Just over a year ago, my friend, Jean, was faced with making a major decision: should she retire? She had put in a grueling, stressful, 35+ years and drove over an hour (when conditions were perfect) just to get to work. Another hour or more to get home. The company she worked for had made an offer to encourage retiring. If she declined, it would be the equivalent of working for free for the next two years. I wouldn’t have hesitated! I didn’t 6 years ago, and there was no company offer for me.

I was perplexed by her hesitation, so I asked. Her reply was to the point: she feared becoming a couch-potato.

I was astonished. I couldn’t remember a time when I was ‘bored’. At least, not since I was 4 years old. My dilemma is quite the opposite: I don’t have enough time.

Too many things were put on the back burner for too long. We put some of our dreams on hold. We went to college, got married, had children, got jobs. We did what we were supposed to do.

I’m not complaining. I love my family and my life. What I’m saying is, now it’s my time. It’s our time. It’s your time.

It never occurred to me that someone didn’t have a want-to-do list as long as their arm. I was wrong. I have encountered many people that aren’t quite sure what they should do with the extra time. If you struggle with ways to fill yours, consider these:

DOCUMENT YOUR LIFE

Capture your heritage, recipes, or life story. Start a journal, make a scrapbook, or write a blog. Put the family photos in order or create a family tree. Write a book. It doesn’t matter if it gets published. (But, you never know! Look at J. K. Rowling and the Harry Potter series.)

JOIN A GROUP

There are so many activities that you could join. Start bowling, wine tasting, poker night or a quilting bee. Not only do you get to do something that you’re interested in, you get to socialize regularly, too. Can’t find the right group to join? Be the one to start it!

TAKE A CLASS

Learn something you’ve always wanted to do or just recently became interested in or curious about. Many communities offer Adult Learning classes at night at the high schools. The Art Institute offers culinary classes. Become an actor, costume designer or set decorator at a local theatre. Look through your local newspaper or church paper. Have you always wanted to dance, learn a language, pilot a plane, learn to knit, make stained glass or start wood carving? This is a great time to finally do it.

SPEND TIME WITH OTHERS

There’s the obvious choice: volunteer. So many wonderful organizations need help. Middle-aged men and women are generally more reliable and experienced. An organization would be silly to turn down your time.  Besides charitable organizations, there are church functions, political parties, senior centers, schools and hospitals near you that would welcome your time. Friends Of Libraries (FOL) are always looking for support.

There’s also less obvious choices. A younger friend or relative may need help with picking up or dropping off their children. Someone may need a regular ride to doctor appointments and treatments. If you have a talent, you could teach (sewing, piano, reading, baking) and make a little extra money while you’re at it. You could plan and throw regular dinner parties for friends, neighbors, and relatives you just don’t get to spend enough time with.

START A BUSINESS

Put all of that experience to work for yourself. Start a small business (or a large one if you’re adventurous). The list of ideas is endless.

WORK PART TIME

No one said you couldn’t work after retiring. Of course you can! It doesn’t have to be 40 hours a week and you should be able to worry less about pay scale. You probably have the flexibility to get a job close to home (walking to work is wonderful!), doing something you enjoy, for a few days a week. Work at the local florist, bookstore or thrift shop.

EXPLORE

The world is waiting for you! Now is the time to explore. Take day trips, or long adventures. This may be your only opportunity, so don’t wait.

Jean has been retired over a year now. She can’t figure out how she used to get things done while working full-time. Her days are full. Now, we’re working on the nights!

How do you spend your time? We’d like to know. Please leave comments on ideas and activities that you finally have the time to pursue.

Related Article: Be sure to also read Finding Your Passion (Getting motivated).

Please subscribe at sistersfolly.net and confirm your email so you don’t miss any future posts. We appreciate the support.