Retiree reflections: What surprised me most when I retired

Adam, 64, marketing consultant, semi-retired

“I didn’t plan on changing my diet and boosting my overall health. Since retiring and moving from the city to the coast, I find it so much easier to make better food choices throughout my day. I used to be that guy who was always flat-out meeting deadlines, entertaining clients, juggling work and family. Eating on the run was my normal. I worked late into the night and would eat whatever I could find to keep me going – mostly empty carbs and sugar. Since making our sea change in 2018, I’ve lost 15kg. I don’t follow any special diet, but I’ve made small changes that all add up. We have a vegie garden and keep chooks, and I cook more at home. I’m eating more greens, less sugar and drinking less alcohol. Way less! I walk every day and I’m in the local outrigger canoe club. Since retiring I’ve never been healthier.”

Pip, 63, pharmacist, retired

“I discovered volunteering. Many organisations and charities rely on volunteers and the personal benefits of volunteering are surprising. Helping other people can be so rewarding. It gives me a sense of purpose. Whether it’s giving kids in a third world country free English lessons online, helping out in a local community centre or becoming an animal carer, everybody can make a difference. And that feeling you get – the satisfaction of giving back – it’s tremendous.”

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John, 72, executive producer, retired

“For me, the real surprise is the sheer luxury of time. Having all the time in the world to spend pretty much as I like can’t be overestimated. My family tells me I’ve become more ‘engaged’ with them, especially with my three grandchildren. I have time to listen now, and really listening is an art. I have time to read so many good books. I never used to read fiction. I only read books that might make me better at my job. I’ve discovered technology is great for learning new things. Since retiring, I’ve learnt Spanish, done a 10-day meditation retreat in the mountains, taken dance lessons and started working on my family tree. I’ve even made a podcast. I would have done all these things years ago if I’d had the time.”

Margaret, 79, public servant, retired

“The surprising thing about retiring for me is that I never have enough time in my day. I live in a retirement village where I’m involved in the garden club and the social committee. I regularly play cards with a friend in her 90s. She runs rings around me every week! For some reason, I’ve gained a reputation as a gourmet cook, so I have a lot of dinner parties, and I go to art classes. I thought I’d have more time to myself once I retired, but it’s the opposite.”

Jennifer, 69, cook, retired

“I started a new retirement-career. I’d always worked in hospitality, but it was long hours and physically demanding. When I retired, I was at a loose end and not sure what to do with myself. My husband suggested I open a chocolate shop. We saw a financial adviser and talked with friends in retail. In 2018 we opened the shop. We could never have foreseen the challenges ahead of us. After making it through the COVID-19 lockdowns we are now hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis, but I still enjoy running my little shop. I see it as a godsend really.”

Judy, 73, grey nomad

“My husband and I always wanted to spend our days travelling around Australia. In 2008, we sold our home and became full-time nomads. We love this country. There’s really nothing like having the freedom and flexibility to see it up close. What we didn’t expect was the intense interest and support other people have shown about our travels. We’ve been featured in magazines and our Facebook page has hundreds of members. I keep it up to date with highlights of our trips and we share our tips and some tricks we’ve learnt along the way. We meet people from very diverse backgrounds on the road and they all have interesting stories to tell. Selling up and becoming nomads was a huge leap of faith. So far, all our unforeseen surprises have been good ones.”