So I’m retired now, retired in late December 2019 which meant my retirement started during COVID basically which led to lots of guerilla practices in carrying out hobbies. I managed during COVID to perform music, improv, stand up, kitchen disco, quizzes using Zoom, not the same as in the flesh but a means to an end. Lots of people did these things I’m sure though but it was a rude awakening regards starting retirement with COVID in the air. We had the same issues with Johnsons behaviour that others had in that when my Father in Law died we had 8 people present for his Funeral.
Though the biggest rules of retirement that I’ve found are threefold, 1. You need to accept a comfortableness with your own company at times 2. By all means volunteer but volunteer in ways that you will love so that it becomes something that you don’t find a chore. 3. Don’t feel guilty about a hobby that others might find childish. I love graphic novels and comics and I don’t feel I need to be an Apologist.
Friends are a very important part of retirement too, as is family, keeping up with friends means you keep your social circles turning over Gigs, Pub Nights, Festivals or Nights in can save you pennies as well.
I’m very lucky to have very socially and community active friends which means there’s things to go to, things to help with & plenty to reflect on.
In having a comfortableness with your own company I find listening to music & reading come to the fore. I read lots and I like to read varied stuff though I favour Science Fiction of course and Pulpy Doctor Who titles as well. I am an oddbod in that I can have a Book Club in my own head without anyone else present. I find writing my poetry helps with this as well even though I throw away 75% of what I write, I still enjoy coming up with ideas. Look here for some recent poetry:- www.tonyamis.com
I’m also very lucky to have a supportive Wife and supportive family and I do understand not everybody has that, that’s a real bonus but don’t ever feel guilty about things you love doing being not everybody else’s cup of tea.
Be Lucky, Tony
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