjoying the finer things in life. Cheers!

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Bob, I see you have this health and fitness business pretty well figured out! Why spend a fortune on gyms and personal trainers when you can get a complete workout from the comfort of your own bed and a couple of cups of coffee?

On a more serious note, you're right about slowing down and enjoying life. Sometimes a health scare is a timely reminder that we spend far too much time worrying about tomorrow and not enough time enjoying today. Life is too short not to stop and smell the roses preferably with a good cup of coffee in hand!

Just remember, Bob, moderation is the key. Even with those bilateral bicep curls, don't strain yourself trying to lift the coffee pot!

Wishing you good health, plenty of laughs, and many more years of enjoying the finer things in life. Cheers!

@SStomcat
I have no intentions of over doing the exercises my friend.
After 3 heart attacks first at 18, then 22 then 32 I think I've had my share. Most of my family die in their mid 70s from heart attack so I thought F##K IT If have mine when I'm young and can recover quicker that way I can die of something else when I get older.
I my be getting older and the body on the decline but I still have a good day every day no matter what. As long as I can piss someone off each day I'm happy as long as it's not my wife otherwise no-one is happy.

I ain't afraid of dying but not living scares the crap out of me. That's why I make every day the best I can by living it to the fullest.
Sharing time with family and friends and at times even just on my own is what brings me joy.
I'm a simple man with simple needs.

I worry about nothing unless it affects my family friends or me. If it affects any of those we have a problem Houston or the thing/ person causing the problem has big issues Houston. If not I just don't give a shit. Less stress and no agrevation.

My recipe for a happy life,
Wake up and get vertical
Drugs ( prescription by Dr) and coffee.
Piss someone off, most times it's myself
Happy life
Sleep, wake up repeat above
Bob

 

[SStomcat]

@SStomcat
I have no intentions of over doing the exercises my friend.
After 3 heart attacks first at 18, then 22 then 32 I think I've had my share. Most of my family die in their mid 70s from heart attack so I thought F##K IT If have mine when I'm young and can recover quicker that way I can die of something else when I get older.
I my be getting older and the body on the decline but I still have a good day every day no matter what. As long as I can piss someone off each day I'm happy as long as it's not my wife otherwise no-one is happy.

I ain't afraid of dying but not living scares the crap out of me. That's why I make every day the best I can by living it to the fullest.
Sharing time with family and friends and at times even just on my own is what brings me joy.
I'm a simple man with simple needs.

I worry about nothing unless it affects my family friends or me. If it affects any of those we have a problem Houston or the thing/ person causing the problem has big issues Houston. If not I just don't give a shit. Less stress and no agrevation.

My recipe for a happy life,
Wake up and get vertical
Drugs ( prescription by Dr) and coffee.
Piss someone off, most times it's myself
Happy life
Sleep, wake up repeat above
Bob

Well, my friend, after three heart attacks, you’ve clearly decided that life has had three chances to get rid of you and failed miserably! At this point, I suspect even the Grim Reaper sees your name on the list and says, no not this bloke again!

Jokes aside, I admire your attitude. You’ve got it absolutely right the goal isn’t merely to add years to life, but to add life to the years we have. And if you can annoy a few people along the way, apparently that’s just a bonus for cardiovascular and your mental health! . I try but not verygood at it, but I do try to learn from you ...seriously, all that 243win et.al.

Your daily routine sounds remarkably practical, although I might suggest that pissing people off should come after the coffee, not before. We don't want to give your cardiologist any unnecessary excitement!
Keep enjoying life, cherishing your family and friends, and giving the rest of us a reason to shake our heads and laugh. Just remember, mate, there’s a fine line between living life to the fullest and making your doctor’s Christmas bonus depend on you!