I have been retired 10 years and started keeping bees 11 years ago in preparation of my retirement, it has been a great privilege to keep over 600,000 bees and meet so many new friends, this is apart from driving my Morgan most days
Morgan 2009 Roadster Rolls Royce Lush Green 3.0 V6 Audi A4 Advant (some blue colour not botherd)
I've been retired for 11 years and I work harder now than I did while I worked (38 year 9 months) But it was the best thing I did (early retirement) Golf, Gym, Cars, Holidays Grandkids
Phil’s advice re committing too much too soon is spot on. If you have grandchildren, do make absolutely sure you don’t get an immediate full time role as unpaid carer. Don’t worry if you loose a bit of weight - the transition from sedentary office job to an active retirement does that to a person - I lost 2 stone, lost over a stone.
2 years in, and I wonder how I ever had time for work. I spend more time riding my horse and I have time to try out ideas in the garage. I have joined a walking group where most of my conversations seem to revolve around machines of one form or another. I am also a trustee of a large charity which costs me around 8 days a year and keeps the grey matter ticking over.
One thing to look at if you are at a loose end is U3A. Walking groups, oily bits groups, history groups - you name it, it is probably covered. And it is cheap - which means that if you decide its not for you, you won’t have lost very much (ours is £12 a year plus any group costs -mostly pub lunches!).
Paul Costock, UK Plus Four 75th - Furka Rouge - Pip Disco 5 Teddy - 17h1 Irish Draught cross
Congratulations. I retired just over three years ago. I'm now stronger, fitter, and sleep better; and my back now gives me no trouble whatsoever. My life is infinitely more interesting and busy as I get out more and have met countless new friends (and dropped sone). And I loved my work - lived for it in fact. My wife sold her business and retired a year before me and is happier, slimmer and far more content than ever. I would highly recommend it as the perfect cure for work.
Morgan Plus 4 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Brompton M6L Giant TCX Advanced
Relax into it John and you will find your own path and most importantly have more time with your good lady and children, it's been 5 years for me and it's the best thing to happen. Don't let people press gang you into roles as when word gets out they hound you, but just say no and you chose what you want to do. I lost 2 stone too..
Meantime I've got my thinking cap on for another TM trip
2009 4/4 Sport Henrietta 1999 Indigo Blue +8 2009 4/4 Sport Green prev 1993 Con Green +8 prev