discouraging words not allowed?

[jeanontheroad]

Well, tough. It ain't all roses. I want to know how everyone manages not to be bored into a coffin, sometimes.

There are times when I can't stand it. I want a report that is due or a meeting to go to or accounts to reconcile. I want something I HAVE to do when I get up in the mornings besides pee.

Yes, I am financially secure in retirement. I don't need a paycheck. But I still want my job back.

 

[Lucky mike]

I created a job......working the fleamarket and rallys on the weekend.....then durring the week I spend my time getting ready or doing orders for the next weekend!

other than that I play tourist. or go window shopping.....or find some other sap like myself and play cards , chess or attempt to hike or ride the bike around!!!

find another dweller that has problems that needed help to fix them. and see if an extra set of hands will help......and walk an extra block so I dont have to pass by the funeral home!!!!!!!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Hi Jean...I know how you feel. Sometimes I feel the need for something more purposeful to do. Forced out of my field by health issues, there's not a lot I can do physically. I find there's not many people who need nor want the "benefit of my experience".

I've learned to goof off a lot I waste time every time I get the chance. I move/walk slower and am still learning to be in a hurry about anything. I sleep odd hours and have no schedule and the day seems to evaporate.
It doesn't fill the need, I'm learning to deal with that.

In our travels we try to land places that will keep us interested for a couple weeks. On bikes, we tour whatever sights are around and sorta get to know the place. In Quartzsite for the winter, we've found all kinds of things to see and do with shows/events scheduled all season.

Its hard to make the switch, as some of us were instilled with a solid work ethic....not to mention being creatures of habit....I guess.

 

[Zil]

I dreamed of being a hobo my whole life. I'm living the dream.

 

[Blue]

When the boredom is killing you, when you've read so many books your head hurts, when looking at one more tree, creek or vista feels like every other f-ing tree, creek or vista...

Do something a little dangerous and a little $tupid, something that will give you an adrenal rush. Fear always puts things back in perspective for me.

Find out where a big angry protest is going on and join up (I do this pretty often) or create your own. Find dangerous and $tupid people and do what their doing (ultra lights, zip lines, bungie jumping, uh other things etc) or (worst choice) get yourself into a bad situation you gotta work hard to get out of (rig stuck in mud, get lost in a bad area, bad people looking for you, etc. though most of these I really don't suggest but have happened to me)

You got the freedom, what your lacking in is the adventure.

 

[Suanne]

When we first got our dog, she had some behavior issues. One of the concepts that the trainer shared with us is that "she needed a job" to be happy. I remember thinking, "just like me." Unfortunately, before retirement, it was more like my job had me, rather than me having a job. I'm so grateful that I'm not in that state of being any longer.

Now, I find travel most enjoyable when I have a job or task in mind, like exploring the National Parks, photographing the sights, sharing my experiences on a blog, or visiting friends/family across the nation.

Also, another task or job I've embraced is living simply. I say it's a "job" because I have to work at it -- when I'm downsizing my possessions, looking at cool gadgets in the stores, packing my car for an extended trip, etc. I don't think I'll ever finish this simple living job, it's more of a life style.

I also volunteer with some online communities with whom I feel a kinship. This gives me a few daily "housekeeping" activities to complete with satisfaction. And, it's something I can do while on the road. Then, finally, I volunteer with the National Park Service because I love the mission, places and the work that they do. It's just a very part-time summer "job," but I get to be with people who share similar values in some of the most beautiful, amazing, enjoyable places in the world.

I've been retired now for almost 6 years and I haven't earned a dime since. But, I have felt the satisfaction and happiness that comes from completing jobs well done. I figure that if I can turn my passions into "jobs " in which I can joyfully provide service, then I'm a happy camper, just like my puppy dog

Suanne ... camping next to a lake in Louisiana

 

[GotSmart]

I know exactly what you mean. Right now working on the van is what I do. I get an occasional side job, but on days like today when my back is out~~~It is hard to get up to go pee.

All I can suggest is to look up the tourist free things to do, and make a schedule. For example, I was in Branson a couple of months ago. I stopped in at Dicks Five & Dime, and spent the next four hours spending $15 buying things I have needed for a long time, but could not find. (And 5 cent candy!) I blew my schedule, and missed going to the College of the Ozarks Museum where the Beverly Hillbillies truck is.

 

[Stargazer]

Jean,

It took me two years to get over that. I finally just drove into a forest, camped alone with just my dog for four weeks. No place to go (except to town once a week for supplies and laundry), nothing to do. Ran out of reading material pretty quickly. No internet, no phone service. Occasionally, a short conversation with another camper.

I realized I had done my time, made my contribution, and now it's time to just breathe. No demands, no expectations, no drama. Just peace.

Best wishes.

 

[Willy]

I dreamed of being a hobo my whole life. I'm living the dream.

HEAR! HEAR! I have plenty of personal projects on the go and just like meeting good people and BS'ing with beer on the go around a campfire. ..Willy.

 

[GotSmart]

I dreamed of being a hobo my whole life. I'm living the dream.

Now you got me going.

 

[msbarth]

Boxcar is one hobo that I love and respect. Another of the many that left us way too soon.

 

[Jack Grit]

Funny thing. I remember as a kid, riding Amtrak, catching a glimpse of hobo's. I was always fascinated by them and they carried quite a mystique for me. I wanted to be a hobo too . Now I'm older and the days when you could ride the rails fairly safely are over.

My suggestion is to find something you are passionate about and pursue it with the intention of mastering it. I dunno, was there something in your youth you always wanted to pursue and never did?

That mind boggling statistic of people dieing within a year of retirement (on average). I never fully understood it. Then again our society equates self worth with keeping up with the Jones's. I say to h$ll with that value system.

 

[Blue]

yeah, people think because you buy in to the social contract of america, some how you should also adopt modern american values like "the one who dies with the most toys wins!" then the perception when you are no longer working to get more toys to play with becomes "you've already lost therefore you must be worthless, and its only going downhill from here... better to kill youreself than suffer that." F-that noise.

as to passion... thats a rough one,

Nieztsche said your passions should define you, and your never more alive than when your persuing your most heart felt passion and if you dont succeed it is better to be destroyed utterly by your failure and die rather than to have given up...

not sure I buy into that (sometimes I do) but I like the buddhist ideals better, desire not money is the root of all evil, your unfufilled desires are the causes of your greatest sorrows and suffering. better not to have them. Be happy with what you got, and who you are rather than to find new stuff you hope will make you happy or try to be somebody your not. I think a wise hobo would agree.

simply be, and dont look to be happy about it all the time, instead find contentment with just being, and you'll find your generally a more happy person overall.

 

[jeanontheroad]

Joe Grit: a goal in youth

Me: Yes, but most already achieved. I was raised in a family that did not value females, yet I got thru college (ignoring ridicule from family and, later, from inlaws), and had fulfilling work. I have broken gender barriers at companies I worked for and earned respect at those jobs. I don't do "laid back" very well.

I have a solid marriage and a good relationship with the family members I want and have pretty much escaped those who are "downers." Once, I had religious goals. Then, I actually read the book and thought hard about what I was reading. Forget about that.

Now, I can't even get accepted by the SPCA as a volunteer dog walker because I can't commit to the minimum time requirement. If we don't get on the road and get some mental stimulation soon, I will go crazy.

 

[Zil]

I went for a forest hike yesterday. Found a flooded frozen swamp. Positioned myself for a good photo angle. The ice collapsed under me. I was waist deep in cold, muddy water held down by ice. Lucky I was about 5 foot from the edge. I struggled free and hiked about 2 miles back to the van. My phone still doesn't work, and forget about the camera. Good thing I had to empty and dry my wallet as I found a card listing my appointment at the dermatologist for monday. And I got out of doing the dishes and laundry. Who has the time to be bored?

 

[Jack Grit]

jeanontheroad: You appear to be the epitome of a type A personality. It's funny, my father worked in the corporate world for years. His superiors always wanted him to be a CEO. He didn’t want to be as he realized, before most, that enjoying what you do is far more important than the position you hold. He would go to extremes to avoid being forced to “move up”. He would purposely wear “floods” and ride his bike to work. Of course this was frowned upon by the establishment. Anyhow, he finally got fed up with the corp he worked for and retired in his early 50's. Then he became a sculptor. He was driven. He sculpted close to 1,000 fine art pieces as well as whimsical art. He also rode his bike 40 miles a day in his '70s.

My point is that if one is type A, I suppose they will be for their entire lives. He didn’t do “laid back” well either. So it appears you better find something you like doing pronto or you may end up going “crazy” (your word). It's interesting you mentioned religion. In the modern American culture this is almost a swear word and many people view religions such as Christianity as the problem rather than any solution. I know quite a few people who have found fulfillment in their faith. Anyhow it appears you have written that off.

Any way you look at it, it appears obvious you need to find something(s) you really enjoy doing.

I sincerely hope you find what you are looking for.

J Grit

 

[Blue]

One of my best friends is I die hard born again Christian now working at a Christian school/mission in south Africa... that said reading the bible is how most American atheists became atheist.

 

[Jack Grit]

That's a good example of someone who has a mission every day. Something where they pretty much have to get up and perform particular tasks. Many people find a lot of fulfillment serving others in this way. It's obviously not for everyone.

"reading the bible is how most American atheists became atheist."

I'll never forget the quote from 'Sling blade' starring Bully Bob Thornton; Karl: "It took me four years to read the Bible. I reckon I understand a great deal of it. It wasn't what I expected in some places."

I want to make it very clear that I wasn't preaching with what I wrote in this thread about religion. I just stated what I have observed and was offering possibilities. It's quite clear that Christianity is a turn off to many people. It can be a very volatile subject. I probably shouldn't have brought it up here. My bad. I guess if someone is to discuss it in the forums it should be discussed in the “off topic” area if at all. I happen to have faith in God but I understand and fully respect those who don’t.

J Grit

 

[GotSmart]

In my opinion, people need to be more accepting of others beliefs and non beliefs. The world would be a much better place if that were so.

Jack, your post was extremely respectful. I tip my hat to you on handling a touchy subject with finesse.

 

[jeanontheroad]

Gotsmart: more accepting

Me: The stronger the belief, the less that is possible when dealing with others that do not share it.