Before you hit retirement, your life looks drastically different. You work 40+ hours a week. You focus on your children. You help them explore passions. You attend soccer games and art shows.
Then your children grow up. You stop working and find that you have a time void. How do you fill your time? Well, now it’s your time to explore new passions and hobbies.
New hobbies and skill learning is a great way to keep the mind and body sharp in later years. Try a new language, learn some tech skills and try that yoga class. It’s never too late to learn something new.
Retirees are starting new businesses. Have you considered a job as a consultant? Many retirees have a hard time ditching the corporate life and opt to start a second or third career. Now is your time to try something new and exciting.
Traveling is also a great use of time in retirement. Is there a country you’ve been dying to visit? Some authentic, local cuisine that has been calling to your taste buds? Now is the time to get that passport stamped. Who knows, you may love the new country and call it home!
You have cultivated a lifetime of skills and knowledge. There are plenty of organizations that could use your talent. Consider volunteering during retirement. Your contributions could make a world of difference. Find a local charity you are most passionate about. You are going to love the people you meet, the fulfillment it brings to you, and the charity will be thankful forever for your skills and knowledge.
Trying new exercise routines can be incredible during retirement. Was there a spin class that you could never seem to make during your career? Have you been dying to try that new aerial yoga? Now is the time to find out what lights you up when you exercise. Find something you love, do it often and reap the health benefits.
Retirement does not mean this is the end of all learning. In your job you probably had to continually learn whether it was new trends, ideas or new ways of doing things. Don’t let the lack of need stop you from thriving in retirement. This is your time to unapologetically learn and grow.
