Retirement? Wish I Hadn't.

[rabet]

For many years I was self-employed and was very conscientious in disciplining myself to keep regular working hours and meet deadlines. But since retiring I have found it increasingly difficult to motivate myself to do anything. Sometimes in the evening I think, "What have I done today that was worthwhile?" All too often the answer seems to be "Little or nothing".

I know that the main point of retirement is that you no longer have to work, but I am not enjoying it. I read a good deal and have a couple of hobbies but somehow I don't feel satisfied. Anyone had a similar experience?

[vakayu]

You are really managing to recruit a good team Baldric,our country is safe in your hands(I hope)

[retrocop]

Sipo
I'll second that sentiment. :-)

[retrocop]

Captain Baldric Sir
I myself, personally have drawn up a cunning plan as how to armour plate a mobility scooter with the aid of an old dustbin. You could form a mechanised mobile unit with bayonets sticking out the sides of the wheels.

[stuey]

I shall submit my plans for extremely mobile long-range catapults cleverly designed to fire WMD disguised as roly-poly puddings.

[vakayu]

^^^Hope you have both applied for a patent?

[Bazile]

//...You could form a mechanised mobile unit with bayonets sticking out the sides of the wheels.//

Perhaps we should rename him ' Baldric - call me, Captain Judah Ben-Hur '

[jennyjoan]

I too loved work - very very hard at times but you just got on with it -worked for 40 years. Now - it is looking for something to do. Even with the dog - you feed it water it and walk it - how exciting. I miss the camaderie that I had even when I managed 24 women (bloody murder) but worked out in the end. I volunteer two nights of work in the Credit Union but nothing is enough - I don't get satisfaction from that and I also put my name down to work with mentally challenged people - waiting on an answer on that. Put my name down to work with the homeless - that was about 7 years ago - waiting on an answer to that. To be honest I cannot stand getting old - just there now I had difficulty opening the lid of a jam jar. I know I need to feel needed and I think rabet that is what you need too but I don't know what to advise you . I am waiting for some help from a certain authority and I will ask them what to do. I was learning to play the piano for about 2-3 years and must say got wonderful satisfaction from there - unfortunately due to broken arms/shoulders I couldn't play properly or learn the notes with the left arm. Would learning a musical instrument help you. If you can do it it leaves you with a great achievement. Good luck rabet.

[jno]

wasn't it Messala who had the bayonets, Bazile?

[Bazile]

Indeed jno - but 'Captain messala' doesn't have the same ring .

[Tizzi24]

I always dreaded retirement because I was a workaholic. My last job was temping and at the start of the recession, jobs was few and far between, so I had an enforced year off work. At the end of that year at the age of 63, I decided to retire and am thoroughly enjoying it. I don't think about whether I've done anything worthwhile, but enjoy every day as it comes and be thankful that I'm alive!