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[Guthrie52]

I am recently retired (in February, 2012) with the possibility of going back to work, debating... I am 53 years old.

For those who are retired, I am curious how you've settled in, say in the first 6-12 months, what your age at retirement was,  and what new activities, hobbies you may have developed....

[DCFIREMANN]

I pulled the plug on 12/31/2011. I had 30 years with the DC Fire Department. I am a few years older than you and I did have a little trouble at first. It took less than 6 months to settle in. I do BBQ professionally on the circuit and that does not leave me much free time. It seems like I am busier now than I have ever been.

I have a chance to go back to work teaching at the National Fire Academy. I am not really sure if that is what I want to do. I do I want to take a some time off next summer and see the country on 2 wheels. 

Congrats on your RETIREMENT!!!! Give it a little time, your going to love it!!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[Cvostu]

53!!  You're still a youngster!   I'm not sure I am the retiring type.  I like getting up and kicking butt at work everyday.  Keeps me off the "boulevard" too. 

[muddypaws]

I would not know what to do with all my time. I own a Real Estate company so I work when I want.

[JR]

I would not know what to do with all my time. I own a Real Estate company so I work when I want.

Hey Bill!

In todays market you might as well say your retired...

[Dead_Reckoning]

I spent 40 years At Sea as a US Merchant Marine Officer, 22 as Captain.
I had 13 years in the USNR
Ostio Arthritis took over my knees in late 08 and I retired.

Do I miss it any more, No. 40 years of sailing around the world delivering Miitary, Commercial and US Food Aid Cargoes was plenty.
For the 1st few months I used to glance over into Portland Harbor when I corssed over the Fore River. Now days I rarely look at what ships are in port.

I have found plenty to keep me busy every day.
I get to see my grandchildren a lot more for X-Mas, Birthdays and Holidays than i saw my 2 daughters.
  I get to play Groundskeeper, Pool Boy and Mr Fix-It as well as Q&A for a small 3D graphics outfit.

I have several retired HD Riders to ride with and two in my neighborhood.
Retired is great for riding.
No planning needed to work around work and or vacations.

[CityLights]

Retired at 52 after 32 years as a tel-co tech.  Had a real hard time for the first 6-8 months .  I was surprised at how much of my self- identity was wrapped up in my job . Also like a lot of us I had been working since I was 14 and I felt a little lost when I didn't have a job to go to . Good  news is that I got over it . Retirement is not good  , it is great . . I Have a full  and rewarding life . Good luck. 

[Midnight Rider]

I "retired" at 57 years old from working at a major University System for 30 years.  But I had been in the work force for well over 40 years.  Whether you enjoy, or have difficulty adjusting to, retirement, depends on how much your sense of self worth and identity is wrapped up in what you do for a living as opposed to the rest of your life outside the work environment.  Though work gave me some sense of satisfaction, I always tried to keep it in perspective with the rest of my life, and generally speaking it was always just a means to an end for me.  I earned money to be able to do the things I really wanted to do...and those things took many forms over the years.  I do not miss getting up, driving in traffic, putting up with incompetent a-holes in a highly political environment where I had a lot of responsibility and no ultimate authority.  I do not miss having to kiss butts simply because of the position they were in, and having to keep my questioning to a minimum despite their incompetence.

I thought I could find similar work in a smaller work environment, but after getting three interviews in three years, I have given up on that.  I only miss the money, as my pension does not allow me to live at the same level as when I worked.  I tried my hand at sales in two different environments...hated both of them.  So, in Sept of 2010 I quit beating myself up over not having a job and have enjoyed every minute since.  I turn 62 in September of 2013 and will begin drawing my Social Security, which will be a little extra money to supplement my pension.  If I had gobs of money, I'd be traveling to all those places on my Bucket List, but I don't, so I have to pick and choose.  I have my photography, fishing, and motorcycle to keep me busy.  Also, piddling around the house occupies some of my time, though I am tired of maintaining a big azzed yard, so will downsize all that in the next 3-4 years to free up funds for more travel.  There are many things a person can do...volunteer for something you enjoy or believe strongly in; take a PT job if you can find one that you enjoy; explore a hobby you either do now, or have always wanted to do.

Take advantage of the opportunity retirement gives you to spend more time doing all those things you could not do because you had to get up and work every day...let those things define who you are and don't worry about it.

[Wild Card]

I "retired" at 57 years old from working at a major University System for 30 years.  But I had been in the work force for well over 40 years.  Whether you enjoy, or have difficulty adjusting to, retirement, depends on how much your sense of self worth and identity is wrapped up in what you do for a living as opposed to the rest of your life outside the work environment.  Though work gave me some sense of satisfaction, I always tried to keep it in perspective with the rest of my life, and generally speaking it was always just a means to an end for me.  I earned money to be able to do the things I really wanted to do...and those things took many forms over the years.  I do not miss getting up, driving in traffic, putting up with incompetent a-holes in a highly political environment where I had a lot of responsibility and no ultimate authority.  I do not miss having to kiss butts simply because of the position they were in, and having to keep my questioning to a minimum despite their incompetence.

I thought I could find similar work in a smaller work environment, but after getting three interviews in three years, I have given up on that.  I only miss the money, as my pension does not allow me to live at the same level as when I worked.  I tried my hand at sales in two different environments...hated both of them.  So, in Sept of 2010 I quit beating myself up over not having a job and have enjoyed every minute since.  I turn 62 in September of 2013 and will begin drawing my Social Security, which will be a little extra money to supplement my pension.  If I had gobs of money, I'd be traveling to all those places on my Bucket List, but I don't, so I have to pick and choose.  I have my photography, fishing, and motorcycle to keep me busy.  Also, piddling around the house occupies some of my time, though I am tired of maintaining a big azzed yard, so will downsize all that in the next 3-4 years to free up funds for more travel.  There are many things a person can do...volunteer for something you enjoy or believe strongly in; take a PT job if you can find one that you enjoy; explore a hobby you either do now, or have always wanted to do.

Take advantage of the opportunity retirement gives you to spend more time doing all those things you could not do because you had to get up and work every day...let those things define who you are and don't worry about it.

I'm nowhere near retirement, but this makes me long for it!   

[greglyon]

good thread. thanks for starting and to those that contributed thoughtful posts

[denis]

retired 2yrs ago with 37yrs on chicago police dept did not like being retired for about 2 mo then love it keep myself always busy lots of riding  new house  new cvo ultra 2012 orange blk life is good retirement is great

[Chains]

Going to pull the plug next November, that will give me 48 years in the tool and die/special machine and stamping business.  Not that I don't still enjoy the challenge but enough is enough.  Besides the money is damn good.

[mlbraptor]

I retired after 30 years of service as a police officer pilot.  After doing yard work and other things around the house; I got very bored. Also I was driving my wife crazy being home all the time.  So I took a part time flying position with another company and now work some and play some. It works good for me.

[BigSkully]

Retired after 35 years with a large school corporation 7/6/12 at age 55.  My new role is househusband...cooking, cleaning, taking orders and riding my CVO.  No plans for a second career at this point. Gotta go now, my wife needs me to chauffeur her around.  Where did I put that damn hat! 

[Dan_Lockwood]

I turned 62 last October and as I see it right now, I cannot afford to retire.  I'm planning on working till I'm at least 70 if my health holds out.  My dad lived 11 days short of 95 and was still driving around his rural area a week before he passed.  My brother is 70 now and he retired at 62.

I still love to ride and I've been riding since I was 13 or 14'ish.  I also plan to ride for as long as I can, even if it's 3 wheels.

I have friends that retired around 50'ish and they have all gotten part time jobs or dove into their hobbies 100% to keep busy.

Good luck with your retirement and give it some time like the other guys have said.