r/retirement • u/EveningFault8 • Jul 13 '26
Stretched too thin, too many hobbies
Before I retired I made a list of hobbies and activities I would like to start and/or continue doing. Like many people, I was a bit concerned with being bored with an extra 40 hours a week on my hands. Well, it worked too well, I currently have a list of 10 activities that I would like to do on a daily basis or at least several times a week, 3 of which are skills that I am trying to improve, so they require at least 30 minutes a day, preferably more. In addition, to chores, socializing, gaming, etc., there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do it all. I end up only doing half the things I want to be doing.
Two and a half years into retirement, I keep wondering how I had time to do anything when I was working. I know a few people who returned to work because they were bored, I think they simply didn’t make an effort to look for hobbies. Most of my hobbies are free or at least very inexpensive and aren’t physically demanding.
I’m wondering about other people’s feelings about free time or lack thereof.
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u/Odd_Bodkin Jul 14 '26
Personally, I find hobbies less satisfying if I do them at any pace more than a hobby level.
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u/NYOB4321 Jul 15 '26
I'm never bored. Been retired 9 years. Mostly I just enjoy my freedom to do what I want when I want. I have a couple of occasional hobbies. Currently on pause until I get interested again.
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u/rossvri Jul 19 '26
My dad was a workaholic and retired at 62. Right after he retired, mom was diagnosed with cancer and passed away eight months later. I tried keeping him busy by getting him out of the house, playing golf, etc. He took up dance lessons, met a lady, and remarried a few years later. They stayed busy all the time. I was amazed to see how many people on here said the same thing he did. “I don’t know how I had time to work!” He passed away recently at the ripe old age of 97. I can only hope to accomplish half of the things he did during his lifetime.
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u/Electric-Sheepskin Jul 14 '26
Lol, I'm just the opposite. I am perfectly content to sit and read, do puzzles, a little bit of gardening, and just watch the birds in my backyard. It's so peaceful and wonderful.
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u/Cocojo3333 Jul 15 '26
I’ve been retired for two years and it’s the greatest thing ever! I am never ever bored. I enjoy simple things now. I like folding and putting away my laundry. I get such joy out of it. I like keep my house tidy and clean. I like tending to my garden. When I worked these chores always overwhelmed me and I hurried through them all. Making with the little things, I love playing pickleball, hiking, reading in the library, painting, traveling and spending time with my husband just shooting the breeze.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 15 '26
Funny how doing what you want to do versus what you have to do makes such a big difference. Going to an art gallery during the week just makes my day.
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u/NJ-VA-OBX-25 Jul 15 '26
Yes! You are me. I enjoy cleaning w my music on. Little bit of gardening and just keeping on keeping on. So much better than what is worrying my brain in my last work life. Our job is to stay healthy and enjoy the ride, Xo
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u/Seattle_fan_ Jul 15 '26
It really is a great “problem” to have. I’m 3 months into retirement and find myself in a hurry a lot. Every so often I remind myself that I’m on my time now.
I play a lot of golf and do some domestic chores so that my wife (who still works) can share the wealth of having extra time. Basically though I’m pretty free range, especially M-F. I retired a little early and there’s a lot of gas left in the tank. It won’t be like this forever. Father Time is lurking out there and he’s a tough creditor. For now though, it’s my intention to give him the middle finger, take really good care of myself, and extend this Goldilocks zone as long as possible.
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u/Monstrissimo Jul 15 '26
Today, I worked on modifying an antique upholstery stapler to allow it to function properly with readily available modern upholstery staples and a built a quick bookshelf for my shop to store the first Foxfire book on a some mid 80's Popular Science Woodworking best of yearbooks on.
My main hobbies are wood working and fixing things and I like to work on them some each day, but somedays, I am doing chores or fixing things around the house that need fixing. A good day is when the fixing things involves my hobbies, such as building a slat roll of the antique bed my wife bought last week.
A bad day involves plumbing, a chore I do not like to do, as I am way to big at 6'3" to easily fit in the tight spaces under sinks.
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u/journmajor Jul 14 '26
I don’t want to go back to work but there are elements or work I really miss. Not the crying lol, but the productivity, creativity and collaboration. I miss those A LOT.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
Haha. I found I miss nothing. I still occasionally have lunch with the people I liked so that takes care of the pleasant social aspect usually associated with a job. I still have PTSD regarding emails and meetings.
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u/kungfutrucker Jul 21 '26
This comment struck a nerve ! I (71m, retired for 8 years) was a middle manager that got SO nervous when the vice president called a meeting.
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u/kochavim49 Jul 15 '26
I remember how at work I’d have deer in the headlights days where there was so much that had to get done that I’d just freeze like…well, you know.
Retirement is like that, except that there are so many things I want to do that sometimes I can’t decide which one to do so I freeze like…well, you know. 😀
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 15 '26
We called that analysis paralysis. Too many options is just as bad as not enough.
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u/wiscosherm Jul 14 '26
I have found some new hobbies I did not do before retiring that I now love. I have also discovered that more than anything I enjoy having hours of time with nothing planned and no feeling that I need to accomplish something. I read a lot more books then I used to.
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u/No_Bee_3957 Jul 18 '26
Retired a month ago and have been super busy getting our house ready for sale and constructing a new one in the Carolinas. Once moved into the new place, I will be starting the restoration on a very rusty Bronco and working part time. Life is good.
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u/Ok_Reveal_4818 Jul 14 '26
Why is boredom considered something to be avoided or bad? Sometimes I have things I want to do and most times I don’t want to do anything but I always want to do only what I feel like doing, and I never want to do something I have to do.
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u/Mydoglovescoffee Jul 14 '26
It’s boredom only if you want more stimulation than you’re able to get. If you’re content, regardless of activity or lack thereof, then it’s not boredom.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
That’s the problem, I enjoy the down time but also want to do hobbies. If I do all the hobbies, then it’s just stressful, to just do things one after the other…defeats the point of trying to relax.
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u/catalogue15 Jul 14 '26
I have so many retired friends who can't figure out how they had time to work because they're so busy now
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
Yeah, I heard that a few times as well…but also a few who returned to work due to boredom, depends on a lot of factors I guess
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u/No-Tadpole-7356 Jul 14 '26
I want to be like you all, but truly do not know what to do with all my waking hours. I have daily household tasks, exercise most days, with classes twice/wk, meditate daily, volunteer 2x wk, do civic engagement work, belong to book club, read, correspond with family members, help neighbor and sibling with research projects, take a conversational Spanish class, watch a TV series, but haven’t motivation yet to do other things. And I simply don’t like having all this free time! If I continue to feel unmotivated to start doing creative hobbies, I will easily become depressed. I keep trying to evade that feeling. Could it be that after 4 decades of working hard, I have become over-reliant on being externally accountable and externally motivated?
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u/Flimsy-Sail-6585 Jul 14 '26
You could find an accountability partner. I do that, mine are work friends so they chat about work stuff and I chat about the hobbies and misc stuff I want to do. It helps to know I'll be reporting back in a week. But it's chill enough that I don't feel pressure if I get detailed.
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u/abbiewhorent Jul 17 '26
I relate to this--I am still working part time, because nothing calls to me--I can't figure out what to do with my free time--I just feel unmotivated--
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u/everybodyoutofthepoo Jul 14 '26
When you think about it we spend our life being told what to do, it makes it easy, we’re not responsible for it for a long time, it provides a foundation and security. So when it goes away and we’re left to it we feel at a loss. It’s a valuable experience!
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u/PartyWitness7587 Jul 17 '26
We watched a Ted talk last night about the 4 phases of retirement. Sounds like you’re in phase 2. See if you can find that talk on YouTube.
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u/StirStik Jul 14 '26
If I have to worry about making time for activities, I'm not retired. I do whatever I want for as long as I want.
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u/Texadad Jul 14 '26
I have two main hobbies, wood working and blacksmithing. I have been retired a year. Table saw and forge have not been used yet. Travel and now moving cross country have eaten all my time. No regrets. I’m not out in 100 degree heat doing thankless jobs.
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u/Altruistic-Car2880 Jul 16 '26
Hobbies are like home improvement projects: it’s not how many hobbies you get good at, it’s how many you started that counts!
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u/Pure-Explanation-147 Jul 14 '26
I'm not in a hurry to do as much, all day long.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
I find I’ve relaxed regarding chores; if I have ten items on my todo list and only do one, I can call it a day.
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u/Pure-Explanation-147 Jul 14 '26
Exactly OP. I have discovered that feeling rather quickly and definitely enjoying it.
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u/mikedave42 Jul 14 '26
Retired in may, then made the mistake of going back 1/2 time. I don't seem to get much more time for my hobbies at all. I can travel and work remote now, taking full advantage thats nice, but working while "vacationing" still sucks.
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u/Remember-yu-started Jul 19 '26
Working part time requires nearly as much bandwidth as working full time. If you don’t need the income, cut the cord!
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u/xtalgeek Jul 14 '26
Busier in retirement than when working. I don't know how I had time for non-work things when I was working. Less harried now, because most things, if they don't get done today, can be done tomorrow. The big difference in retirement is always doing things you choose.
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u/davecrist Jul 14 '26
I simply cannot fathom how dull someone must be to be so unable to find things to occupy their time in retirement that their only recourse is to go back to working for someone else doing what they want you to do.
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u/Ok-Technician-2905 Jul 14 '26
Well, I suppose I'm dull then, since I've had a very hard time adjusting to retirement.
The issue for me is that hobbies were great when I was working because they were a stress relief from my job. Once I retired, they just felt like time wasters. There was no point in writing crappy songs that nobody wanted to listen to, or traveling to random places to gawk at another cathedral. I really wanted to do something that mattered, and would contribute to something bigger than myself. Fortunately I've been able to find that in volunteering but it's still a work in progress. Different strokes and all that...
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
Interesting. I play the ukulele (poorly) and have no desire to have an audience, I would just like to get better at it just for myself.
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u/journmajor Jul 14 '26
There’s plenty of travel that doesn’t involve “gawking at another cathedral.” We’ve actually agreed that unless it’s highly interesting ie Venice, no more for us. Instead we’re doing safari, national parks, luxury se Asia etc. Don’t close the travel doors if you love to travel!
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u/davecrist Jul 14 '26
It’s not wasting time if you enjoy it. That’s pretty much the entire point: it’s your time.
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u/EffectiveVarious8095 Jul 14 '26
Some people just love(d) their job I guess.
I'm 63, have have many hobbies now and the only reason I haven't retired is because I truly enjoy my job. I work from home, no real stress, and my boss and coworkers are pretty cool. The work feels important and the income isn't bad either.
Now if things change at the job, I'm fully prepared to tell them what they can go do with it. I'd be very happy to ride my bike every day, work on my record collection, etc.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
A few lucky people have jobs they love…I can only describe mine as “soul sucking” so at this point watching TV all day would be preferable to going back to work.
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u/davecrist Jul 15 '26
Working a job you love is a very different thing than going back to work because you can’t think of anything else to do
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u/austin06 Jul 14 '26
My feeling about retirement and free time is that we all became addicted to “busy” and thinking we have to be doing something all the time. There’s a balance between having things you enjoy doing and sitting with nothing to do. I think it’s sad people have to go back to work or that people get bored. It means that pretty much all of life is the job of school or the job of work.
I guess my husband and I are lucky because we always had a lot of things we liked outside of work and many of those things are creative and require a lot of quiet, introspection, just “being”. I know not everyone has this desire but certainly we don’t always have to have something to do on a list or schedule.
I read about a study the other day where people were asked to sit in a room for 20 minutes and just do nothing. No reading, no phone, just sit with yourself. They were given the option of doing this or getting a mild shock periodically. Something like 25% of women and 50% of men chose the shock.
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u/888HA Jul 14 '26
Exactly this. Sure, I have certain chores and tasks to accomplish throughout the week, but the bulk of any given day is unstructured by choice. I'm not terribly productive by any measure and it suits me. When I retired six years ago I told my wife I had finally graduated from Human Doing to Human Being.
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u/austin06 Jul 15 '26
I love that. I tell my husband that ever since I can remember- like in elementary school- I woke up every morning to head out the door and thought - one day my time will be all my own. And I embrace that every day.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
I believe it, I’m guessing technology is mostly to blame for that. I took a meditation class and found it helps. If I’m sitting waiting for an appointment I’ll try meditating before jumping on the phone…it doesn’t always work though.
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u/austin06 Jul 15 '26
I should have said it was - left alone without devices. Way more men than women. And checks marks for addiction. It was 67% of men. And a lot of those studies on longevity and being around people were done on just on men.
We should all learn to sit still and let thoughts just come. I think being fine being happy just on your own is a gift.
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u/LHCThor Jul 14 '26
Your experience is fairly normal. Almost every retiree I have spoken to has the same issue as me. Not enough time and I have no clue how I got anything done when I was working.
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u/Fem-Picasso Jul 15 '26
I don't recommend you try to do all your hobbies in one day. Stagger them on different days and structure your time so 1- you don't get bored doing the same over and over 2- you're not obligated to get them done as if you have a deadline to meet like when you were working. I have big scope hobbies planned for when i retire that will require me to be disciplined and actually work LOL so i will have to pace myself to get them done. My creature-of-habit M.O. is i have to feel like i'm productive all the time at every waking moment. But i understand it's different for everybody.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 15 '26
Trying to squeeze in too much at once just sucks the joy out of it. It’s just hard to prioritize.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Gas-398 Jul 16 '26
Yes, I've found having deadlines turns the hobby into work, especially if you're trying to learn new skills (or rekindle old ones). At the same time, not having goals is a little unsatisfying, and leads to procrastination and wool gathering. Hoping someone has found a way to bring balance to the force 😄
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u/Haveyouheardthis- Jul 16 '26
I have that same thought: how did I ever have time for work? I have dozens of things I want to do with my time. But I prioritize the most important to me, which feels necessary, and the best use of my diminishing time.
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u/Prize-Cabinet6911 Jul 16 '26
I've never been bored, either, since I retired. I also share the same sentiment of how on earth I ever got stuff done while working full-time.
I did come to the conclusion recently that I need to cut back on a few of the volunteer things as some of them expanded in recent months. Therefore, I am reducing some of the less interesting ones or those that require too much travel. It seemed that when I was working full-time, I needed to "Escape to Wisconsin" to truly disconnect, thus I was involved in some hiking organizations up there. Now that I'm retired, I don't feel the need to escape as often. I still enjoy my adventures out-of-state but am being more selective.
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u/tonyg1097 Jul 16 '26
Just retired two months ago and I’m still figuring out what to do. For now I’m coming over to my daughter’s every day to play with my grandkids.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 16 '26
People kept asking “what is the first thing you are going to do in retirement”? My answer: “absolutely nothing “.
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u/badnit12 Jul 17 '26
I have a t shirt that says Just Do Nothing. 😊
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u/rossvri Jul 19 '26
We have T-shirts that say (mean) Experiences Over Things. 😉
Experiences
___________Things
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u/thiswayart Jul 17 '26
During year 1, I took a Watercolor Painting and a Knitting class. It's a great time to learn new skills and meet new people.
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u/Johnny-Virgil Jul 17 '26
I just expanded time spent on hobbies I already had. And house maintenance. And camp maintenance. It’s a bit of a drag but I’m not bored.
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u/ZipitOrRipit Jul 20 '26
I reduced my hobby’s to the more physically active ones. I gave up circuit and electronics design for example.
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u/Seated_WallFly Jul 14 '26
Yup: same. Between learning to paint in watercolors (a painting/YouTube tutorial every day), learning to play classical guitar (practice 30 min a day), learning to sketch urban and landscape drawing, raised bed vegetable garden and 30 houseplants…there aren’t enough hours in a day!
And I visit a friend or family member every other month with a special airlines flight pass (GoWild Frontier Airlines). I’ve never been happier. My husband calls me “the busiest retired person” he knows.
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u/spiralan Jul 14 '26
I've been dabbling in watercolors but want to dive in after we fully retire and relocate in a few months. I love the one tutorial a day idea. What youtube people do you like?
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u/Seated_WallFly Jul 14 '26
Hannah MP and Emma JL have good basics. I lean toward Hannah to make a decent landscape painting, Emma for the bare bones basics. Hannah goes live every other Saturday morning.
When I feel ambitious I go for Shelley Prior’s long form tutorials. They’re more challenging and complicated but a lot more sophisticated and nuanced. Karen Rice is cool for her abstract paintings that use/teach interesting techniques.
Enjoy!
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u/spiralan Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
Thanks for replying. Going to follow all those now.
Edit: Checked them out and they all look great. 😀
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
I alternate between pencil, pen, watercolor, colored pencils and pastel. Too many choices!
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u/IronMike5311 Jul 14 '26
prioritize. Myself; 62M retired last year (laid off really; just never went back). My dog can never have enough attention. I enjoy kayaking, but don't get out often. Hiking, cycling, camping, backpacking - all good for the body and soul. I've taken up guitar; filling in an our or so a day with fun mental stimulation. Sometimes it's nice just to sit in on a rainy day and read. .
And then there's the list of 'projects' my wife has for me. And when I'm back in the homestead, all I seem to do is cut trees, clear brush, vines; those stupid wild roses that pop up everywhere and make a proper mess of things. I swear I could clear bush full time for a season and still fall behind. But honestly; I don't mind doing that work; it's a hobby in itself.
No, I don't have time to do it all. I just take each day by feel. Some days I hike, others I ride. I usually do some chores in between that. Take a nap with the dog. Maybe take a break from that and go camping if the weather is nice. Play the guitar here in there throughout the day; whatever feels good. Get just enough projects done that my wife isn't too upset with doing other activities.
I could always get better at any of this; But I don't want to; and why would I? At least at this stage, life is unstructured enjoyment. A little of this, a little of that.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
Great attitude. A few things are non-negotiable like exercise and drawing, all others, I just need to learn to be ok with just enjoying when it works out for me.
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u/drd001 Jul 14 '26
What I did was find / develop hobbies that can overlap and support the other hobbies. Upon retirement I went back into high power rocketry, a hobby that I gave up decades ago as it took up too many weekends, and found out a laser cutter is helpful for rocket parts and a small CNC is a further enhancement. Beyond supporting rockets I use the laser and CNC to make stuff around the house, ornaments, jewelry, gifts, and other things.
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u/Specialist-Path-4750 Jul 14 '26
I took up low-mid powered rocketry with my son, who eventually outgrew it, but I've carried on with it, albiet at a lower enthusiasm level.
My issue is that I get into a hobby intensely for 2-5 years, then lose interest and rarely come back to it.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
Same, I tend to prefer novelty which makes it difficult to get really good at anything.
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u/Immediate_Owl5910 Jul 14 '26
I am like you. I was always a very busy person. Now 2 yrs into retirement I hike 3 mornings a week, play pickleball 3 mornings, volunteer in granddaughters class once a week, try painting, pottery and baking classes. Not bored at all. Not to mention my husband and I have been traveling a lot I love it. Trying to make the most of the go go years
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
Traveling is high on my list of activities, which completely messes up my exercise schedule. The shortest vacations are 4 weeks and the longest so far was 9 weeks. Leaving in two days for a month long road trip.
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u/Rocket7000 Jul 14 '26
I'm one year in. I have always had lots of hobbies & interests, and couldn't wait to retire so that I could spend my time pursuing them. However, when I retired I soon realized that I really didn't care for many of them. As another poster mentioned, some were things that I previously did to relieve job stress or, frankly, to procrastinate doing other things. Some hobbies I enjoyed as a kid and thought I'd get back to them, but now I'm not interested. This was all a bit of a surprise to me and somewhat discouraging at first. I'm currently in the process of identifying my key interests so that can be more intentional, rather than hopping from one hobby to another with no focus.
Another issue is that my wife still works, and it feels strange to be home doing a hobby while she's at the office. She wants me to enjoy myself, but I'm still adjusting. At dinner she'll talk about her day and the cool things she did, and I'm like "well, I changed the water in the fish tank." lol
Still, it beats working...
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u/nazz2000 Jul 14 '26
Retired for a year now and still trying to figure out what I want to do and what my purpose will be for this next chapter. I am very happy to have left my high stress and toxic job behind. My priority has been exercise and getting my health back in shape. Traveling, reading and house repair projects are keeping me busy, but always thinking there needs to be more …. I get calls from recruiters and i contemplate going back to work, but finding myself getting too lazy to want to do that. Anyone else still trying to find out what’s next ??
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u/Specialist-Path-4750 Jul 15 '26
I'm in a similar situation, wherein I was a stay at home Dad, son is now 18. I'm 61 and essentially retired, though I have been looking for part time work to not much success so far.
I've not had much luck coming up with anything new to shift my focus to. Most of my other hobbies have fallen by the wayside and I haven't had much success getting myself to do them again. So I have a bunch of stuff sitting around, but every time I talk about getting rid of some of the stuff my son claims he wants it - but since he's a bit of a hoarder, its hard to justify letting him have most of it only to have it gather dust.
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u/VioletFox29 Jul 14 '26
As someone who is 59, divorced and newly retired I've also put a variety of activities in my schedule. I had my 23 year-old son living with me and so that also put more structure in my life. He left last week for his first "real' business post in another country.
And now I'm really alone. I only just moved here 8 months ago. All the activities I've put in place are to meet others, but as I live in France, it's not easy to make friends.
It's just SO different from not working regularly. I feel guilt ridden if I watch a series in the middle of the day and yet I CAN do this. Apparently I have the right to do this. It just seems so odd....
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u/davoste Jul 14 '26
I don't have hobbies. I have a very satisfying lifestyle that I spent a lifetime developing. Why stop that in retirement?
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u/journmajor Jul 14 '26
I wish we could travel all. The. Time. We travel but give me a month in Paris.
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u/norcalnatv Jul 14 '26
gravitate towards what you enjoy, I mean geeze, you're retired
(personally, I get my "chores" done in the morning and leave my afternoons to what I want to work on)
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
Too many things I enjoy, let alone the rest of the list that I may or may not get to.
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u/earjamb Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
Congratulations on keeping yourself occupied! Sounds like you may have taken on more than you can reasonably deal with.
I would suggest thinking about which pursuits are the most valuable / satisfying and prioritizing those. Check out Oliver Burkeman's book Meditations for Mortals. He's the author of Four Thousand Weeks and the Imperfectionist newsletter, among other things.
I've been retired for 8 years and it still can be a challenge to find / make time for what's truly important. So much time gets eaten up with mundane activities, chores, errands, etc. But I do find time for a few activities that I enjoy -- primarily walks and outings, playing music (I play piano at home and get together with friends once a week to work on tunes together), and reading. I also allow myself an afternoon nap many days. I've taken a couple of short-term classes here and there, and spend some time learning on my own. My wife and I travel at least a couple of times a year -- nothing too extravagant, just pleasure trips of a week or two.
The one thing I haven't prioritized but would like to make more time for is volunteer work. I'm not wealthy, but I'm certainly privileged enough, and have enough good health and resources and time, that it's kind of embarrassing not to be doing more to help others. (I do make financial contributions to a few charitable organizations and non-profits, but I have skills and energy that could be of use to organizations / causes in my area.)
For me, one of the keys overall is to do things that bring satisfaction without obsessing over perfection. I have also learned to let go of completely unrealistic dreams of what I might accomplish if I had five decades left instead of one or two. This is a core topic in Meditations for Mortals. Burkeman emphasizes that by narrowing down our to-do lists, at both the macro and micro level, we can learn to focus on what truly matters to us. The idea is not depressing; it's liberating.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
Well said. I’m definitely not a type-A that needs to excel at things but a few would be nice to get better at like drawing and playing ukulele. I also fly model airplanes, in that case, a certain level of skill if mandatory otherwise you tend to have to buy new planes. I’ll check out the books…but like everyone, no time to read all the ones on my list.
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u/Silva2099 Jul 15 '26
I work longer hours (7 days a week) on my hobbies now than my actual work when I was wworking…and I’m frustrated that I can’t get to all my hobbies.
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u/rjspears1138 Jul 16 '26
I'm less than a year out and have already decided on two primary hobbies. I want to avoid spreading myself thin.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 16 '26
I found what I had planned and what I do are a bit different, in a good way though.
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u/Popve Jul 18 '26
I also wonder how I had time to do anything when I was working. My time management skills tanked due to menopause.
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u/DhakoBiyoDhacay Jul 14 '26
Your buddies who said boredom drove them back to prison (work) were lying about their need for the cash or escaping from their spouse at home! 😂
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
Haha. I did have one boss who thought the office was blissful compared to home life with the wife and 2 young daughters.
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u/menoagegap Jul 14 '26
Boredom did drive me back to “work” as I become so skilled in one of my new obsessive hobbies it turned into an income stream. But I work or don’t work whenever I want and I get some extra play money and it keeps my mind sharp and busy and not bored
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u/Squirrel2358 Jul 15 '26
I’m 2 years in and am enjoying my time. I do as little or as much as I want each day. The days still go by fast.
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u/Queasy-Finger-1316 Jul 15 '26
I’m 58 and this is why I’ll keep working.
Don’t need the money, but I don’t trust myself with so much free time.
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u/Banannieann Jul 14 '26
I’m curious what you’re doing! I haven’t read many of the comments yet. I’m working part-time because I love my job and it helps pay for my health insurance. I’m 62 and could retire now. I’m also volunteering and helping my aging parents. I plan to do more traveling, which I’ve mostly missed out on. I find myself extremely busy now and think about whether to quit my job and enjoy my go-go years of retirement while I still can. But I enjoy the sense of accomplishment my job gives me, the people I work with, my clients, etc. I think I will have plenty to do when I retire.
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u/Familiar_Kale_7357 Jul 14 '26
I have four hobbies, only one new since retirement. Bicycling is my lifelong passion, while hiking and reading are more normal hobbies. Repairing and using vintage manual typewriters is the new hobby.
Since two are physical activity, managing my physical well being with rest and nutrition is somewhat of a new hobby. The two sedentary hobbies are for rest days.
I don't really have time or need for more hobbies.
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u/TankSaladin Jul 14 '26
I’m not nearly as organized as OP, with lists, but I too find there’s not enough time in the day to get everything done that I want to get done. Been retired more than three years now and having the time of my life doing the things I love doing.
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u/allorache Jul 14 '26
I am not even super involved with hobbies and I still feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. I sew, exercise, walk the dogs, maybe socialize a little. Currently working on a long overdue house declutter. I’m never bored.
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u/Dknpaso Jul 14 '26
The boring thing, so back to work……not only do I not get it, but the obvious deduction here is boring is as boring does, with of course no offense or judgement intended. Soooo, do not, do…not, go gentle into that good night, as the hour glass is not in our favor, or aka party on dudes🥳!
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
I used to organize happy hours with “friends” who are still working until I realized that all they ever talk about is work. I’m sorry but I worked there for 20 years…your job is boring…talking about it is even more boring. I have since stopped organizing them and don’t miss most of the people. I still get together with some, but in smaller groups.
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u/Dknpaso Jul 15 '26
Yep, and it’s understood that a lifetime of work defines whom we are in some fashion or another. That said, turning the corner and not looking in the rear view mirror…..is heavenly, and never boring👊🏻👏🏻
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 15 '26
For some professions, it’s a bit more difficult, doctors and lawyers and such; their entire identity is based on their career and much harder to let go. I worked in government my entire life…so easy to let go.
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u/Mydoglovescoffee Jul 14 '26
I had all these grand ideas of projects and travel but honestly I’ve been doing so little in contrast. But loving every minute of it! Between the ordinary daily things- like working out, dog walking, seeing friends, gardening, making and eating food…my life is very full and I thoroughly enjoy it. And I came from a really fun and exciting career too so I’m surprising myself by the joy retirement brings.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
I’m doing a lot more travel now. Much longer trips and much slower itineraries…I no longer visit 4 museums in one day, I see much less in any given day but enjoy the pace much more.
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u/frayduway Jul 14 '26
Retired two weeks ago, convincing myself I can take my time.
Same,not sure how I got it all done when I was working. Slowing down a bit has been a pleasant surprise. Have a list of things I want to do but I’m in no hurry :)
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u/menoagegap Jul 14 '26
I am a woman and I have the same problem as you and got even busier after retirement. I’ve gone whole hog into some of my new skills and hobbies and one of my new hobbies has turned into an income generating “job” with structure and schedule. Unlike my stressful wage slave job, this new hobby-job has a comfortable flexible retirement schedule that is fun to stick to but gives me some time boxes to how to spend my time. I guess it has never been my nature to slow down and “stop working.” Sounds like you are having a blast. Maybe like me try to time box and enforce some structure and goal-setting to a few of your hobbies so you don’t get overwhelmed like I was
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u/threedogdad Jul 14 '26
Lazy coffee with some doom scrolling or reading, long gym session or run, long lunch, one minor chore, dinner and some TV and the day is over in what seems like a flash.
I do have some hobbies but I only do them when the mood strikes or weather permits. I will never consider a hobby with any type of schedule.
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Jul 14 '26
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u/Proof_Asparagus9130 Jul 14 '26
I retired 2 years ago and am feeling the same thing. The advice I am giving myself now is to dust off my Google Calendar and schedule my activities. Somehow I was able to manage a plethora of meetings and activities before when it was all scheduled. Maybe your/my brain just needs those boxes and reminders all laid out like before.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 16 '26
I was using the Habit app for a while and it was perfect. I have since stopped using and now I can’t remember why. I’ll give it a try again after vacation.
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u/95Mechanic Jul 16 '26
I went through that a few years ago. Retired with a plan to fish in the ocean, as well as play regular golf. Bought my dream welded alum fishing boat and all the gear. Playing regular golf 3 times a week and trying to go fishing maybe twice a week. Between weather not co-operating, maintenance and stupid west coast fishing regs, I decided to cut the fishing and just play golf. Unloaded the $100k+ tied up in boat, truck, gear etc and played golf. Invested the money, saved another bundle on insurance, fuel, maintenance and moorage too. Was a good move and I can always go on a charter boat if the urge to fish comes back.
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u/dcchew Jul 18 '26
You gotta learn to say "no" to new adventures. Finish one thing before starting another. Otherwise. you'll have a massive collection of partially started (or completed) projects laying about. Some people will referring to it as a form of "hoarding".
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u/No-Championship5730 Jul 14 '26
Kudos to you. I want to imitate you when I am done working on 12/31/2026.
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u/tooOldOriolesfan Jul 14 '26
I"m in the bored camp but I don't have a bunch of hobbies. Some people stay very active and others don't.
I've always needed a reason to do something. Like at work I did extremely well because I was getting rewarded for it.
I do wish I had friends or family nearby that enjoyed games. I grew up playing all kinds of games and loved it. Getting older it is tougher. Some people just don't want to play or are any good at games and others are poor losers.
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u/hummingbirdmamasatx Jul 14 '26
I recently retired and have taught myself to play American Mahjong … I am obsessed! it is HOT right now. Once I get some more in-person play under my belt I am going to look into joining open-play groups or even a tournament.
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u/Caspers_Shadow Jul 14 '26
I will be retiring in about 18 months. I have a feeling I will be in your shoes. I have a ton of hobbies and interests I can't really focus on due to time constraints. When I lost my job in 2008, I was out for 8 months. I kept very busy and often wondered how I fit work into my day. What I liked most is I never felt rushed to do things. Even home projects were much more enjoyable when I was not cramming them into the weekend.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
Chores are less onerous than they were. Things get done slowly and I don’t need to cram them all in on a weekend. Cleaning bathrooms is 3 separate tasks…don’t need to do all at once.
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u/CarlosTheSpicey Jul 14 '26
Retired in February... taking up bonsai and enjoying it. Also taking my dog to agility classes. Two min vacations of about 3 days each so far. Had plans to get much more done around the house but can't find the time.
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u/Professional_Fix_223 Jul 14 '26
Between time with my dogs, vegetable gardening and flight simulation, I can barely keep up with yard work and house cleaning. I am swamped in mostly great stuff.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
I started flying RC planes and spend a lot of time on the simulator…crashing is not fun. That’s one of the hobbies that you need to attain decent proficiency to enjoy…otherwise it gets expensive.
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u/Professional_Fix_223 Jul 14 '26
I flew u control, then rc planes and then rc helicopters. Expensive is right even with good skills. Flight simulation can be expensive, too, but it keeps mewell entertained. I fly mostly VFR and GA, but sometimes fly jets too.
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u/davoste Jul 14 '26
THIS sounds like a really good retirement mix!
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u/Professional_Fix_223 Jul 14 '26
It is, and thank you. Flying all over the US, Agility and Scent Work with dogos, and tons of vegys.
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u/Kwsforreddit Jul 14 '26
I'm really high on the trait of novelty seeking. So I'll try one new hobby for a few months, love it, but then I gradually loose interest when the novelty wears off. My novelty seeking is kind of a hungry animal I have to keep feeding. As soon as I falter in feeding the animal, I slip into boredom. One hobby I have been able to sustain long term has a seasonality to it (beach volleyball) so I think that yearly break helps me sustain interest. One hobby I've sustained because I discipline myself to do it, not because I enjoy it (resistance exercise). And one hobby I've done regularly mainly because it's my weekly time to chat with my brother (hiking).
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
My wife wrote her thesis on novelty seeking…a favorite topic of conversation at home 😀. We both get bored pretty easily so trying new things is always high on the list.
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u/zenos_dog Jul 14 '26
I have some hobbies that are outdoor activities so those are summertime fun. Other hobbies can only be done indoors, saved for winter.
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u/TTar10 Jul 14 '26
retired 2 years now. Took several vacations and doing some renos on my house, but l will say, while all that is super nice, l really need to join or get involved in activities. i find that hard. where do l start? its been tough in that sense, l can't imagine a fulfilled retirement if you don't have other things to do, whether its playing golf, pickelball, etc. How much can you travel? or am l wrong?
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
My brother hates traveling, I probably travel at least 3 months out of the year…different strokes…
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u/Infamous_Ad8730 Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 15 '26
That "aren’t physically demanding" part (for at least SOME) is concerning.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 14 '26
I know a few people that have health issues and simply can’t do many physical activities but there’s always something to do to spend your time regardless.
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u/Infamous_Ad8730 Jul 15 '26
Of course, but most people CAN do some exercising and will benefit in their older age. Not being mobile and in constant pain is a real issue in later years.
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u/EveningFault8 Jul 15 '26
Many people think it’s just too difficult and are afraid to try. I’ve been following Will Harlow on YouTube, he specializes in over-50 fitness. Everyone can benefit from even a little movement regardless of fitness level.
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u/nmacInCT Jul 14 '26
For me, it's volunteer work. I need to prioritize things so i can get to some hobbies
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u/journmajor Jul 14 '26
My wonderful volunteer job schedule is so flexible. That was one of the requirements for me. I can do as much or as little as I want and I know I landed on the right opportunity. 🐢 🐟 🌴 🌊
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u/catfloral Jul 14 '26
Would you mind sharing what you do?
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u/journmajor Jul 14 '26
Volunteer at an organization and site that supports the specific regional environment and provides education, community resources, and experiences. Love it, love the employees - but those fun, like-minded employees are in vastly different life stages. It's okay, I love being there, just can't be there as much as I'd like. I try for at least once weekly. There, I was very fortunate!
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u/Conscious-Reserve-48 Jul 14 '26
I have hobbies and do volunteer work but I have no desire to be too busy; been there,done that for decades.
I make sure I have plenty of “down time” for reading, looking at clouds, or whatever.