I retired at 60, well sort of, when the planets aligned.
After working 18 years for an average of 56 hours each 38 hour week (shift work), and getting less tolerant of customers and idiot managers who had lost touch with reality, decided that enough was enough.
I was offered a part time job of 30 hours per week, and after paying less tax, getting employer super instead of paying contributory super, and 1/3 of previous petrol costs, I was financially ahead. With head space problems gone, I was miles ahead.
For the next 12 years, with very flexible working time and a good boss, wifey#1 and I spent a lot of time and money travelling to Dead Dingo Creek, to see places and do things that most Australians don’t even know about.
Places that are not Oz or NZ, nil interest. (Lucky Starr, eat your heart out). So that occupied a lot of time, planning trips and spending money.
Also, became members of the local Tidy Towns Group, which provided a social and ‘give back to the community’ past-time.
This has now folded, due to members falling off their perch, or moving out of the area, and no interest from local council to help, or willingness of younger people to do physical work.
I have completed my collection of Bathurst winners from 1964 to 2008, and other Holden / Ford / Chrysler model cars, so there is a hobby that lasted for 30+ years.
The last 2 years have been a write-off. Planned trips cancelled, arguing with travel insurance companies over a period of 8 months provided mental exercises, but now, general lethargy and CBFd attitude after lockdown/masks/ QR codes have to be overcome.
Even social gatherings are becoming boring ……….. how’s your health, which politician is going to get the arse, war is coming, the next COVID strain ………… all those sort of uplifting subjects.
RSL ? No, thanks.
Mens Shed ? Too many sad stories.
Go back to work ? Doubt it.
Clean up the garage, and find tools ? Never ending task.
Polish the inside of my rims ? Done.
Just wait for the grim reaper to knock on the front door ?
