I thought I would have the same problem, but I retired in March at the age of 53 afterr 25 years in a stressful job. I thought my life would be boring, but it seems I always have something to do. I have a woodlot and cut wood, and just puts around the house. It is so nice to be able to do what you want when you want. Don't worry, you will get used to it, and enjoy it.

Had planned to retire August 2010 and work part time for same company; however, had heart attack/stroke on 8/21/2010 and had to retire "full"time. I'm now recovered, praise God, and am finally feeling well enough to do something besides resting/reading/watching t.v.

I've got several projects planned, especially finishing a fleece blanket for a baby shower on 8/27. I've been piecing a quilt top for youngest daugher's birthday in Oct; plus I working on another top for Christmas. I seem to be happiest when I have a project waiting for me. I think I could sew faster but afraid I might sew up everything and not have anything waiting!

Since I'm new to quilting I haven't built up an adequate stash yet to ensure forever projects.

I've started doing alterations lately and that keeps me busy with a definite deadline which I like.

Need a part time job and have applied to local crafts store and hope to be hired, at least through the holidays.

Too, I live alone in a 1 bedroom apt that is in the lower level of my apt bldg and have an issue with mold. Landlord will be moving me to another apt as soon as it is ready, so I have to build in the disruptions(sp?) for that also....even though he is "moving" me, I'll still have to get my stuff arranged like I like it !

Had a woman ask me a while back about being retired...her question was "how do you know when to cook breakfast?".....she was serious. I told her when she got hungry !

When I first retired I still got up early and had lots of plans to do this or that. As time went by I realized I didn't have to be up early and ready to go if I didn't want to and some days were chillin out days and others were activity days.

A few months after I retired I learned to quilt by attending a week long Elderhostel course and that took care of all my spare time.

Don't worry (smile). Once you get very rested you will find that young, new energy you used to have before the work world got in the way (laughter). I just early retired last December and have to say I have never looked back. Like what I did and am glad not to be doing it anymore. Socialize as you need to as this is good for your balance; read a lot if you wish; walk, run, play in the rain. Remember your life is meaningful no matter what you chose to do. I believe you will love retirement, but you keep us all posted or PM if you just want to visit about "stuff". Congratulations on your upcoming retirement!!

Sit back and think of the things you have always wanted to do, but never had the chance. Now IS the time! It doesn't have to cost anything except your time. When I retired I started quilting, going to the library about once every week, and became involved with some volunteer work that I always wanted to do. Start out with just one thing and try it for a month. If you like it great...if you don't...quit. Take a look at your community center events, or your senior center (although you are still just a youngster!) Then slowly add something else. If you have a lazy day...so what? You earned it, and there are no retirement police out there watching you. ENJOY! :thumbup:

I retired at age 53 in 1996. Now, I tell myself that I don't know how I had time to work. Of course, my yard takes up a lot of time & my house gets more attention.

I just do what I want each day, not set schedule, so much fun!

I just do what I want to. Some days I quilt other days I do nothing. My choice.

I have enjoyed reading all these responses. I am getting ready to retire in Dec. of this year from a stressful job that I am having trouble handling now that I am older. It is a young person's job! I keep going between "can't wait" and "do I really want to retire". Here's to both of us - may we both retire and be busy, productive and happy!

I had a very stressful job; fellow employees were not "friend" material, the atmosphere was from top down which was depressing. The commute to and from work was from hell twice a day....I would spend as much as 3 hours a day in traffic. Some mornings I would throw up because I didn't want to deal with traffic and in the afternoons I couldn't wait to get out of office to GET IN the traffic !

I don't have a lot of money but I do enjoy my peace of mind. I sew, read, cook, clean and do what I do when I want to do it ! I cook more and enjoy eating healthy meals at home. I've applied for a part time job near my house for "seasonal" work..it is a craft type shop and I would love to work there.