Life after retirement. Having been made redundant, life is looking good.
Posted on by Debbie

Surprisingly there is a life after retirement – Musings on a Monday

Retirement update

I have now been ‘retired’ for some time and can honestly say I have not missed going to work at all.

There I’ve said it! I don’t miss going to work! Surprise, surprise!

I do miss the social interactions with my co-workers but as my staff all finished with me (we were all made redundant together), there’s not much to miss, apart from the few special people I enjoyed talking to outside of our area.

What I don’t miss

I don’t miss the toxic environment, the mean, nasty people who love to gossip and make life hell.

I don’t miss the demands of inmates (I worked in a minimum security men’s correctional centre)

I don’t miss the never ending emails from head office staff who knew nothing about what we actually did!

I don’t miss the ‘system’ that governed our workplace

I don’t miss the negativity and low morale.

I sometimes wonder how I managed to work for 22 years in that environment, although in retrospect there were lots of rewarding ‘highs’.

Now:

My days now consist of a few main activities:

  • I run or walk or ride my bike – I like to do this early in the day to get it done (I do have the odd meltdown though)
  • I blog
  • I read blogs
  • I attempt the daily crossword puzzle
  • I do the essential housework
  • I think of what to cook for dinner
  • I shop only when absolutely necessary
  • I wander around the garden admiring my husband’s handiwork
  • I socialise with others or I stay home all day, it’s up to me
  • I plan holidays, make bookings and check out the web
  • I try to learn new things, like using Pinterest – it’s often said as you age you need to learn a new language to keep your brain functioning, well I can assure you that trying to keep up to date with social media is just like learning a new language.
  • I lie in the hammock – life’s tough you know!
  • I smile….a lot
Life after retirement

I am still finding it hard to imagine that life could be so good after such an awful few months leading up to my final day of work.  I’m happy, relaxed, busy but not too hectic, interested, involved and free.  

I’m happy 🙂

I will be revisiting my retirement progress from time to time during the year so I can document my progress through the various stages as per my post in Girls just wanna have fun.

I haven’t had to answer the question ‘What do you do’ yet, so will look forward to that.  I also haven’t had too many people ask me how I’m filling in my time, I think they know me well!

So in summary, life is good!  It’s still early days and I know there will be ups and downs but for the moment I’m coping quite well.  I’m very lucky to be in this position and am grateful, something I didn’t think I would ever say.

How’s life treating you?

Deb 🙂

Last updated February 2019

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In my happy place in Fiji
Happy Debbie
Debbie - mother of a 40 year old

Everyone has a story to tell! Deb is a young-at-heart & active 60+ blogger/retiree, after being made redundant from her 22-year career managing education programs in a men’s correctional centre (jail). She now spends her time reading, blogging, riding her ebike and travelling. Deb was awarded a Bravery Award from the Queen when she was 17 after a tragic accident – a definite life changing moment! She is married with 3 grown-up daughters & has 4 grandchildren. She never imagined being Granny Debs would bring so much joy to her life! You can read more of Deb’s story here

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97 Replies to “Surprisingly there is a life after retirement – Musings on a Monday”

    1. Thanks Alana, it’s been a great time so far but my end of working life was pretty difficult a the time. I’m glad to have you here and look forward to hearing of your experiences when your time comes to retire.

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    1. Thanks for the comment Bren, no regrets at all and it’s something to look forward to if you can live the life you want. I’m fortunate in many ways and I know it, so I really appreciate my new lifestyle. Life is good 🙂

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  5. I have discovered that retirement, like most things in life, has to be worked at. It is an art form in itself and finding the perfect balance of idleness and a sense of purpose, socialising and the joy of ‘me’ time or ‘us’ time for hubby and I, a blend of learning new things and sharing what we already know with the grandchildren, of being too lazy to cook and choosing to eat out or suddenly having a baking marathon and filling the freezer – so much choice and we feel so fortunate to have our health and just enough money to do these things. Retirement is a blessing so keep on doing what works for you.

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    1. What a lovely, insightful comment! You have summed it up perfectly, s some days I’m a domestic goddess and others (like today) I’m a sloth. The choice is mine and I am lucky too to have the finances to do what I want when I want (as long as I don’t go too mad). It is a real blessing and I intend to make the most of our years together. Thanks again for commenting 🙂

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    1. That’s not too long away for you. I didn’t have any time in planning as it was a result of a redundancy, so I wish you well with getting ready to retire. It is a wonderful life and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too. Thanks for your comment. 🙂

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  9. I’m so glad you are enjoying retirement Deb, although I use the word almost tongue in cheek. You may not be in traditional employment, but it sounds like you are fully engaged with living.

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  10. I have been retired for a year. I ease into it slowly, gradually reducing my hours for several years. Like you, I exercise in the morning. This time of year, I walk to the gym, workout for an 1-2 hours, have a steam, and then walk home. That takes up most of the morning. When the weather improves, I’ll be out on the bikes more. And like you, I blog, read, plan trips, work around the house (sometimes), and socialize when I feel like it. I like it!

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    1. Great to hear you also enjoy retirement! I find the days go by so quickly though, whereas when I was at work the day dragged on and on. I think my lead up to being forced to retire was so hard this new life is now just so delightful. Thanks for leaving me a comment, always great to hear from you. 😊

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      1. I never thought of it like that. Time passes quickly, and I am never bored. The difference is that I do what I want, when I want, and don’t have a schedule imposed on me. I wish I had made the switch sooner.

        Oh yeah, I like your idea of taking time on Monday to do some free thinking. I may join you.

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  11. I especially like the last item on your list of what you do. I love my days off but can’t imagine every day being like that. What a huge change it must be. I’ll look forward to reading more.

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    1. It is really different to just having the odd day off now and again but in a good way. Having time to read more is great as is the time to comprehend and imbibe more information. Thanks for your comment, I love getting feedback 🙂

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  12. You really summed it up Deb. We know what you mean by what you don’t miss and can relate to the joys of being in somewhat control of each day and not having someone in the human chain to answer too. It gets better every day too.

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  13. Hi Debbie, I retired at 55 to spend more time with my husband (9 years older than I). I have to admit it was a culture shock after working full time all my adult life. It really was difficult for me to adjust. However, I started a blog and that really helped. I also mind my darling grandson one day a week and am involved with other activities. I love some of your ideas which I may borrow. In fact, I’ve just rediscovered crosswords myself! Enjoy your week!
    Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond.

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    1. Thanks Sue, it’s been great to connect with you on various platforms, facebook, blogging, pinterest, Instagram. I love my blogging and it’s so good for me to be creative, although I started it while working full time it’s been such fun to get into it with more time available. Feel free to borrow any of my ideas, I love reading your posts and learn from them all the time. You are super generous. Enjoy the week ahead 🙂

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  14. I have loved retirement! I love doing whatever I want to do whenever I want to do it! If I want to have a supper of soup or ice cream, OK! If I want to stay up late and watch any movie I want until the wee hours of the morning, OK. I even gave up some church projects because it seemed if you were retired you MUST want to spend your time doing church work! On their schedule, NOT!!!! I’m retired, I don’t have or need a SCHEDULE. Next year my hubby retires…….Hmmm. I will have to adjust to his being here 24/7. Now he travels all the time, so no problem. I may have to go back to work! Ha Ha!

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    1. I’m so glad to hear that you are happy enjoying your retirement! I know exactly what you mean about no schedules, it’s liberating isn’t it 🙂 My husband finished work a few months before me so he was comfortable by the time I joined him. It’s working out really well and I’m sure you will manage too. All the best, lovely to have you along 🙂

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  15. Retirement is, as another responder wrote, an art form. Like all art forms one needs to decide which medium; is it quiet of frenzy. the great thing about retirement is that we get to decide.

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    1. That’s it Beth – we get to decide. Today I decided I needed to rest after a busy morning run and massage so I’ve indulged in some hammock time. All good! Lovely to have you along – enjoy!

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  17. Deb – what a great list! It really sounds like you are embracing retirement and getting the hang of leisure time 🙂
    BTW – I think that your dedication to exercise is key. My non-scientific belief is that the sweat generated by exercise removes toxins from your body so that you can remain positive and optimistic! Which you are!

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  20. Your retired life sounds blissful! My first 8 months of retirement was a lot like yours. I blogged a lot and prepped my upcoming new classes. Two years later, I now keep my own schedule, even my teaching schedule is of my own making. I now teach 15 units a year, so much for retirement. Once my hubby retires in a few years, so will i.

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  22. Good to hear, Deb. As you know, I took a different view on my upcoming retirement, but we’re now on the same path and enjoying what it has bought us. I keep myself very busy, In fact, I’ve no idea how I managed to do everything and work full time. Time seems to go much faster, but I’m enjoying every single second on this road.

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    1. That seems to be what people say Hugh, that time does go much faster and I agree now too. You’re an inspiration and I aim to follow your example by enjoying every second of the journey ahead 🙂

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    1. Thanks for visiting Beverly. I’m happy to know that retirement gets better over the years. I’m glad to be involved in the Over the Moon party linkup, thanks for having me 🙂

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  25. I retired seven years ago and I absolutely “loving it” more everyday. I was a librarian/professor/Director foe 25 years. I miss the interactions of a few of colleagues. I read books constantly because I never had time to do it. I visit and spoil my grandsons in Chicago when the weather is nice in the summer and fall. I “runaway” to the Florida Panhandle, as soon as the weather “thinks” about getting cold. I read, blog, and go to the beach to watch sunsets. My husband of 46 years relaxes, watching and curses out the tv, when a certain guy is on the news. I refuse to do so. I “Aquasize” twice a week and pray. It is important to thank God daily.

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    1. Thanks very much for sharing your retirement lifesyle with me, it’s always good to hear how others are going. I’m glad to read you are enjoying yourself and you sound very happy with how things are going!! Stay happy 🙂

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  27. Hi Debbie, I love the sound of your new life! It pretty much mirrors mine, except I don’t run! I like to walk or do Pilates/Yoga instead. One of my big hobbies is travelling and photography too. I still work part-time doing some freelance writing, but otherwise write my blog and keep fit and active. This morning I strolled down to Burleigh Point near where I live and watched the surfers on the towering waves, had coffee and then chatted with an acquaintance prior to strolling back home. I can do this every single day and that is what is so great about being retired. #TeamLovinLife

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    1. Thanks for your comment Kathy. It sounds like you have a lovely life too! My husband and I went to the movies at 11am today to see Lion – it seemed a bit decadent but hey why not? Glad to have connected.

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  33. A lovely post. I am far from retirement (unfortunately – I can think of loads of things I could do if I didn’t work). My parents live with me and are both retired. I am looking forward to reading about your thoughts and activities going forward.

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  36. The toxic work environment you mention is something I know too well. In my blog, I’ll often refer to is as “The Whispers”, these constant mean, negative, disparaging voices that I can’t block out as I’m simply trying to survive my 8 hours at the office…

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    1. I’m so enjoying the freedom aspect. I’m glad your mum is enjoying herself too. I can imagine inmates are demanding on the other side of the fence too. It’s always interesting what careers people have had before motherhood! Thanks again.

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  39. The end of my job was also very toxic and like you I don’t miss the work, do miss the workmates (who are still there which makes getting together difficult…). I am glad to be out of there but it was also a shock (though my decision) and so I’m still struggling with some anger around it all and haven’t started to enjoy the fact it’s over! arghhhh

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    1. I’n sorry to hear you also went through something similar. I hope you can start enjoying it all soon. It took me a while to work through the anger but I’m now on the other side and can see the many positives. Take it easy!

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  40. OMG I just found your blog and when I read it I was amazed. Your story sounds exactly like mine! I too have just retired after a new company came in and systematically pushed us all out of jobs we held for 30 plus years. I too miss fellow coworkers and as I had an office job miss the “getting dressed up” aspect of work. But aside from that I have transitioned into retirement quite well and have a daily routine that sounds very similar to yours. Looking forward to following your blog all the way from Canada. 🙂

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    1. That’s amazing Ruth! We seem to have a lot in common. I’m fortunate to have settled into it now and am enjoying life. I’m happy to hear you are settling into it too. Currently I’m in Fiji for our daughter’s wedding, so life is good 😊. Thanks for following along, it’s great to have you.

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    1. Thanks for your comment, it was a hard time leaving work in the way I did, but I must say it’s all worked out for the best now. I really couldn’t have imagined it would be so much fun! Good luck with your transition to retirement, so glad I could be a positive for you.

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  48. I love being retired too. I always thought I would but I got to choose how and when to do it, which makes a big difference. I know a lot of people worry about it, but I think it’s an amazing blessing, and I’m just as busy now as I ever was. Enjoy the good times.

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  51. Hello Debbie, I was directed to your blog from another blog site and found it really inspiring. Where did you live before moving to Tumbarumba? My husband and I are soooo torn about moving to a location where we love the climate (anywhere with short, cool summers) which means we would have to move very far away interstate from Brisbane, Qld… basically the only thing keeping us in Brisbane are the kids… it’s either be around the kids, which we see at least every fortnight or live somewhere where we love… If you moved far from your family and friends what was the deciding factor for you??

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    1. Hi, thanks for your comment and I’m happy to know how you found my post 🙂 I can see your dilemma and don’t have answers unfortunately! We don’t have any of our children or grandchildren living close by which means we just have to travel to see them, or they come and visit us from time to time. Our town is in rural NSW with four distinct seasons so it’s a real delight to have cold winters and warm summers but the nights always cool down as w don’t have the humidity of Queensland. We moved many years ago as my husband’s job took us from the city to a small country town, it was the best decision we ever made to move. All the best to you!

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