Your Retirement Options
Are Nearly Endless
Your retirement options are more diverse than you can imagine. Forget all that stuff about sitting in your rocking chair with nothing to do. There are more things to do than ever and, best of all, you don’t need a lot of money to do them. We work forever, it seems, preparing for the day when we don’t have to work anymore and I keep hearing stories about so many people being bored with all their free time. It’s the reason this website was started. Retirement was one of the best things that ever happened to me and every day seems to bring something new with no restrictions on my time and no one telling me what I can and can’t do. For someone who, admittedly, did not like school and did not have a job that they enjoyed, this is like a dream come true.
When I look at all the retirement options available, I have trouble wondering why anyone is ever dissatisfied with this new status in life. Maybe there’s too many options available but, if that’s the case, how can you say that you’re bored. If you have no hobbies, start one. If you want to take up a sport, do it. There’s an endless number of subjects to explore on things that have interested you at one time or another. And, if money is a problem, one of your retirement options is to get a no-pressure job to pocket some spare change and socialize at the same time. Volunteering is also a possibility. Finding a worthwhile cause and donating your time is something to be commended. If it involves something you’re interested in, that’s even better. Many times a museum or historical site supplements their staff with volunteers. It’s a great way to stay active and meet new people.
If history is your hobby, you're not alone. Much of our retirement travel has included historical sites such as the Alamo, Williamsburg in Virginia and any Presidential home that we come within fifty miles of. My wife has been very accommodating and never minds learning a little bit of history as long as there's no test to pass. I admit to being a bit of a geek and have actually been able to visit the Library of Congress to do some research for a book I was considering writing. Anyone can do it and, although it's a little intimidating at first, the staff is extremely knowledgeable and patient with first-time researchers. Although I never completed the book I was contemplating, there are many other retirees who have taken up writing as an activity in their "second" career. Retirement is an excellent time to feed your creative spirit, keep your mind sharp and, perhaps, create an extra income in the process. I know of one retired New York City fireman whose hobby was studying anything that had to do with the Alamo. He's written several books and has been invited to speak at many historical societies and has even appeared on television as part of a documentary on that historic battle.
If writing a book seems daunting, consider starting a website about an interest or passion that you have. If you're thinking that you don't have the technical skills to make this happen, put that thought aside because it's easier than ever before to get a website up and running and putting a couple of extra dollars in your pocket. I started this website as a hobby and to learn something new, but it has turned into an activity that I look forward to every day. It's not a job because I can do it whenever I want and, if I miss a day or week, no one calls to ask where I've been. Retirees are doing this every day and having a great time doing it so, as we say throughout this article, keep your retirement options open!
Your Retirement Options Include
Learning A New Skill
If learning a new skill such as golf or playing the piano, that is also one of your retirement options. It’s a way to keep your mind active and you can help defray some of the costs involved by getting a little creative. If golf is your interest, working at the golf course at a part time position may be a way to defray the greens fees. If music lessons are a bit more than your budget will allow, there are programs online that will be more reasonable than a private lesson. If you have a skill of your own like cooking or knitting or teaching mahjong, perhaps you could barter with someone by doing a "lesson swap".
One of the retirement options we were looking forward to enjoying was traveling and, fortunately we have been able to do that and see new places and meet new friends. Again, there are ways to get creative and cut the costs. If you organize a trip or a cruise for a club or a group of friends, there’s often an option that you can get an extra booking for free. Checking with the cruise or travel company may yield some valuable information on that front. And, keep in mind, there is a market for any photos that you take on your travels and that may also be a way defray the cost or even put you on the path to a new career.
This should be the best time in your life, and, with a little exploration, you’ll uncover retirement options you never even dreamed of. Think back to your youth and all the things your dreamed about doing. A cross-country road trip, climbing a mountain or surfing in the Pacific - there's nothing stopping you but you! Get rid of those roadblocks and take the first step! It’s time to Enjoy Retired Life.
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