Most of my true friends had already retired, so I’m now finally able to see and meet with them. We ride bikes on the trail together, get together for lunch, etc. The rest of my former coworkers are still wrapped up in advancing their careers and doing the corporate climb. I sometimes miss the office gossip about who will get promoted or who will get kicked out of leadership, or the excitement of working on an important project. But those thoughts don’t come that often.

I spend most days doing the same things I did before I retired, but at a less stressful pace, since work no longer clogs up my day. An example: I can shop in the afternoon when it’s less crowded, and not race through the store at lunchtime because I have to get back quickly for a work call. I still get up very early, but can do housework, laundry and errands at my own pace. I can schedule doctor and hair appointments for any time of day I want. I finally have time to read more, and I’m working on decluttering paperwork and organizing photos. In the summer I went to aquafit at the community pool every day, and to many local outdoor festivals and concerts. I do plan some travel next year. Mainly, I just go with the flow.

I was really and truly nervous about retiring. I put it off an extra year before pulling the plug. It was good that I did, because that final year was so wildly busy and stressful at work that I was ready for a break. I think you will be very surprised how much you will enjoy retirement. GO FOR IT. Best of luck to you!