There are some days when I feel the need to pinch myself. Am I really retired? I am SO lucky to be able to retire comfortably and do things I’ve always wanted to do.
I know I’ve talked about my retirement before. Even in my post, “What I Don’t Miss about Working“, I mention a few things that make retirement so wonderful. I have a few more things to share.
Over my lifetime, I’ve often felt that I was born at the wrong time. I think I would have been the perfect 50s housewife, based on the things I like to do and the fact I could be home all day.
I’m a homebody
When I was working, I LOVED weekends when I had nowhere to go. I simply like being home.
My home is my sanctuary. I can visibly feel myself relax when I walk through the door. I can be home for days and not feel cabin fever. There’s always something to do.
I often felt distanced from the real world when I was working, locked up in the building and my cubicle. Even though I may not leave the house on a given day, I never feel locked up. I enjoy being able to know what’s going on in my neighborhood as well as have the freedom to run a quick errand if I need to.
Now that I’m retired, I try not to schedule too much each week. If I do, I can feel it by the end of the week. It makes me wonder how I survived all those years working, but it does explain why I was so exhausted by Friday. I never realized I was suffering from what’s called an “introvert hangover”. And it doesn’t take much these days to get me there.
I need time for myself
When you’re working, all the “free” time you have is quickly used up on chores and errands. You can even feel guilty if you give yourself permission to have a day for yourself.
Now I have time for all of it. I can still get impatient with the chores at times, but then I remind myself that once they’re finished, I have the rest of the time for me. And Tim is so good about letting things slide if I need the time. He never gets upset if I have to wait a day to do laundry or the dishes don’t get done.
The best part about time for myself is being able to absorb myself in whatever strikes my fancy that day. It might be finishing a book. It might be working on my blog. It might be sewing. Whatever it ends up being, I know I have the time for it.
I spend some days simply making plans for all the projects I want to do over the year. It took me several days to take down the Christmas decorations, but that was OK. Besides, it’s kind of nice having them up for a while. 🎄
I can socialize on my terms
OK, I’m not a huge socializer. The key point here is, “on my terms”. I do have friends that I like to see. I love having a long breakfast or lunch with a friend, especially if they’re a retiree like me and don’t have to worry about the time either.
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Tim and I like to go to movies and with Monday being his day off, we often go during the day. The prices are lower and the crowds are smaller. And then we can still have Monday evening at home.
What about you?
If you’re already retired, is it perfect for you? If not, do you expect it to be? What’s the best thing about retirement for you? Is there anything that’s not so perfect?
Honestly, I can’t think of one bad thing about retirement. I guess that’s why it’s perfect for me!!
I’m glad I found your blog. I was medically retired for the last six years after working and raising my daughter on my own.
It was a hard pill to swallow. Dealing with chronic health issues and at times, NOT being able to get out of bed by myself.
I have adjusted. I have learned that I am an introvert homebody.
I’m still fighting for my benefits from the VA and from Soc. Sec. Fortunately, the bills are paid, there is food on the table, and my savings is growing.
I have started to learn to sew and quilt this year. I am almost finished with my first quilt. I crochet and enjoy doing genealogy research.
As my health, and finances allow, I like to travel when I can. Although that will be limited.
I’ve learned a lot about myself during covid lockdown.
My daughter and I love our home, and we are happy in our oasis at home. Of course, she is still working.
Hope you and yours are well.
I’m so sorry that somehow your comment slipped through the cracks and I never responded. I hope you’re doing ok and still following, even though my posting has slowed down tremendously. With my parent issues and COVID, I seem to have lost a bit of my motivation. I keep hoping that will change!!! Take care.
I just stumbled upon your blog from retirementtransition. I too am an introvert and can relate to wanting to stay home but feeling the pull of the “should’s,” as in I should be meeting friends or volunteering or going out more.
I’ve just retired this month and am loving it. I too have a lot of interests but have to be careful to not overspend in this area by pursuing too many at once.
I will be following your blog. Thanks for sharing. Cheryl
PS I used to cross-stitch when my children were young. Maybe I’ll take up this again.
I’m so happy you stumbled and landed here!! I guarantee you’ll continue to love retirement. I have to pinch myself some days because I feel so lucky to be retired. I definitely understand the overspending dilemma. It’s easy to do. I am loving getting back into cross stitch. You should give it a try again. So relaxing to me. Thanks Cheryl for starting to follow. I hope you won’t be disappointed!!
I retired in early November and have had some difficulty adjusting. Reading this post let me know I’ve found a kindred soul! I actually felt guilty about enjoying time at home, without anything on my calendar. I felt like I ‘should’ be doing so much more – traveling, volunteering, socializing. But for me to be home all day without any commitments is heaven! I can write, cook, listen to a podcast, watch a favorite TV show while I sit and knit. And in any given week, I usually have at least one date with a friend for breakfast or lunch. But if I have too many in one day or week, I feel overwhelmed! Thanks for helping to give me permission to be a homebody who enjoys simple, low key activities, Linda.
It’s so easy to convince ourselves there’s something wrong with us because we love just being home all day. I’m sitting here right now with a cat on my lap, catching up on social media and just letting the day unfold. I do have a few plans for the day but I may also indulge myself later with some TV. I also knit (and cross stitch) while watching. Makes me feel a little less guilty about it!!!
I’m learning to really appreciate the slower pace of retirement and the ability to do things on my own timing. I’ve learned I’m a bit of a homebody myself, and hubby is even more of one. But I do love a long cup of coffee or glass of wine conversation with friends. I could do that everyday!
Sometimes I wonder how I ever survived working. I loved the work I did. All the stuff that goes with a corporate job, however, made me weary. Now I love sitting in my office/sewing room, with a window so I can see what’s happening around me, and working alone.
Semi Retirement is awesome!
Next best thing!! Will you retire soon?