Any ideas to keep busy in semi-retirement?

Question

I have worked hard my whole life and am kicking back. My husband runs our business (Real Estate) and I have taken time off since kids are grown. If I work I want fulfillment first as I don't really need the money. I want to grow and help others. I have done tons of volunteer work over the years and have found it to be draining working with so many other personalities. Any other ideas?

Answer 1

Here is what I recommend. Sit where it is quiet and think back about what you enjoyed when you were little; as a child, as a teenager. For example, when you had an art class in school, did you enjoy it? Even if you weren't selected as top art student or something, what part of it did you enjoy? Be specific,think about very specific things that sparked your interest. Or perhaps, choir, or taking a musical instrument. Think back to summers, and how you felt about swimming. Think to specific times in your life, and imagine what you were doing and what part of it you liked. Maybe it was writing. A lot of times people dismiss activities when they're young because they think "oh, i'm not an artist. i have no talent. I'm not such a hot dancer..." or whatever it is. For me, for example: I tried to take clarinet in the first grade but was intimidated by the word "reed" and quit. I was always doodling, so I later took a cartooning course, which was fulfilling. Or maybe it's foreign languages: you may have felt a pressure to take them at school, but now, if you're planning a trip, you might enjoy. Or wine. Do you drink it? A course in winetasting and wines can be a lot of fun. Test different reactions you have when you think of activities in your own mind. For me, for example, when I think of gardening it leaves me bored; but when I think of movies I get excited; so I started writing articles about film, for fun. Think about how you feel about these topics: history, writing, art, music, skiing, swimming, bowling, sculpture, singing, playing an instrument. Do you like group activity or doing things on your own? Or, if you want to help others, how about a one to one tutoring on something you know that doesn't involve the grop thing ? Hope this helps. After you explore a topic or activity you like, it also provides an opportunity to show others how to do that thing, later.

Answer 2

I like you, after many years of hard work, am in the same situation. I have found new talents that I never knew were there. I have taken up ornamental gardening, developed my own unique crafts, go to touristy places during the week, meet friends for lunch. I have also selected a product line that I really enjoy sharing with the public in the form of selling at fairs, festivals and other events not to really make a profit but to enjoy meeting and interacting with people.