The joys of being alone all the time

Being good company to others starts with being good company to yourself

As a father with a family, I'm almost never alone. and when I am, I really have to adjust to it. So I feel lonely at first.

I watched my dad fall into depression after retirement. The same for a family friend who was able to retire early in their 40's. I think a lot of people only plan for the financial side of retirement and don't plan for post-retirement hobbies and activities. It took these 2 people's examples to open my eyes a bit and start planning for a heavy hobbying which will also look different from light hobbying where you are still committed to other things like work and raising a family.

I still have awhile before retirement, but I've lots of coworkers and family who've recently retired over the last few years. Based on what they've said, I think it's really important to get involved outside of only hobbies/entertainment. Like doing a volunteer type thing once a week or something. Apparently, studies show that people's health can quickly decline post retirement and keeping active, social, etc. can make a notable difference.

Anyway, sorry if this came off as patronizing, I most certainly don't intend it to be! Regardless, congratulations on retirement! May the rest of your days be full of life, love, and happiness. :)

A couple of sources relating to what I was trying to convey:

https://crr.bc.edu/socializing-improves-retirees-physical-mental-health/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10172431/