
If you are in your 50s or 60s, you are probably looking forward to retirement with eagerness and anticipation. Because retirement is a well-deserved reward that you have earned with decades of hard work.
But perhaps you are unsure about what retirement will be like. It is common to feel uncertain about whether you will be happy or not after you stop working. There are many reasons people love being retired.
Here are 7 things people like most about retirement.
1. The Feeling of Freedom.
Most retirees appreciate the feeling of freedom. There is no pressure, no stress, and no problems. You do not need to worry about your career path, getting kids into college and paying for their education, or keeping up with your neighbors.
Also, retirees love not having work-related stress in their life. You do not have to set up an alarm clock if you don’t want to. You can move to the city or another country. You can do something or do nothing. Or you can do what you want where you want.
You may find that you enjoy having a slow morning routine because you don’t have to worry about getting up early for work and rushing out of the house. You may discover that you enjoy the late-night TV shows that you couldn’t watch when you worked. Or you like to go for a walk late at night when it is calm and peaceful. It is your choice to spend the days the way you like it.
2. Having No Rush in Life.
After spending decades working and building their careers, most people appreciate that there is no rush in their life. Finally, you have time to enjoy the pleasure of a simple life.
It could be sitting outside in your backyard, enjoying a morning walk, or just having time to spend with your family. Many retirees find that the simple things in life are the most rewarding.
If you do not have to rush anywhere it is easier to be spontaneous.
If you feel the urge to get out of the house and do something different than your everyday routine, then do it. It is a beautiful day, and you feel like postponing your chores and spending time outdoors. You can sit on a deck with your morning coffee and a good book or take a walk in the park.
And if you want to take a day trip then go for it. If your friend invites you to get together, you can more easily say yes.
3. Control of Your Own Time.
Being in charge of your own time is a dream coming true for many retirees.
During a busy career, you get used to living by other people’s agenda. You have your company agenda, your boss, your clients, etc. There is little time left for your own agenda in life. That is why having your own schedule, not someone else’s, becomes an important part of retirement life.
Mornings without an alarm clock. Days without a boss or deadline. A simple life. Being able to do anything at a slower pace often brings joy in retirement. If it doesn’t get done today, there is always tomorrow. You have more time for yourself and get to do the things you might enjoy doing without being rushed.
You can run errands mid-day or in the evening when the stores are less crowded. You can schedule doctor’s and dentist appointments in the middle of the day when they are more likely to have available times.
4. Being Free of Money Worries.
The fear of running out of money in retirement is still a hot topic on many retirement websites. Even though many retirees worry about outliving their retirement savings, there are still many others who feel financially secure.
While you are working, you enjoy a regular income from your job. Many people become accustomed to a high standard of living without much focus on spending. However, when you retire, the amount of money you have available will change. So, you have to adjust your spending habits accordingly.
It would be a smart idea to create a new retirement budget and monitor your finances together with your spouse. When both spouses understand their financial situation and agree upon boundaries, there is no conflict over money.
Helpful articles:
- 8 Budget Categories You’ll Likely Spend More in Retirement
- How to Reduce Financial Stress Before Retirement
- 8 Simple Ways to Get Your Finances Under Control
- How to Cut Expenses Before You Retire
5. Time to Travel the World.
Everyone has a different idea of their dream retirement. Some people anticipate years of travel and adventure, while others are envisioning staying home and relaxing or gardening and playing golf.
However, the most common retirement dream is to travel the world.
Retirement is the time in life when people decide they are finally ready and able to travel. With more free time and often more financial freedom it is easy to start exploring the world and live a more adventurous lifestyle. People like to make a retirement bucket list with the destinations they want to explore and things they want to do in retirement.
Helpful articles:
- 5 Reasons You Should Have a Retirement Bucket List
- 25 Practical Tips for Retirement Travel on a Budget
- Retirement Travel Tips for Planning a Vacation
6. Time to Explore New Activities.
During working years, you have limited time for activities you truly enjoy. But after you retire, you will have much more time to spend on interests that bring you a sense of fulfillment.
Sitting on a couch and watching Netflix will not fit the profile of a dream retirement.
The happiest retirees know how to stay active and engage in hobbies and activities on a regular basis. It does not really matter what your hobbies and activities are. It might be hiking, swimming, or biking. It might be painting, playing a guitar, or photography.
The one thing that matters is that you feel passionate about your interests, and you make them a part of your daily routine.
After you retire, you will have more time to read and learn. You will have time to take classes, visit museums and art galleries, or read and learn new things. Best of all, you can explore the topics that truly interest you. And you can take courses or classes and not have to worry about being graded.
And whether you prefer hiking, biking, going to the gym, or playing golf, you can do it on weekdays when the crowds are lighter. You have more flexibility to adjust your schedule when you are not working.
7. Quality Time With Loved Ones.
While you work, you and your spouse have limited amounts of time to spend together, especially if you have children.
After you retire, you are going to be around each other most of the time. This may require some adjustments. You will probably need to work together to design a daily routine that satisfies both of you.
Also, you may need to find common ground on how much you will spend together and apart. You will probably discover there are some things you enjoy doing together and others you do not. You should agree upon how much time you will allow each other to enjoy your personal interests.
But it is so easy to take your time together for granted. At least once a month treat yourself to a special night out or share an activity that you both enjoy.
Spending time with their grandchildren is on the agenda for many retirees. They wanted to make up for the lost time with their grandkids because they were too busy working.
Also, many did not have enough time to enjoy the young years of their own children due to their jobs and busy schedules. Thus, they are looking forward to retirement as the time to spend more time with the family.
Having the time to be available for family members when they need help is what people love about retirement.
Read more: How to Get Emotionally Ready for Retirement
Takeaway
You may be surprised at how many of your friends will comment that you look happier and more relaxed after you retire.
While it is true that retirement brings some challenges, your life will change in many ways. But overall, retirement represents a wonderful chapter of personal freedom, relaxation, and fulfillment. Go ahead and look forward to the benefits and opportunities that will be yours when you have control over your life and your time.
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