How is one supposed to feel as they approach their retirement? And what does one do with their free time LOL?

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 01:40:45 -0400

With the end in sight-less than 120 days...while ready to go, definitely feel I will miss it, a lot. Not even sure if I will know how to act..., but will do my best to figure it out.

Did anyone else that pulled the trigger on it feel that way? Anticipating/anxious/excited, and kind of saddened at the same time? It is an interesting time in the career, when you are so short that you have to stand on a nickel to see over a dime.

Ready to go, but knowing it will be missed. (Hoping that it will be nothing but the good memories that hang on LOL)

Came in in the 80s, and other than a short break, have been in for my whole adult life. Will be looking for a Veteran Deep/friendly area to relocate to, preferably in Northern FL where the weather is warm, taxes are low, and the golf is abundant! Open to hearing suggestions on best places for old military types to hang out as they move into that blissful state of not having to a dang thing.

Also interested in hearing some thoughts on new and entertaining ways to spend retired free time!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2018 1:53 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 01:53:47 -0400

CMSgt James Nolan Retirement is a major life change and is something to look forward to. For me, I worked 33 years on the Space Shuttle Program and was probably too invested in my career. Even though I knew the program was coming to an end, it was still a shock to my system when the end did come. I retired one month after the last Space Shuttle flight, and felt the loss for two year afterwards. I like to travel and read in my free time, and manage to stay busy, and I am never bored. In Florida, I would look at the fishing opportunities that you have there, and also travel. Good luck.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Sep 25 at 2018 2:20 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 02:20:41 -0400

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member this will be to proverbial “toe dip” into the pool. 2-3 yrs and hang up the Law Enforcement spurs and then it’s completely on (or off HA, depends how one looks at it) but yes sir. There’s fish that need catching.
We do intend to do some traveling, because unlike while working, nobody is telling you to be back at work on Monday....

Hope your retirement is going as well as I would like to think mine will sir.

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Sep 25 at 2018 3:44 AM

Maj Robert Thornton — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 03:44:17 -0400

CMSgt James Nolan retirement depends on what you want. If you are retiring from the service, do you want to work in the civilian community? If retiring from a second or third career, that is also different.
I was given an early retirement from the Air Force, I walked into a civilian position the day I retired from the Air Force. I worked a total of 17 years in my field atn2 different hospitals. When I retired from anesthesia I taught at a University for 4 years, to help ease me into retirement. When I had enough, I resigned. I still enjoy life. I am involved in volunteering my time a certain amount each month, involved in church activities, my grandchildren, working around the house, riding my bicycles, and traveling. There are many opportunities out there when you retire.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Sep 25 at 2018 4:21 AM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 04:21:12 -0400

Best advice I was given, so at least one productive thing a day. If you have no hobbies pursue some. I always liked photography but never did much. Now I enjoy wildlife photography, especially birds. Volunteer for a group that interests you. A became involved with the VFW. when you go shopping go on off hours. No lines and easier shopping. Foremost, enjoy life !

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Sep 25 at 2018 8:13 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 08:13:25 -0400

NETWORKING is the KEY to your success build your resume and cover letter before you retire and float it so your friends who are already out can help you with the wording because the key is the resume the way it is written no care if you fought in combat and got 3 BSM but if you write that up in a professional way people will see something in you, I had friends wait until the last week to do anything because they wanted to take leave so now they are sitting with no job. Plus don't plan on having a great job when you get out , your focus should be a career, Unless you want to serve tacos or burgers. or because of your rank you can be a manager at TACO BELL with out any training. But I sure your not looking for a job you are looking for a career like I did, If you are at the top of the food chain where you are in the military plan on starting over and be used to people telling YOU what to do now because unless you got some good skills you are not going to get your dream job. Take from me I saw CSM with 30 years get a GS11 job and another CSM with 20 years get a GS13 job. GO figure. Remember NETWORKING is the KEY. Good Luck!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2018 8:25 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 08:25:25 -0400

Grab your old boot camp / basic training duffel bag, and SpaceA around the world. At least that’s my plan,

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 25 at 2018 10:02 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 10:02:56 -0400

Haven't discovered the free time thing. Retirement is one of the busier jobs I've had. You're best mentally orienting yourself like I did. That's saying you live multiple lifetimes within one. This one is closing and you're off on the next one. That time is past. Don't deny the "it's time" feeling. Don't go with herd mentality. Live, play, and do what interests you. For us, it was getting away from stop lights. Rural, acreage, monthly Costco run. Why? See the Milky Way at night. Nature at the doorstep. Quiet. Clean air. My only hard requirements were good local beer, getting a Gator, internet, and the XM works fine so I don't have to listen to Country Crap. Stick with your habits. Your eyes open at 0500; that's OK. Beautiful sunrises. Other advice is not to "help" your new place get better by mucking with local politics. The major purpose of retirement is to reduce stress. Why invite it? Some people can't seem to quit and keep involving themselves in stuff to stroke the ego. That'll take years off your life. Don't be in a hurry to die.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 25 at 2018 1:44 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 13:44:43 -0400

Pursue your passion.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2018 1:53 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 13:53:22 -0400

This is an easy fix, Chief. All you have to do is stay in.