Most people end up treating the first couple of months like a vacation because that’s the only frame of reference they have for not having to go to work. Taking the kids to Disneyland, taking the boat out and fishing, or some other activity that we have been putting off for lack of time. All of those activities have a structure or plan. It’s no wonder that so many wake up after a few months of retirement with the question “what next”?
This is a replica Stone Henge build as a First World War memorial. It is a one day road trip away from me. How many interesting things are just a day trip away for you?
If you describe your ideal day you might find some creative ways to get to your ideal. Maybe you can’t afford to live on the beach but you might be able to afford a place a few miles back from the beach where you can still go sit on the sand as often as you like! You will never find a solution to a problem if you don’t pose the question to yourself.
Without the time sink of working 40 hours a week you might decide to finally decorate your house and host the family holiday.
Most of people have a lot of movement in their days that they just don’t notice. Walking to the coffee pot, going to the printer, getting supplies from storage. When you loose the structure of those routine movements you will have to plan some other regular physical activity to keep yourself moving.
Finally make time for that camping trip you've been fantasizing about for all these years.
One last disclaimer: This is not about planing your finances. This is about how you will spend your time. How you will fill the 8 or more hours a day that you used to spend at work. There is only so much time you will want to spend reading, watching TV, or any other activity. Everything can be come boring if you don't spice it up with some variety.