|
It is not unusual for retirees to find themselves busier than when they were working full-time! From caring for grandchildren to volunteering and traveling, the possibilities are endless and somewhat overwhelming. Completing the Retirement Goals Worksheet gives you some time to think about what you would like to do in retirement. Think about:
Working: Many retirees do continue to work at least part-time. Some do so for the income, others for the benefits such as health insurance, and still others would be bored without a job to go to! If you want to continue working in your "retirement," but you need a change, you may want to evaluate how your skills could be used in a new job. Or you may want to try a new career. If you think about it, your new career could last another 10, 20 or even 30 years—why not do something you enjoy?
Learning: Whether it is learning a new language, taking up art or gaining new computer skills, there are many learning opportunities. Community colleges often offer inexpensive courses, and programs such as Elderhostel (www.Elderhostel.org) have thousands of offerings.
You also may want to go back to school to position yourself for a new job or career. (The Union Plus College Planning Center has information on the entire college process. See www.unionplus.org/benefits/education.)
Hobbies: If your hobbies have been neglected because you have been too busy working, now is the time to dust them off. Or you can try something new! Keep in mind that some hobbies can get quite expensive, so if you're trying to decide between one or another, you will want to keep the costs in mind. And who knows, your hobby might turn into a small business and a source of extra cash!
Fitness and sports: Everyone knows that exercise is good for us, and research is demonstrating that not only can you stay healthier through regular exercise, but you are likely to be happier and have a better quality of life as well. Whether it's tennis, walking, dancing, swimming or yoga, find a way to incorporate regular exercise into your life. It'll help your mental and physical health.
Travel: You may dream of a trip to Hawaii or Europe, or perhaps you would just like to see more of the United States. Opportunities can include family travel with your children or grandchildren, educational travel, going back to your ancestral homeland, tours organized for spiritual pursuits or even a trip with a volunteer organization. If you don't have a big budget for travel, find out whether you can hook up with an organization as a tour guide, or check out travel guides focused on budget travel at your local library or online. (Take a trip to the Union Plus Travel Center for union member vacation savings.)
Volunteering: You can be as busy as you want to be in retirement, and volunteer opportunities are one of the reasons why. Schools, government agencies, political, nonprofit and religious organizations are always looking for dedicated volunteers. VolunteerMatch (www.VolunteerMatch.org) and other Web sites can help you find the right niche.
Top of Page
|
