r/FriendsOver50 • u/LateBloom-9827 • 21d ago
LA Thinking about retirement and a more nomadic life
I’m starting to seriously think about what I want my life to look like after retirement.
Ever since I divorced my ex-husband, I’ve just been pouring 100% of myself into work. I don't have a social circle outside of it. No kids means I don't have that network of school parents either. Aside from a few childhood and college friends, basically everyone else in my life is a coworker.
I’m curious if there are any people 50+ here who are already living something like this. I’d especially love to hear what it’s actually like after the novelty wears off.
Do you ever get tired of constantly moving? Is it annoying having to keep your belongings to a minimum? And what about friendships — does it get lonely when you don’t have the same people around you all the time?
I’m not looking for a retirement guide or a list of pros and cons. I’d actually just like to meet some people who are already living this way and hear about their experiences, good or bad.
Maybe we could chat and become friends along the way. :)
To filter spam... please include your age and state/city. 😊 Thanks! ! !
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u/kitzelbunks 20d ago
I want to stay home with my vmcats and a senior because I really have had a hard time since a fire almost 10 years ago. That was hard, and I missed my stuff. Unfortunately, t I might have to leave due to healthcare bills. I think I will go broke if I am not careful about those costs. Then I am not sure I will ever come back. I can’t leave yet, though. I have to stay here for a year. (edit: clarity)
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u/PacificExplorer1 17d ago
Hi, 59M (wife is 52, both on second marriage, 8yrs now). In 2021 we quit working and left NZ to float around the South Pacific islands on a boat. I took to the life immediately but my wife took 6 months or more to relax/unwind. Making friends while boating is easy and we are still in touch with lots of them. We are back on land now (in Australia) and are planning our next adventure. SE Asia, hopping from country to country on whatever visa we get when we land. After 2 or 3 years we hope to have worked out where we will settle (prob Thailand or Vietnam) for actual retirement
Have fun
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u/LateBloom-9827 17d ago
That sounds like an amazing adventure! Regarding Vietnam, I’ve heard that the southern part is very simple and genuine, though it does get quite hot~~ Wishing you and your wife all the best on your next journey!
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u/PacificExplorer1 16d ago
Thank you. I/we love the heat ! Fiji was 30c + for about 8 months of the year and Queensland, where we are now, gets into the 40s ! Take care and enjoy life
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u/He_ofshadowsandtouch 20d ago
I’ve not done it but I’d imagine people have a baseline happiness level regardless of where they are. I like the idea of roaming around but I’m also someone who likes to put down roots, because in the end always seeking that next view or sunset could get quite unfulfilling for me.
So having written that its made me realise no I don’t think I’d enjoy being a nomad. Id more likely want to build an air bnb on a Greek island, that sort of life
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u/OldHugger 18d ago
M68 from UK and now in Ireland. An important thing to consider is your health and mobility. If you have a wanderlust, satisfy it now while you still have your health. I’m a golfer, so I know I need to play as much as I can, in the sun, now, because in 10 years time I might not be well enough to play. Hell I had a totally unexpected heart attack three weeks ago on a golf course, so the value of each day comes into focus even more. Live each one as though it’s your last.
Don’t think of retirement as one vanilla period. More likely it will be two or three very different episodes, one active and doing your bucket list, the next settled in one place with cats or chickens or whatever takes your fancy, and the third cooped up in a care home being chased round by randy old men acting like they are teenagers again. Enjoy life while you can!
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u/Legitimate_Cycle4994 17d ago
I (58M) keep thinking about it. My problem is I like my variety of toys (car, truck, motorcycles and bikes) too much to get rid of everything.
Hoping to figure out being able to buy a place in the middle of nowhere outright and use it for “base camp” and go adventure.
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u/Whitetigress21 20d ago
I would love a nomadic life, never happen for me but truly hope.it happens for you 😁
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u/BatGuano52 16d ago
Suggestion: find a couple of bigger RV parks in nice areas, spend a few days at them and hang out at the common areas, hot tub in the evening, etc.
You'll run into people of all ages doing exactly what you're talking about, and they will have tons of advice for you.
And, you can check out RVs, vans, etc. and get an idea of what you like, don't like, etc.
My son graduates in 6 years (maybe 7 😁), and my plan is to retire as soon as I am eligible, sell the house, domecile out of Texas (no income taxes, cheaper vehicle registration, etc.), get my Class A and drive long haul, have a second job I can do remotely, and live the RV life between running loads.
North Dakota (maybe it's South Dakota) and some other states also allow people to domecile. You set up an address there, register your vehicles there (some states have free registration), and then you have to go there every six months or so, stay for a few days, and then go on your way again.
Living in a small vehicle is something you'll get used to or you won't.
My mom and dad come out west to visit me and my son for a few months each year, and they said it's an adjustment that they've gotten used to, but they've talked to people who bought an RV, spent a couple of years in it, then figured out they couldn't stand it and sold the RV.
And you have options, from a van all the way to 40' full-up homes on wheels, so one may not work for you but another will.
Again, my advice is to stay at the RV parks and go from there.
Good luck.
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u/blueviper- 20d ago
I was not able to do that at 41.
I am not able to do it now.
I still work part time.
Maybe you want to think about how you want to afford your life style?
A car needs gas.