Author Topic: Planning on retiring in May  (Read 2261 times)

Giro

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Planning on retiring in May
« on: December 27, 2019, 07:30:47 AM »
I'm self-employed and reached my target $$ last year.  I am working on a contract that ends 9 May and I think I'm going to throw in the towel at that time.  I'm more nervous than excited, though.  I am worried I'll get fat and lazy staying home all day.  I've done some trial runs this year and my work schedule is now SUPER flexible where I'm basically home each day by 2pm.  I've packed on a few pounds and I get out of control quickly by plopping my arse in my recliner. 

How do you stay on track?  I am an avid gym-goer now and my husband is a radical gym-goer.  I'm not trying to stay single digit body fat, but I'm also mid-40's and could easily pack on the pounds if I loosened the reigns, if you will.  My diet is garbage if I'm not monitored.  I guess I'm pretty gluttonous all around, now that I type it out. 

Anyone have schedules after they retire?  I'm going to do a few more trial runs from now until May with a defined daily schedule and see how it goes. 

Also, thought about signing a contract with a Consulting company and working long enough to be eligible for unemployment benefits, but in my state you have to work for 20 weeks.  That seems like a bit much, but I'm keeping that in my back pocket.  Or possibly keeping my business open and just doing part-time work for distractions/staying busy. 

I guess I'm just looking for others to share their experiences and how they deal with the fitness/active side of things.
« Last Edit: December 27, 2019, 07:40:25 AM by Giro »

Dicey

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Re: Planning on retiring in May
« Reply #1 on: December 27, 2019, 09:46:13 AM »
You might want to peruse the Post-FIRE category, or even move your question there (ask the mods). You are more likely to find kindred spirits there. Good luck!

cangelosibrown

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Re: Planning on retiring in May
« Reply #2 on: December 27, 2019, 09:49:35 AM »
I've had the opposite issue. When I'm not working, it's very easy for me to stay active. I'm more of a "go out and do things" guy than a gym-goer though. I have more free-time when I'm not working, and one of the main ways I fill that free time is by going out and doing stuff. When I'm working, I spend my work-time in a chair typing, and I have less time to go out and do stuff. Always put on a few pounds.

For this, and for so many reasons, make sure you think about what you're retiring TO and not just what you're retiring FROM. If your hopes and plans for retirement is to sit in your recliner all day... then yeah, you're gonna be less healthy. If you want to spend all your time rock climbing or trekking the Hindu Kush, then not so much.

JSMustachian

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Re: Planning on retiring in May
« Reply #3 on: December 27, 2019, 01:08:50 PM »
Sell the recliner. Now you have nothing to worry about :)

You will settle in to a new routine so make your work out something you do first thing in the morning just like as you would going to work.

damyst

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Re: Planning on retiring in May
« Reply #4 on: January 02, 2020, 12:35:33 AM »
You're in your mid 40's, right? Never mind the pounds, your mental state would probably deteriorate rapidly if the retirement plan consists of "plopping my arse in my recliner."

I don't think FIREd folks are wired to just relax and mope around the house. It makes no sense for someone to push, push, push for years, then suddenly drop everything and chill for the rest of their lives.

Make a plan such that you stay busy, active, and creative.

Monkey Uncle

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Re: Planning on retiring in May
« Reply #5 on: January 02, 2020, 06:42:18 AM »
I wouldn't say I have a set schedule per se, but I do tend to have a routine.  Coffee and online news, fix breakfast, sometimes a little reading, sometimes on to whatever the activity of the day is, sometimes on to household chores.  My routine does involve a decent amount of ass time every day (mostly reading), but I put in way less time sitting now than I did when I was working behind a desk. 

Before I FIREd, I walked to work every day as a form of exercise.  Now that I'm retired and have the time, I've expanded that daily walk to an hour + every day.  Plus my wife and I walk shelter dogs three days a week.  And I hunt, fish, and/or hike usually once a week or so.  And I do yard work and cut/split/tote firewood (our primary source of heat).

My wife and I have gradually adjusted our eating and drinking habits over the last few years to something that is reasonably healthy and sustainable over the long term.  We've always mostly cooked our own meals and tried to eat a reasonable amount of fresh produce, and now we've right-sized our portions and cut back a little bit on beer.

We've both lost a good bit of weight since I FIREd two years ago.  For me, it's all about building activity and healthy eating into my daily routine; basically, making it a habit.  Going on a diet is completely out of the question.  I'd rather be drawn and quartered than go to a gym, so I have to organize my life around outdoor physical activity, preferably something useful.  But if you are already a regular gym-goer, maybe you're better off doubling down on that commitment.

Bottom line, there's nothing wrong with some relaxing ass time every day, as long as it's balanced by some vigorous physical activity.  I spend a lot more time reading than I used to when I worked, but overall I am more active.  I think that's the big picture balance to shoot for.

Greystache

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Re: Planning on retiring in May
« Reply #6 on: January 02, 2020, 06:45:18 AM »
I retired at age 55 five years ago.  I have struggled to maintain my weight. I hate going to the gym. I find it much more satisfying to engage in an active hobby or sport. Even if it is just walking. 
I really urge you to make an effort to optimize your diet.  I did not get my diet sorted out until I was 50 years old and 50 pounds overweight. I decided to lose 50 pounds in 50 weeks before I turned 50 years old.  Best decision I ever made.  Not only did a good diet help me lose weight, it really made a dramatic difference in my overall well being.

Giro

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Re: Planning on retiring in May
« Reply #7 on: January 02, 2020, 08:14:20 AM »
Do you have savings pension insurance?

Do you mean like a defined annuity?  I don't know what savings pension insurance is, so no I don't have it.  I also don't have an annuity. 


quote author=damyst link=topic=110237.msg2527426#msg2527426 date=1577950533]
You're in your mid 40's, right? Never mind the pounds, your mental state would probably deteriorate rapidly if the retirement plan consists of "plopping my arse in my recliner."

I don't think FIREd folks are wired to just relax and mope around the house. It makes no sense for someone to push, push, push for years, then suddenly drop everything and chill for the rest of their lives.

Make a plan such that you stay busy, active, and creative.

[/quote]

You are right.  I am going to start building a list and a draft schedule.  I need structure for sure.  I'm not sure I have a creative bone in my body, but my daughter is learning to play the guitar, maybe I could try something like that. 

Thanks for all the responses.  After years of excitement at the thought of retiring early, the intense fear caught me a little of guard.   

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!