What surprised you most about retirement?

[AnnaA727881]

Hi everyone! I'm new here and really happy to join this community.

I'm not from the U.S., but I’ve always been curious about retirement life here. What surprised you the most after retiring? Was it harder than expected, more peaceful, or full of unexpected adventures?

I'd love to hear your stories, thoughts, or even a small moment that made you feel truly free.

Wishing you all joy and health 🌿
– Anna

[MuktaS390247]

The freedom really hit me unexpectedly. Even simple stuff, like having a morning coffee without rushing, feels like a treat. My advice: don’t overbook yourself, just let some days be about enjoying the moment - it’s surprisingly satisfying.

[Winter2025VA]

[Friday 10/17/25]

Stop by to add YOUR "two cents" to Anna's @AnnaA727881 DISCUSSION!!!

And maybe read what OTHERS have posted.

Take care,

Nicole  ‌‌‌👴‌‌‌‌‌‌👵‌‌‌  (Retirement Forum)

[papawofboo]

How boring it can be. After working all my life with deadlines and solving problems it was a shock to have all this free time.

And the adjustment to not having a weekly paycheck. Funny, (not ha ha) use to have the money but not the time, now I have the time but a limited amount of money. Use to look at the calendar to plan trips, now we look at it to see which of us has a dr. apt.

Of course, the best and mysterious time of day is the waking up. Glad you are still on top of the ground and wondering what surprise Father Time has for you today. 

[WebWiseWoman]

What surprised me most was not missing the alarm every day! I didn't realize how much I had actually hated that annoying bzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

[AnnaA727881]

Haha, the bzzzzzzz... I felt that in my soul! It’s funny how something so small can bring such big relief. What’s been your favorite new morning ritual since ditching the alarm clock?

[WebWiseWoman]

Honestly? Coffee or whiskey... what kind of day is ahead?

[AnnaA727881]

Haha! I love that vibe! Coffee for responsibility, whiskey for mystery So… which one wins more often these days?

[AnnaA727881]

For me, the idea of having quiet mornings sounds so dreamy. Do you enjoy sleeping in or staying active after retirement?

[nctarheel]

Loving late breakfasts, wearing the same clothes days in a row, eating out regularly, spending about zero(0) dollars on clothing, seeing the grandchildren, shopping, gambling, and most of all......being a hermit.

I worked with people for over 30 years in the public sector. I had enough of them.

[AnnaA727881]

Haha I love your style! Zero dollars on clothes and 100% freedom that sounds like the ultimate retirement win Grandkids, gambling, and gourmet food? Count me in!