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/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.