Retired

DO YOU WONDER HOW YOU EVER HAD THE TIME TO GO TO WORK?
Sounds like you are enjoying your retirement.

What are the secrets to a successful retirement?

Share your experiences of retirement and what you now do with your time.
If you now spend some time volunteering what do you do and is it rewarding?
If you have returned to work after retiring, perhaps only partime are you enjoying being back at work?

Do you have any helpful suggestions or pitfalls to avoid that might help others who are still working but considering retirement.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE WHEN YOU RETIRE????

Is it time to consider a change as the family home is now to big and you want to downsize. A move to the quite life of a country town or a house by the beach might what you have always dreamed of doing when you retire.

Are you considering living in one of the Over 50's Villages or have you already made the move? If you have what is life like in these communities as it would be great to hear of the benefits and pitfalls of this option

Share your experiences of retirement and where you are going to live in your retirement.

Please leave us a comment:

Name:
Year of Birth:
Location:
Comment:

Comments:

Graham from Coffs Harbour born 1953	I choose to retire at 57 and after some adjustment (maybe I should go back to work they might need me), I started to explore interests I have had for many years, but have never had the time when I was working. For example, I have always been interested in art so I joined the local U3A and now enjoy my weekly classes. Also U3A has a walking group which has given me the opportunity to exercise and see places I was never aware of until now. The local garden club has also helped me to enjoy the simple things in life, which can be found in my garden. I can sometimes spend a whole day outside just enjoying the sounds of the birds and the wind in the trees which I feel helps me to find peace at this time of my life. Comment posted: 6th September 2011, 04:23:23 am
Graham from Turners Beach, Tasmania born 1952	I chose to retired at age 58 and moved from WA to Tasmania where my wife and I will build a home overlooking the Bass Strait to the north and the mountains to the south. I looked for something active to do, but the local Lions and Rotary clubs are passive in thier fund raising. So, I joined the State Emergency Service and am thoroughly enjoying learning so many new things, whilst providing a service to the community in times of need. We have also joined the local bowls club where we are now playing pennant bowls. Both of us are now committee members of the bowls club and I am also on the committee of the local chapter of the Australian Independant Retirees. The major concern we have in Tasmania is the medical system, which is nowhere near the level of service in WA. We expected the same service given there are 2 regional hospitals within 30 minutes of us, but it is less than adequate. Life can be as boring or active as you want - we have chosen the latter. Comment posted: 2nd September 2011, 08:47:42 am
Kerry (Kat) Vanderbyl from NSW/QLD Border born 1959	Retirement was forced upon me by ill health. I had not been in paid employment for some years but I was a very active volunteer. I was a class room helper and canteen co-ordinator as all three of my children went through school. I spent many years working with animals at our local RSPCA. Ill health put an end to all of this and life was looking very gloomy. My Dad (1930's vintage) collected me one Monday and took me along to his Retired OnLine computer club, life has never been the same. I have become a computer junkie, I have become the volunteer club secretary, create newsletters, tutorials, administer the mailing lists, help out at the meetings. A lot of the work I do is at home, insomnia has become an asset, and on my good days I am able to give presentations and run tutorials to share the knowledge I have gained from being in the club. Rewarding? Oh yes, social contact, knowledge, loads of fun and a great motivation to get out of bed every day. Comment posted: 21st July 2011, 12:06:27 pm
Ray from Melbourne born 1954	After 33 years with one company (but 2 takeovers) I was forced out of the workforce in 2005 but now call myself retired - I've found a home/office away from home at the local Historical Society. It keeps me very active, doing stuff that I like and interacting with some lovely "oldies". Nice environment, PCs and printers on a network - I am now the PC Guru and have real fun showing new technology to the older generation. If you are bored at home look for a group to volunteer with - it might make your day. Comment posted: 25th May 2011, 07:35:59 pm
Nicole from Spearwood born 1952	After a hip replacement and a metal pelvis no money in the pocket my hubby and I still enjoy life. I go to the gym and do some workout. hubby does it in the garden. I do craft with a group of lovely ladies that keeps us all sane I think. Comment posted: 12th February 2011, 06:11:55 pm
Elsie from Merimbula, NSW born 1953	After working for 38 years as a Registered Nurse, my body was telling me that it was time to give up permanent work so I took what Super I had and retired with my already retired husband. I sold my car as I didn't need that anymore. Then it occurred to me a short while later that if my husband was out with the remaining car I now had no means of transport. He had a motorbike but I couldn't ride it. So I decided I had better learn to ride - at 55 years of age ... and so commenced a fun new pass time for both of us. We have since ridden our motorcycles to WA and back and completed several rides around NSW and Vic. Our (adult) children also enjoy motorcycling and we have had great family times seeing some of the best parts of Australia. I am now working some casual shifts and find I'm enjoying it after having a good "holiday". There's not so much money in our pockets these days but making the best of a carefree life for a 50+ year old is worth it... Comment posted: 5th January 2011, 08:58:15 pm
Blondie from Burwood, Sydney born 1950	REPLY TO Christine Swan: Agree - no matter how many activities you pursue, it's not the same because you don't spend the same amount of time together. I joined the sewing guild, did a TAFE course, but haven't made any firm new friends. And the worse thing is that with each year, more of my old pals are either dying or moving away from the area. Next year I'll put more effort into finding a 1 or 2 day p.w. job - but if that fails, I think really that the only answer is to keep searching for new things to do & learn. Hard if you're a "people person" like I am. I've spent my whole life in the people industry (was a personnel consultant) so really miss the interaction. Comment posted: 8th December 2010, 05:09:34 pm
Mark Rawles from Tumby Bay born 1958	My life long drean was to have my very own bakery one day and in 1988 this happened. My wife and myself worked very hard ,almost 24/7. Ups and downs were had but overall great little empire was started. In 2003 we also became part owners of a 40 foot fishing charter boat and life would seem to be complete. April 27 in 2005 was the single largest hurdle having been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Would not make 50 and would never have the richest gift of all, Grandchildren. At 52.5years and two magic little bundles I am a very happy man. Strange but true cancer has given me life when it should have been taken. Grabbing life with both hands and loving it. I should add we sold up our businesses right away and live on a budget but happy. Comment posted: 15th November 2010, 08:33:51 am
HELEN WOODHOUSE-HERRICK from NHILL born 1950	I celebrated my 60 on 17th January 2010 at my home town Nhill and it is the start to a wonderful new lifestyle. Having excellent health at this stage husband and self have moved to NHILL in Victoria in the Wimmera where I was born as my mother is 93 with a very busy social calendar we thought it a good idea to return home to retire. When we want a 'city fix' as they say we go to our town house in Melbourne on the rare occasion or go the other way to Adelaide but the sound of the city is becoming such a chore now after having a taste of the rural 'come as you please' lifestyle at Nhill. Ah yes, it is so nice to be home again ! Comment posted: 6th October 2010, 12:47:27 pm
pamela gisler from Australia born 1951	I have just become the President of the Country Women Assoc of Cleveland Qld branch which i am enjoying never ever thought it could happen Comment posted: 24th September 2010, 09:59:11 pm