UGH - Yet another "if you're retired and not working you're doing nothing and will become depressed, age faster and die younger".
From the article: A lot of people work hard their whole life to retire and then find out that doing nothing isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. A report by the Institute of Economic Affairs found that retirement increases your risk of depression by 40% and many early retirees showed accelerated signs of aging.
Such fallacy. I have no hobby-job and never plan to get one (although I think it's a nice way to go). ER rocks and while there is nothing wrong with continuing to work in retirement, there is nothing wrong with not continuing to work in ER either. Really, being retired isn't doing "nothing" if you don't want it to be and you won't wither up and die shortly after you retire.
My thoughts exactly - why can't I just enjoy being free - unfettered? I have so many interests that there is no way I'd ever become bored. Travel isn't as big a draw for me anymore, because of my past lifestyle and I live 25 minutes from one of the top beaches in the country.
Anyway, I have had several careers and businesses over my lifetime, from a career in global insurance to working as an interpreter to owning a Bistro to freelance Interior Design consulting .... I liked them all, but I am now over it all too:)
I have a fine art photography website - everything from canvas prints to shopping bags and bedding and those cool phone covers of course.
Sometimes I take on a mystery shop.
Lately, I have made money following some of the tips on finance sites and I'm learning more about all aspects of finance.
Future:
Cooking is one of my passions and I have always longed to pass on my passion and share my creativity. I love everything to do with gardening, from garden parties to designing garden rooms to having a veggie garden-potager to herb gardening as well as projects like moasics and experimenting with whatever strikes my fancy. I could see doing a garden walk with my cooking class, using the veggies and herbs for cooking and then relaxing in the gazebo in the party central area with a cool drink and our newest cooking creation.
I'm considering an etsy shop for my jewelry designs, but not sure about that yet.
Volunteering has been on my mind, but nothing has clicked as of yet.
I teach a variety of classes at a community college, including martial arts, beekeeping, personal finance, computer applications, and psychology. None of this is related to my previous career, which was largely operations/finance type stuff. I love teaching classes that are essentially based on hobbies and interests that I have -- it's like having a built-in opportunity to share those hobbies and interests with new people! I work about 25-30 hours per week roughly 32 weeks out of the year. I'll earn ~$55,000 this year. Honestly, I'd probably do about ~90% of the work I do as a volunteer, but if they want to throw money at me who am I to refuse?
You are so lucky:)! That's the reason I'm thinking about offering cooking classes, to share my passion with new people.
Personally, I am perfectly happy with my life, whether I am doing nothing or have a part-time job or just a sidehustle.