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Retire with purpose

 I was so excited when I retired. I loved my work but I just KNEW it was time to retire. I was going to retire well! I had a plan! Little did I know… I struggled for around 18 months with a lack of purpose and a feeling of invisibility. Who was I without a job? Others have since told me the same thing. So by all means have a plan—just don’t expect it to be exactly what you imagine. Supportive family and friends are important but no-one else will know exactly how you feel.

Three and a half years later I happy with where I am and who I am. Even though I am an introvert I missed the social aspect of working. Now I meet with a group of friends every week for lunch at a nearby café. I also meet once a week with a good friend at another café. I have already mentioned I love coffee—flat whites actually. We have a great café culture where I live and we happily spend a couple of hours together enjoying the café experience. My ‘pocket money’ covers this.

I have a weekly lunch date with my husband also which is worked into our budget--we very rarely go over budget. As my retired husband and I each have our own hobbies, this is a way to ensure we connect and enjoy time together.

I love Sunday mornings at church and Sunday afternoons relaxing. I am a structured person, so have a structure for each day but try and remain flexible for the unexpected.

I volunteer—serving others is a pleasure and it’s good to give back.

I have a hobby and spend some hours on that.

Apart from coffee, reading is what ‘fills my bucket’. So I factor in reading every day, even if just for a little time. I belong to the library and ask family to give me book vouchers for birthdays and Christmas so it doesn’t impact on my budget.

My days are full and enjoyable. I have purpose once more.

So I urge you if you are struggling with the same issues, find a way to socialise regularly, spend time with friends, volunteer, develop a hobby and find something that really makes you happy (which might also be your hobby).

Happy retirement.

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