Non-Financial Transition Plans for Those Have Already Retired or Are About To...

[BPA]

I plan to RE in 360 Days (well, more specifically 360 Days, 3 Hours, 50 minutes, but who is counting?).

The non-financial part of my retirement plan includes the following:
1.  become a professional student (at least for a while since I loved being a student)
2.  be healthier (get more exercise and sleep)
3.  do some relatively inexpensive renovations to my house to have it sale ready (in case I decide I want to up and leave)

To make the transition easier, today I applied to do a second degree and plan to start it part-time four months before I quit.  Eventually, I would like to do a Masters degree and maybe teach or TA in that area.   I find that I get healthier just by virtue of not working when I am on holidays, so if retirement is one long summer vacation, that will follow naturally.  I will probably need to learn a lot to make my house the way I want it and to do most of it on my own, but I am up for that challenge.

I told my mom about my transition plan this morning and she said that the biggest problem for her when she first retired was finding something to do.  I hate being bored, so I think this transition plan will keep me stimulated and will ease me out of work and into my new life.

What sort of transition did you or do you plan?

Getting more ideas can only help, I figure.

[Cassie]

I think you have a good plan.  When we first retired it felt great for 6 months since we were in process of moving etc. But very quickly we got bored & now both do p.t. consulting in our fields which we love.  However, I was aware of this possibility before retiring so not really surprised by it.

[BPA]

I think you have a good plan.  When we first retired it felt great for 6 months since we were in process of moving etc. But very quickly we got bored & now both do p.t. consulting in our fields which we love.  However, I was aware of this possibility before retiring so not really surprised by it.

Thanks.  Sadly, in my line of work, consulting is saved for the buttkissers and people who have no practical knowledge otherwise that would sound fantastic.  I do think TAing would be a good idea for at least a while.  I'm glad it's working out for you.

It's exciting to put together a plan...and a little unnerving. 

[Cassie]

It really is wonderful not to have to work f.t. anymore & have a schedule. Now my schedule it of my own making. I think you will enjoy having more free time & control over how you spend your time.  I also now have time to help friends that need it. A few became disabled in late 50's & I can run errands for them, take to doc appts, etc.  It really helps especially when people do not have families anymore or they live far away.  I also volunteer for a dog rescue.

[Heather in Ottawa]

Congratulations! Good that you're making a plan to stay involved.
My plan is to get into some volunteer work more actively (I already do some, but could take on a busier role), which will really help with the social connections.