Need some ideas on how retirement works????

JD Seller

Well-known Member
One of my goals was to help my family get started in life better than my wife and I had too. For the most part this has happened.

I also wanted to help my kids be successful at what they want to do in life. I think this is going fairly well.

Part of this included me stepping back from the farming. I tend to "lead" whether they wanted it or not. I do/did not want them to suddenly be dropped in the hot seat after I am gone. I have seen too many times where the father would not let loose of the controls and the son/sons never learned how to manage the everyday issues that farming throws at you.

This has been one of the hardest things I have ever done. I don't have the "fire" to go full bore but to kind of quit cold turkey has been tough.

So now what????? I have been working with a friend at his Fert/chem dealership. That fills the time in but is not what I want to do long term.

I don't/can't work on equipment much anymore. I do my own stuff but am not interested in someone else's stuff. I want to work at my schedule not someone else's.

The old tractors/equipment is losing the interest I once felt for it. Maybe in few years when the younger Grand sons are older they will want to get into it. My sons are too busy for that right now.

I have done a lot of stuff in my life and enjoyed the ride mostly. LOL Just don't have the fire to really do much of anything but am not happy sitting on my butt either.

Thought about building another shop at this house. Just not really sure if I would use it enough to be worth the time, cost, and effort to build it.

Still thinking about building a new "retirement" home for the wife and I. Not real excited about that either.

Not depressed or anything, just have not had anything jump up and catch my interest right at the moment. LOL I will admit I have gotten the attention span of gnat at times anymore.

Never been a hobby type of guy. Fast cars and fast women are out too. LOL Too old for both.

How have you guys worked out your retirement years???
 
I'm not retired,probably never will ever to be able to.Lot of folks get great joy/satisfaction from volunteering/mentoring.
 
Larry your NOT getting me around any TURNIPS!!!! LOL

Plus the wife will not let me go out of state for that long. Kind of like probation. LOL
 
Steve, I have thought about that but I am finding that I am getting less tolerant of IDIOTS as I get older. LOL

Truthfully I have less patience than I used to even with the grand kids. The two younger grand sons sometimes get to me where I have to get them or me away from them. One of us needs the break. LOL

I have actually thought about getting more serious into the blacksmithing but I really, really do not like horses. I like doing the twisted decretive type of stuff but it is just getting to be too hard of work for me to do much of it. My wrists just will not take the hammering.
 
Ideas are like arm pits. We've all got some,so here's mine. Step back and let your kids do it. Be involved enough to be able to see if a bad decision is about to happen. Give advice when necessary. Be clear in your own mind that who ever takes over has the ability and integrity to assume that responsibility. I'm sure whoever that person is will not do everything as you would but that's OK. I'd say your biggest decision is picking the right person/persons to follow you. Then when you're free to "retire" have some hobbies/activities that you can "work" at to keep your self busy.I've been retired for 13 years now and am busier than I've ever been..... doing things that I enjoy. I taught at the local junior college for 28 years in an adjunct position and had "retired" from that 14-15 years ago. Guess what? I'm back teaching the same subject I taught back then. I still enjoy it a lot but I really miss "my" time.I carve, travel, work at my church,help neighbors in addition to maintaining my place.Good luck!!
 
Might want to think about "going south for the winter" like a lot of people do. Try different locations, rent some space and see how you like it. The campground where my brother lives during the winter in his mobile home has quite a few farmers that spend the winter there, so you would have something in common with the residents. They have lots of different activities there.

When you return in the spring, you will probably have a different outlook on your situation as regards the farm.
 
You are probably about my age. Our generation has worked all our lives, so retirement doesn't come naturally to us. I retired several years ago and found that I am not good at doing nothing. Like you, I can't do physical labor as well as I did in the past, but was fortunate to find part time work doing some consulting and mentoring. That keeps me busy and adds a bit to my income.

Sounds like you have not yet found your passion. Here is a suggestion...make a list of things you are good at and enjoy. No matter how goofy some things seem, put them on the list anyway. I bet you will be surprised at the number of things on the list. Then, start narrowing the list until you have a couple of things you may want to look into.

The worst thing you can do is sit down and quit. Good luck
 
JD ron----I am 69 and have been driving out of state for a local trucking co. I just drive those small Sprinter vans. I work maybe 4-7 days per month and have been to all the lower 48.
No LB with the SPRINTER.
Just back from Flagstaff --4200 miles.
 
Jd; It seems like only a year or less I was reading your adventures about fixing the silo unloader and how you had to go up and down that thing many times. At that time I wondered how do you do it ? Seemed like you were a real go getter. What happened in such a short time ? Did I read something about maybe a doctor giving you different meds or maybe meds where you weren't using any before ? If so I betting they are goofing you up. The guy writing here is not the same fellow who was here not that long ago. Seems like something went bad in a short period of time ? But time does fly by and maybe many years have past ?
 
I've been retired since '95. Grew up on the farm and never got the farm out of me. Found that restoring farm equipment (old/small stuff) was satisfying. Maybe you can find a friend that has a mutual interest in your hobby, and that makes it much more satisfying. Right now I'm sort of at a loss since I've lost those mutual friends. (I'm in my early 80's, so my hobby interests are waning)
 

With all your knowledge you could help others to succeed by being in sales. You seem to in particular know a lot about John Deere tractors and equipment. Maybe you could go and be a part time seller of JDs :D
 
I retired about four years ago. I work on an as needed basis doing estimates for a contractor. It gives me a little pocket money to putter with other things. I do a lot of habitat work and food plots, cut wood for the winter, run beagles for fun, hunting, and field trials. A widower and another friend and I go for dinner every coupe of weeks--my wife works 2nd shift. If I had more money, I would travel. I'd love to see Allan's spread and a lot of the mid-west states: Iowa, the Dakotas, Kansas and Oklahoma. I have a real interest in original prairie and grasslands.

Larry
 
JD Seller,
You could fill some of your time by writing a book about you/your family/farming stories. (You don't ever have to try to publish it.) You seem to have a talent for writing and I'll bet someday your sons and grandkids will enjoy reading it.

Along the lines of...
-stories about your youth (about your dad and grandad... like about Balster Implement story)
- stories about your first wife would help the boys know her better
- stories about being a widowed dad
- stories about your life with your current wife
- the family cemetery story
- the story when one son broke something and you were angry as all-get-out
 
You pretty much stereotyped me. I didn't have the farming to the extent you do but the rest of it fits to a T. I don't worry about it, just live one day at a time. I had terminal lymphnode cancer in 2013 but that has been gone for over a year thanks to some super cancer folks in a Texas Oncology facility about 25 miles down the road.

I feel fine now and just do what I feel like doing. I traveled a lot when working and have no aspirations for that. I fished most of my life and tired of that. I took up farming on a small scale when I had to get the kids out of town 40 years ago and that has dimmed somewhat but is still my main enjoyment, along with the shop that supports it. I did restore old tractors for awhile and after 7 quit that.

On days I can't get out due to weather I work cross word puzzles now. Since I talk to few people and don't go to town much, my vocabulary and recollection had been fading significantly. Since working the puzzles, I find that both have been restored significantly. Also there is some "wordmanship" in working around to get the tough parts solved and when you win it feels good.

I don't work on equipment like I did. I change the oil in my truck but other than that I take it to the dealer down the road. That's why I bought a Chevy this time.......closest dealer.

I take care of my equipment and tractors however.

Picked up a few model airplanes and built them but that soon vaned. But I seem to stay busy doing something every day. Like last week I decided to level my shop so I got involved in that. Before that I converted a drag hay crimper to a 3 pt. Before that took an old riding lawn mower and made a power/hydraulic unit for a log splitter which was a lot of fun.

I didn't think about going to work, even part time because I like my loose lifestyle uncluttered by schedules I have to meet. Other reason is that SS comes into play in the tax arena and you are double taxed on any outside income. That puts you in the 30% bracket right off and other than to have something to do, why work for that kind of penalty.

I thought about volunteer work but schedules are attached to that too.

Just go with the flow for awhile and see what happens.

But remember: The glass is HALF FULL.

Mark
 
Come visit for a few days!! We aren't all that far apart, but I will guarantee our area and your area are about as different as you can get!
 
Sounds like Mama Nature is telling you it's time to slow down a bit. I was kinda forced into it with shoulder injuries and it does take a while to sort out things. The trick is to keep busy doing something you like without being wedded to it. Hunting, fishing, reading, travel a bit, volunteer work at the local historical society??? My advice would be to relax, not worry too much about the sudden lack of desire for the things you were doing and let things sort themsleves out over a period of time.

I have to admit that it is always nagging the back of my mind about what am I gonna do when I get too cobbed up to cut my own firewood, etc. Can drive you bonkers if you let it.
 
JD, I also have been retired for a few years. Also have been busier than ever. Not ready for the rocking chair by a long shot.
Over my working life, I was a career auto mechanic for many years. I became proficient and expert at all auto repairs (electronics included) over the years. When the trade got too rough (many reasons - mostly management) I went and got my CDL and drove big trucks. Never got my hands out of the auto repair. though. Just became independent and choosy about what jobs I took on.
Trucking was getting to be a PITA, so as soon as I could see my way clear, I dropped out. That was 3 years ago, and it was my unofficial and undeclared retirement. Started my SS about a year ago.
I have been ever so busy doing some automotive repair work for friends and family, consulting part time for a couple of local repair shops, doing some volunteer work for a couple of local organic farmers, raising the best gardens I have ever had, doing canning and preserving, and the list goes on. I now wonder how I ever had the time for a full time job.

Oh.....also made time for some fishing, treasure hunting with my metal detector, and some small game hunting on a local farm.
 
Like you I have reached the age and stage in life (semi retired, small part time law practice WHEN I want) where I lead an extremely lowwwwwww stress lifestyle, basically do what I want, when and where I want, on my own schedule and terms, and don't give a hoot what others say or think. That not caring what others say or think brings such emotional freedom peace and joy. They can kiss my grits, screw them lol. I'm an old fashion Christian Conservative Patriotic Fuddy Duddy (God Family Country) and if others dont like that they need to practice what Liberals are always telling them TAKE SENSITIVITY TRAINING, BE MORE TOLERANT OF OTHERS, CELEBRATE DIVERSITY, DONT IMPOSE YOUR VALUES ON OTHERS, BE ACCEPTING OF OTHERS (Somehow they say that demanding others accept them, but dare to be different that's all out the door and you're a right wing bigot homophobe radical extremist or tea bagger lol lol)


HOWEVER one needs an interest or hobby or activity you thoroughly love and enjoy that keeps you interested and planning and on the go NOT BECOMMING A COUCH POTATO.

Other things that help in retirement are GETTING RID OF UN NEEDED "STUFF" As the old saying goes, a person who owns little is little owned. the more "stuff" you have the more maintenance and upkeep and expense and insurance on and on and on GET RID OF IT. Who needs the worry and stress and bills.

A city dude moved next door to an Amish family and the Amishman sees them packing in electronics and DVD's and TV's and I Pods and I Pads so he tells the city dude if you need help with that stuff let me know. City dude says what do you know about those things. Amishman says "I can teach you how to live WITHOUT them".

SIMPLIFY AND STREAMLINE YOUR LIFE For example all banking and bills and savings and income etc. I HAVE ON AUTOMATIC PILOT. My income is deposited, my bills are all paid automatically I have no worries about any of that other then I check and monitor it for any problems.

HAVE YOUR LIFE AND FINANCES AND ESTATE PLANNING IN ORDER that reduces stress and worry on you and your loved ones when you pass.

Relax, live, love, volunteer, help others, be charitable, take care of your family STAY CLOSE TO GOD, be at peace, that's the answer.

My particular hobby and passion and joy is RV travel visiting Americas National Parks (Americas Greatest idea), plus antique tractor shows, bluegrass festivals, friends, family SUCH FREEDOM AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH and very affordable

So if you want to retire, learn to CHILL OUT and Let go and let God. Get a hobby or passion and pursue it and get rid of all else and too much STUFF and absolutely no stress...

Life is good but God has blessed me and my family, thank him

Ol John T, Conservative and so very very proud and happy for it.....Dont worry what others think of you, that's their problem NOT yours.
 
I don't know your age JD Seller, but I bet you are selling yourself short.
I retire in 1991 at age 57 and I tried the travel and the "go south" thing, but I couldn't wait until I got back home where my toys were. Tractors of course! I was already hobby farming on the old dairy farm that I owned so I just expanded what I was doing and started a small beef and crop operation which led to buying more land and to renting some until my hobby is pretty time consuming.
But I am happy with what I am doing and, other than a bad back, I am in very good health which I believe is because of my lifestyle.
You are wise to plan your life after retiring and I hope you find something that makes you look forward to doing it. Have a long and happy retiree life.
 
JD, sounds like you have everything in place for your bride and yourself for the latter years of ones life. I wouldnt just sit around though. That tends to make one lazy and i am not saying that you are or ever were. Just sitting is no good for the body or mind. Your knowledge of the things you have done in life are irreplaceable. lend your knowledge to a younger farmer.I know your a smart man because just the little amout of time ive been on YT i have read several of your post about stuff. I dont comment much on them but i have read them. I never plan on retireing i want to always do something actually im kinda scared of it. Even the word retire gives me the creeps. Its like death is near. Well i aint going easy the Good Lord gonna have to find me and when he does ill be kickin and screaming the whole way out. I guess this was a long version of telling you to get off your Butt JD and Get-R-Done. LOL . And i always enjoy reading your post.
 
I have committed myself to the Bible verse: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.Not as many distractions at this stage of life.
This has been my greatest adventure. Wish I would have started it sooner!
 
Don't retire until you're ready. When you're ready don't look back. Retirement is different for everyone. All my dad wanted to do when he retired was relax. He got very good at it. For me that wouldn't work. Been retired for 3 years. I still hunt, fish, golf, snowmobile and have 1 old car and 8 tractors to work on. Throw in an occasional trip/vacation (like you need a vacation from retirement) and life is pretty complete. The key to what ever you do is to set yourself up financially so working is something you do because you enjoy it, not because you have to. I don't have enough time for my hobbies, let alone a job!
 
I retired from the US Government 25 years ago. I wasn't retired very long before defense contractors were calling. I worked for them another 10 years to pay up my SS. We had the home paid for before I retired and we're planning on staying here. We're both in our 80's and both in good health so far.

I would build that retirement home and get it paid off. I would build it on one floor with a basement. There's always something that needs to be done around the home to keep you busy. Hal
 
I retired at 55. Never looked back. Part of my retirement income is pension and rental incomes. Going to wait to cash in on a big SS check when I turn 70. If I don't live to 70, the rest of you can thank me for saving SS.

I built a new home for my wife before she died in 2000. Still have the place. Did 90% of the work myself. It's paid for, more like my office and a place for grand kids to come to. So build now, not later. Make an energy efficient home, insulation, best windows and doors, brick it, don't cound on expensive energy saving heating systems that break down.

Like you, I never had a hobby, enjoy working, doing things. I like playing with my old tractors. Actually my old tractors are used to do everything, mowing, snow removal, moving dirt, working in garden and flower beds.

Life is good.
 
Sounds trite but Life is What you make it.I'm semi retired and have many projects that I work on and will never get to some but I'm never bored either.If I were in your mind set I'd take the wife get in the car and just drive and see the World stop and look at what interested me and get a different perspective on life.
 
JD,

Be a little watchful, depression can have the symptoms you say. It is a huge change of life moving from doing everything to letting others do it.

Take it slow but sure.
 
I have a horse I kinda ride,and a tractor I kinda pull.Also are sorteof building another tractor to pull. But right now I have to take a load of beans to the elevator, and another one is in the auger wagon. :) Vic
 
I've been retired for just over 2 years. Found it too easy to take it easy if I didn't feel good. Discussed it with the wife, she wasn't overly happy about it but supported me, I went back to work part time. I decided when I did this it would be doing something I liked, be close to home and be only a few hours per week on the average 10 to 20 hours. In August I went to work part time for an automotive parts store. I do counter sales, warehouse pickups, commercial parts delivery and a few other various tasks. Really enjoying it and banking the money for any essential item that comes up along with non-essential items and entertainment for the wife and myself. Also doing automotive and tractor work around the house. Still have a house interior project that I need to get back to.
 
I'm at the age of retirement but don't plan on formally going that route. One son in college and one is severely handicapped and will never be able to live and work independently. Fortunately, I have some tools and a few minor toys to work on and help the neighbors keep their machines running. Social Security Disability watches my handicapped sons income due to investments we started before the boys were born. A constant worry they will take that little account away from him. God trusts us to take care of our handicapped son or he never would have given him to us. I buy used books now and then to learn new things. I really enjoyed my South Bend lathe manual even though I don't own a lathe. It keeps my mind busy because I don't care much for TV these days. No, I really don't think of retiring as a goal to reach. I don't sit well when there is something I can do.
 
JD, I retired over 12 years ago from the phone company and just went into my life's passion of farming full time at 54. Now, as time goes, I find that I can't do the things I did at forty. So, I do what I feel like when I want to. Planting, baling, feeding, etc, that has to be done, I do. But, if it's too hot, I take the afternoon off. Or, if I feel like going hunting, I do. I go to a coffee club most mornings and help solve some of the world problems, then come home and figger out what I feel like doing today- which is getting to be more of finishing yesterday's work- little or nothing. It's great. I can avoid the grandkids and kids. I can roam at will. And I can run like hail from anything that just doesn't tickle my fancy. You'll fit in just fine....
 
Everyone will have different ideas on what worked in their life. I helped Dad farm up until I was a senior in school in 1960. About that time Dad stopped farming. Land was selling, and farming was coming to a end. Dad kept working doing discing for others. At that time there were a lot of flower grows he worked for. He worked up to his early 80's I worked several factory jobs doing machinery repair work. I always liked mechanical things, which helped me land job with a computer company doing machinery repair. Not computer repair. I retired after 36 years with them. I worked nights. During the day I started dad's discing business, and added mowing. which still do. I was heading down the same road as Dad working all my life until my wife talked me into getting a motor home about three years ago. We take several trips a year. Growing up I always had old cars, or motorcycles. I still have old cars, and motorcycles, which I work on as a hobby. At 72 I have projects I will never finish, but the thought of having them around to work on keeps me interested. I have my tractors, but I consider them as work things, not my hobby and just keep them in good operating condition. Our fathers probably didn't have hobbies. If my Dad had hobby it was working. You must have something you are a little interested in you can expand on, and get interested as a hobby. From some of your posts sounds like your kids are doing ok so far. Someone else said let them solo by them selves, just be there before they crash. You might be like myself. I am comfortable where I am, and don't want to do new things. My motorhome changed that for me and my wife. might be something to think about. A different thought about building a new house. When I get tired of working on my motorcycles or my old 52 Plymouth, I just quit for a while. When you start a house it is a long commitment. Just be prepared for the long hall. Stan
 
Youre welcome, but of course, that's what works for me but may well NOT work for others, to each their own.

Thanks,

John T
 
Hi, JD!
X3+ on not becoming a couch potato - its a fast way to a slow death, especially if you embrace "CAN'T" as the most used adjective in your vocabulary.
Agree we don't tolerate pain or fools as well as we get older - and, yes, we all need a break, especially if handing off the business, and maybe ensuring the younger folks truly "Take Charge"?
But, your retirement:
1) make sure you get your health checked out thoroughly, especially sleep apnea, its a killer for us older guys and gals.
2) Make a list of what you ALWAYS wanted to do, but haven't had time/money/energy to yet do.
3) Consider going to take some courses - - a course you always wanted to learn (mine is astronomy).
4) Build the new shop - -if you have it, its yours, no one else should be in it unless you WANT them there, and its there IF you do want to woodwork, old cars, old tractors, old men's club, etc.....If its not there, you won't, and that's a fast way to "I CAN'T", then get to azzsitticus disease...
5) How about volunteering at the JD "Pavilion" as a tour guide? You know the equipment, its sales, its usage, history.
6) Buy a decent but modest motor home, travel some, and see what looks good to do (see BREAK comment above).
7) Volunteer work? e.g., Cook catfish for local fire house, read books with pre-schoolers, drive van for special needs folks, mission trip to work on churches, etc???
8) Go to Texas and help the Howells remove their wild pig problem (if so, pick me up on the way down!!!)

Best Wishes!
 
(quoted from post at 21:57:06 10/27/14) One of my goals was to help my family get started in life better than my wife and I had too. For the most part this has happened.

I also wanted to help my kids be successful at what they want to do in life. I think this is going fairly well.

Part of this included me stepping back from the farming. I tend to "lead" whether they wanted it or not. I do/did not want them to suddenly be dropped in the hot seat after I am gone. I have seen too many times where the father would not let loose of the controls and the son/sons never learned how to manage the everyday issues that farming throws at you.

This has been one of the hardest things I have ever done. I don't have the "fire" to go full bore but to kind of quit cold turkey has been tough.

So now what????? I have been working with a friend at his Fert/chem dealership. That fills the time in but is not what I want to do long term.

I don't/can't work on equipment much anymore. I do my own stuff but am not interested in someone else's stuff. I want to work at my schedule not someone else's.

The old tractors/equipment is losing the interest I once felt for it. Maybe in few years when the younger Grand sons are older they will want to get into it. My sons are too busy for that right now.

I have done a lot of stuff in my life and enjoyed the ride mostly. LOL Just don't have the fire to really do much of anything but am not happy sitting on my butt either.

Thought about building another shop at this house. Just not really sure if I would use it enough to be worth the time, cost, and effort to build it.

Still thinking about building a new "retirement" home for the wife and I. Not real excited about that either.

Not depressed or anything, just have not had anything jump up and catch my interest right at the moment. LOL I will admit I have gotten the attention span of gnat at times anymore.

Never been a hobby type of guy. Fast cars and fast women are out too. LOL Too old for both.

How have you guys worked out your retirement years???
DseIIer i am in the same boat as you minus the kids on the farm for a coupe years now.
I can't go on doing what i do but can't seem to quit either.
My work and hobbies were farming/ranching and fixing/rebuiIding equipment but i am Iosing interest in both.
I find myseIf doing onIy what[b:ffcb6e8adb] has [/b:ffcb6e8adb]to be done and i even baIk at doing that at times.
I used to be fuII of pizz and vinegar but that has IargeIy dissapeared.

I have not found a soIution yet
 
I retired at 55 in 2007 from a large company. I had always planned on working until 62, but with company's new direction and 22 yr old managers I just couldn't take it any more. as I worked a lot of hours trying to provide a better life for my kids than I had, I tried spending all my spare time with my kids after retirement trying to make up for working so much. it took a while, but I realized they had grown up. while they love and respect me, they aren't my little kids any longer, and had their own life going on. now I spend my spare time with the grandkids. when I'm gone, I truly feel they will miss me more than my children. I guess I'm kind of building a legacy. I stay busy around here, but always put a little extra effort into the grandkids.
 
My dad retired 10 years ago, he is 74 now. He reads books mostly, plays golf when the weather is nice. He was a sales guy, not a real hands on guy. He is getting bored, but will not admit it.

Think of retirement this way:
6 Saturdays and 1 Sunday everyweek.
You can do what you want when you want.
You have time to learn a new trade that
you did not have time for before.

As far as me.....I am in my mid 40s. Retirement is 18+ years out. I would like to learn wood carving. I might have that be the trade that I learn in retirement. Or something else, I have time.

Remember:
Real retirement is a long dirt nap.
Stay active, do not sit in front of the TV.
That is a sure way to rot away to nothing.
 
when retired I bought 80 acres of timber on the side of a mountain built a house then sold it at a good profit moved north and bought a nice 37 acre farm just my size to play with. bought cattle and then used them to keep busy until i had me second heart attack sold all my cows and turned the place over a very god friend who raises cattle and helps me with a 2 acre garden just to busy in the summertime. when my wife passed away in August i just lost all interest in the place also they put a difibulator pacemaker in and that pretty much stopped my working on equipment and welding things. so i do a lot of watching TV and playing with my new laptop.darn i wish i had my IPad back it was so much simpler. at 76 with a bum ticker i'm pretty much stuck to light things now. like house cleaning,cooking and such darn i miss my wife.
Walt
 
I guess I have been thinking the same. When its time to Retire. John T has a plan and a damm good one from whats there to read. John T I will plan to do something the same just in my style. I have read and re-read this post 3 times now, still getting ideas. I thank all my Tractor Buddies for there thoughts.
 
Don't worry about it man. Just kick back and go with the flow.
You've been there, done that. Time to relax.

Every day I tell myself I'm not the guy I used to be and I have to
get used to it and I am coming around. Example is pills. Never
was a pill popper. Now they keep my BP regulated, help me to
pee at night when my BP water pill does it's thing, 5 mg of
Melatonin to help me get back to sleep after that exercise about
every 2 hours, keep my "pipes" limber with another so I don't
have pipe blockage due to cholesterol (no way will I take
medicine for that), help with functions that otherwise would be
yesteryear......starts with V, another OTC to keep my finger joints
functioning, a little pain reliever (Tylenol) to help with my aches
and pains, and on and on.

Just made up my mind that this is what you have to do to have a
"quality of life".

I'm a happy camper as the saying goes but my camp ground is at
home.

Mark
 
Some very good and widespread views on this topic. Thanks to all. Being 62 in a few months has me wondering about doing something else. Been the mgr of a small business that has grown considerably in 34 years. Said I would hang it up when it was no longer fun. This year has been by far the busiest and least fun. Might be telling me something just can't decide what to do next. My wife retired in June at 61 might be a tad bit of jealously there too. We all figure it out
 
I retired 17 years ago with a personal commitment to make wooden toys for church preschools and a children's hospital. The first year I worked 14 hours a day in the shop making toys plus some more oak furniture.

The next year I cut back to 12 hours per day, then down to 8 hours, then down to 4 hours per day. Due to 2 different personal injuries, I haven't done any woodworking for the past year. I may/may not ever do anymore woodwork, as I'm just 5 weeks away from turning 80.

Do what you really want to do; decline to do anything that you don't want to do.

Keep up an exercise routine, especially taking walks daily, or walking on a treadmill at your pace.

When we retired, we decided that we didn't need the calories that 3 meals would give us, so we only have breakfast and lunch, plus a snack in mid-afternoon. No supper/dinner.
 
I retired 2 yrs ago and I couldn't say it any better than John T down below. One thing to remember, STRESS kills, stress weakens the body's defenses. Trouble is we are old before we realize/believe this and if you add "old" to "stress" it is a recipe for an early "trip". I keep busy and have hobbies and projects but I have rules that apply now. I try not to do things that require someone elses help , I try not to do things that are going to make wife/family scared to death I'm going to get hurt , I try not to start something that if hurt tomorrow someone else would have to finish , I will NOT create "projects" for others as they have their own busy life. Like John T said ,organize , simplify,streamline , and be that person everyone in the family wants to remember with a laugh.
 
JD,

I retired 15 years ago from a stressful job. My doctor "ordered" me out of there. I spent a bunch of time on doing delayed maintenance projects on the house and barns. I had to invent some new techniques to do some of the heavy work alone, but that just added to the challenge.

I did get into blacksmithing, but my body has its limitations. No big deal, the metal can be heated again tomorrow. There is a wonderful "tool" that has come about for smithing. It is a sort of power hammer that uses a foot operated lever to pull down the spring loaded hammer. The hammer can be weighted to more than 50 lbs and is very effective. You can build the thing entirely yourself, as you have the skills. You might find it on Google under "treadle hammer". I really enjoy our bimonthly meetings, as there are incredibly talented people doing metal work. When I want to be a purist, I work over a coal fired forge. And when I just want to hammer something out, I fire up the small propane forge. I may play with horse shoes, especially while demonstrating at our local harvest show, but when our horses needed work done, I call the farrier. Today's blacksmith is unlikely to know the details of what is necessary for horses. I would bet that there is a similar club near where you live. Look out over the fence, there are some really interesting things to do out there!

Best Wishes,

Paul in MN
 
I turned 72 this year and retired after 50+ years of farming. Still getting settled into our new to us home. A friend told me "The only bad thing about retirement is that you never get a day off."
 
I "retired" twice. The first time I dropped all of my management responsibility( I was VP of a 180 man shop), went to part time, and did my first love--designing and building special machines. Absolutely loved it, and it was good way to "taper off" for a few years. Finally retired 5 years ago to my little farm and the old machinery. Now I don't have to cut wood on Saturday or Sunday, I can wait until its a nice day. I am on four county boards, trustee at our Elks, and help my neighbors whenever I can. And I occasionally do a little consulting, plus some work at church. My wife and I do have one vice now that we're both retired. We both read a major newspaper every day, comics, crosswords, and all. You must do something every day just because you want to. It's good for the soul.

Now I'm facing something new for me--major surgery on my shoulder that will keep me from working most of the winter. Just not sure how I'll handle not cutting firewood or heating with wood or building furniture or plowing snow. Life moves on, so I guess I'll find out.
 
if its just the hammering couldn't you make up a mechanical hammer. maybe a variable speed motor driving a cam/crankshaft.foot controlled both hands free to hold workpiece?
i would like to do some blacksmithing someday to, maybe if I retire?
 

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