I love music! I wish I could have figured out how to make a living at it. I never could. So, with a wife in waiting, I had to provide, so, I got a job. But I never gave up on music. I’ve played as much as I could while holding down a full-time job. I worked for 40 years, but now I don’t (thank goodness its by choice).  So, it’s my time to do what I want to do. And guess what? It’s music! I’ve never worked harder, I don’t make much money, but I’ve never had so much fun!

I’ve known too many folks that thought retirement was going to be great only to be miserable because they had nothing to do. I know I’m lucky to have something I am so passionate about. Many don’t. I’ve got some ideas about what to do in retirement. I hope I can offer some insight or hope or ideas if you’re retired or thinking about it.

Why not pursue what you always wanted? – You’ve worked hard. You’ve reached retirement (or are close). So, what now? You don’t really plan to sit on the couch and binge watch Netflix for the next 30 years, do you? Golf? Bridge? Everyday? Don’t catch yourself living for “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” cocktail. You’ve got a special set of skills, experiences and insights. You are unique! Whatever you’re interested in you will bring something no one else can. You’ve got the fire! You’ve got the knowledge! You’ve got the time! Go get it!

Think you don’t know enough to do what you love? – This world moves fast! The thing you loved years ago may be different now. The things you knew how to do may not work anymore. Ok, so? Update your skills.

Maybe you want to try something brand new, something you don’t know anything about. Awesome, give it a try.

There are literally thousands (maybe millions) of resources about anything you want to do: articles, videos, books, adult learning classes at your local college. Many are free. Get to work. Update your skill set. Learn what you don’t know. Then put it to work doing what you love.

Worried about doing it wrong? – There are no failures in retirement! If you try something and it doesn’t work out, ok, try again. If you realize that thing you always wanted to do isn’t as fun as you thought it would be, ok, find something else. There are millions of interests to pursue: charity work/volunteer, crafts, politics, writing, painting, playing an instrument, the list goes on and on.

Are you worried about what others might think about your new interest? Really!? Hopefully you’re past that, but if not, why? It’s fun when others think you’re eccentric.  I love the saying: The ones that care don’t matter, the ones that matter won’t care. In other words, the people who love you will support you in your pursuit of happiness. The question is not, should I do what I want? The question is, why anyone would not want me to do what makes me happy.

The great thing about retirement is that you can’t make a mistake. There’s no “job” to lose. Nobody is going to get hurt. The only thing you can do wrong is not doing the thing you love!

This is you doing you for you.,

If you’re interested in how I’m spending my retirement, check out more on this site and my social media.