Guilt feelings..

[Jaynee]

No way! Being retired is all about having fun. When I first retired, and up until last year, I did a lot of volunteering, which was fun. Haven't volunteered in a while, and I'm finding more and more just having fun stuff to do. I feel no guilt. Actually feel like this is my second retirement.

 

[Victor]

Everyone at all ages should always try doing a meaningful activity, even if it is only watching a meaningful movie,
reading a book with much meaning, art gallery, intelligent conversation or whatever is your interest.
TV is rarely meaningful (PBS) or writing on these forums.
It does not have to be productive. Meaning is the substance of life or should be.

 

[dollie]

retirement is like taking a day off from work---the only thing is you couldnt go out because someone would see you and squeal--but now you can take the day off and go out and do like you please

 

[tnthomas]

Having recently retired, I sometimes ask myself this question... So now I will ask all of you.

Should I feel guilty if I no longer have the desire to be productive or do anything meaningful?

When I first retired(age 59-1/2) I developed a weird anxiety about a year later, felt that I "needed" to revisit the part-of-me I left behind at the workplace. I took a similar job, worked it to death, got that need out of my system, and re-retired this past July 1st.

I started work when I was 15, put in 50 solid years of work, so if I can get away with it, I'll just do what ever I want, from now on.

 

[Macfan]

I have no guilt feelings about being retired, and not having a desire to be productive or do anything meaningful what-so-ever. That's what my working years were for. Now, having said that, I do harbor some feelings of guilt that my dear wife is still working. Hopefully this will be put to rest soon as she is targeting the end of this year (2017) for retirement. The only thing that's been holding her up is health insurance . I find great joy in having lots and lots to do and not doing it . My wife does a great job of ensuring I have a laundry list of things to not do, bless her heart. Try to find comfort in letting go, it's there and I'm sure given a little time, you'll find it . OK, I'm going back to cutting paper dolls out of my to-do lists now...

 

[Lolly]

I have no guilt feelings about being retired, and not having a desire to be productive or do anything meaningful what-so-ever. That's what my working years were for. Now, having said that, I do harbor some feelings of guilt that my dear wife is still working. Hopefully this will be put to rest soon as she is targeting the end of this year (2017) for retirement. The only thing that's been holding her up is health insurance . I find great joy in having lots and lots to do and not doing it . My wife does a great job of ensuring I have a laundry list of things to not do, bless her heart. Try to find comfort in letting go, it's there and I'm sure given a little time, you'll find it . OK, I'm going back to cutting paper dolls out of my to-do lists now...

Oh yes... I can completely empathize with this. I am three years older than my husband.. I worked up to the age of 68 to provide health insurance for him until he was eligible for Medicare. In fact I worked 5 months beyond his Medicare eligibility. I also enjoyed my work and the people I worked with.. However, my husband's cancer surgery changed my priorities and I decided it was time. 41 years in the saddle is a long time... so I imagine the adjustment will take a little time.