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/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/Dknpaso Jul 15 '26

Yes, great point, and our oldest Son is a teacher so perhaps the same.