I'm sure I'm not alone on the Forum in having to deal with this particular Qs. Even worse, when the psudo sympathetic enquiry is directed via my wife!
It's as though life is actually defined as "working life" and when you retire it all ends!!
I don't feel inclined to list what I've been doing each day - as though I have to justify my continued existence!!
So, I'd like to asked those colleagues at a similar stage in their lives, what's your best response? Witty but incisive would be brilliant, but so would a good "put down"!!!
Awaiting your help
Adrian
If a casual friend, 'playing with my train set' (pitch it at a level their poor mind can cope with) makes them change the subject. Or even just 'keeping busy' often answers the question.
Yes, it is an annoying question.
Only in the case of real friends, who don't really need to ask anyway because they already know, do I give a straight reply.
A common response here in Australia is, "There ain't enough hours in the day... dunno how I ever found time to go to work"
Adrian, I suspect you may be running into a generational thing here. It used to be that (in the UK) one never asked people what they did for a living in polite conversation. That was a legacy of the 18th and 19th century idea that one should not need to work to live, and for some reason hung on well into the 70's. That began to change (quite rapidly) and a more US-style approach became the norm such that the first question you're likely to get when meeting someone is "so, what do you do?". Since most retirees will have grown up before the change, our identities are less likely to be rooted in past jobs, whilst current working people will be invested more heavily in their careers, hence the question. One thing that has always marked me as a foreigner here in the US is that I never succumbed to the identity=job equation, in fact I was once asked what my dream job was and I answered "idle rich, where can I apply for that job?" (incidentally it was in a job interview and I was offered the position :goggleeyes:)
Here in the US, the idea that "you are what your job says you are" is paramount, so, when people find out I'm retired I'm often greeted with your title question. The responses I've used so far have included "only the things I like to do", "everything I didn't have time for when I was working", and comments in a similar vein. If I want them to think, I'll say that "I maintain or use the single-stage, stator-less, nuclear powered, gas turbine I keep in my garage", while I can usually get rid of obnoxious people by telling them that "most of the time I'm looking at embarrassing, foreign stuff on the internet" (they don't need to know it's this Forum) :D.
Jon
"Sorry, don't have time to answer that question right now, never seem to have a minute to my self these days! Things to see, people to do, you know how it is......"
Quote from: Bealman on August 09, 2015, 01:45:49 PM
A common response here in Australia is, "There ain't enough hours in the day... dunno how I ever found time to go to work"
For sure. I'd desperately love to retire tomorrow (I'm 42) - I have *already* more than enough things on my to-do list to keep me busy from now until I die.
Quote from: Adrian on August 09, 2015, 12:26:21 PM
So, I'd like to asked those colleagues at a similar stage in their lives, what's your best response? Witty but incisive would be brilliant, but so would a good "put down"!!!
Awaiting your help
Adrian
I don't suppose "Waiting for you to come in and cook the dinner" would result in longevity of life :worried: :dighole:
All I can say is that having taken early retirement when I was 60, it was the best thing I ever did. Of course, I always tell folks I stepped down so a younger person could remove themselves from collecting benefits :D
Quote from: Bealman on August 09, 2015, 01:45:49 PM
A common response here in Australia is, "There ain't enough hours in the day... dunno how I ever found time to go to work"
We have a similar expression in the UK. :)
I like Bealman's response as well. It's true as well as being snappy. When I think of all the time I sat in airports, on planes and stuck on motorways etc, I'm just glad to be out of it all.
Quote from: Bealman on August 09, 2015, 01:45:49 PM
A common response here in Australia is, "There ain't enough hours in the day... dunno how I ever found time to go to work"
My answer too. It also happens to be 100% true.
Webbo
All great and interesting answers, and Bealman, the same response applies across the ditch. However, does anyone have suggestions as to how one should reply when asked the self-same question BEFORE you retire? I've got few years to go before 'R' day, but because my hair and beard are already silver I'm getting the 'What do you do now...' type of questions. I usually laugh it off, and thank the enquirer for their concern, but methinks there has to be a better response than that. Any ideas?
Thanks.
I have not got there yet, but I'm looking forward to the day next May when someone can ask me that question! ;D
Quote from: Komata on August 10, 2015, 02:10:00 AM
All great and interesting answers, and Bealman, the same response applies across the ditch. However, does anyone have suggestions as to how one should reply when asked the self-same question BEFORE you retire? I've got few years to go before 'R' day, but because my hair and beard are already silver I'm getting the 'What do you do now...' type of questions. I usually laugh it off, and thank the enquirer for their concern, but methinks there has to be a better response than that. Any ideas?
Thanks.
Yeah... but can't print 'em here! :D
Now, now B'mann - all ANZAC's together.... :) :) Thanks though; the possibilities that your answer implies are 'interesting', though not sure how they would be received by our locals; (probably 'in kind' I suspect...)
Quote from: Komata on August 10, 2015, 02:10:00 AM
...does anyone have suggestions as to how one should reply when asked the self-same question BEFORE you retire?...
"What made you think I was retired? I'm still your friendly, neighbourhood tax assessor/hit man/insurance salesman/mob enforcer, like I've always been. Strange we should meet today, I have you down for a visit in a couple of days! Will you be in on Wednesday evening?"
Me?
Oh Ive got a full time job trying to gulp enough air into me lungs
When I told my doctor in the UK I was going to retire to Spain at 55 he told me I was too young to retire! I think he must have thought I was going to lay around in the sun all day. I wish. No I don't. Don't like sun bathing and it's not good for you. I usually wear long trousers, a tee shirt and a peasant farmers hat when I'm gardening, carrying out maintenance, looking after a total of 25 dogs, cats, goats, parrots, ducks, geese and hens. Mind you I usually have a leisurely breakfast in two parts and an hour and half siesta. Once they are in bed at dusk it's time for a run and then probably some railway modelling. The important thing comes last.
I too have said I don't know how found time for work!
I now work only 2.5 days per week.
More time for everything else.
We set out so many things to do this year and we have been so busy enjoying ourselves that many of the things we set out to achieve hasn't been done.
There is simply so much to do and enjoy. And....I've hardly touched the layout for two months.
My mrs said you will be bored when you retire you need a part time job, 2 years now and I love every min of it, I do not need a part time job, not if I can help it I have worked enough. I like getting out as much as possible,walking or cycling which stops a little when winter comes. But I have my Computer, Music and my Model Railway always something to do plus a bit of reading.I am not into daytime tv so she can not accuse me of sitting there watching tv all day....he...he, I told her I leave the tv for you to watch soaps all night.....he..he
Likewise,i find plenty to keep me occupied.I lead an AgeUK digital photography group once a month,I have a large N gauge layout which never gets finished,A fully equipped model engineers workshop in the garage where i`m very slowly building a 5" gauge coal fired BR Austerity 2-10-0,an 0 gauge Fairburn tank kit,A large collection of Meccano having built the huge walking dragline that adorned the covers of the later set manuals instead of the much loved block setting crane,A Fender Stratocaster & last but not least,a large collection of Hornby Dublo 3 rail,this is packed away at the moment.
Bored!not me.
Ray. :goggleeyes:
Forgot,Wev`e also been on some good Safari holidays in Africa but my wife is fed up with animals now :)
some very interesting postings there guys .................... but what happened to the suggestions for witty/sharp responses to the Qs I posed in the OP!!!!!
Like you I'm very happy being retired with all the pluses you have described - but I do get cheesed off having to almost justify my existence to some folk - hence my OP
Best
Adrian
Hi all I retired about 18 months ago and I'll be 55 in a few months.
I don't miss shift work and that daily grind. I don't get bored too much to do ;)
As to the standard answer to THAT question :hmmm: I use the one that all the old boys at work used, and I thought they were Lying....
" I don't know where I found the time to go to work" :bounce:.
Quote from: Adrian on August 11, 2015, 01:49:12 AM
some very interesting postings there guys .................... but what happened to the suggestions for witty/sharp responses to the Qs I posed in the OP!!!!!
Like you I'm very happy being retired with all the pluses you have described - but I do get cheesed off having to almost justify my existence to some folk - hence my OP
Best
Adrian
How about "It enables me to use the roads when all the loonies have gone to work"?
:laughabovepost: :laughabovepost:
Or just not being at work with the loonies who are still there :D
OK. Still not a witty reply to that question but. I used to work with a guy who used to call me an old git. My reply was " I might be old but how many years have you got to do in this job you hate compared to my two" I think he had about 15 years to do. Got a begrudged "Oh yeah".
Dave
When collecting prescription :
asked if I had paid or was I exempt
replied, with some mock indignation, "I am a pensioner"
- "Oh you dont look 60! "
- " I'm not, I am 71"
Not my original, was on PM (5pm Beeb R4 ) recounted by Eddie Meir.
In my case when some have enquired, tentatively, " Oh, so err, umm, are you retired then ? "
- " Yes, I have been for the past about 35years"
The sound of jaws dropping is tremendous :)
Fortunately I'm not asked that question as people that know me know I have plenty to do.
A few replies came to mind depending on who asks, or what mood you're in
"What's it got to do with you?"
"Give sensible replies to stupid questions."
"All the things I wanted to do before I retired."
"Arrange orgies. Can I count on you?"
"The list is so long it would bore you."
Quote from: Mito on August 12, 2015, 10:45:56 PM
"Arrange orgies. Can I count on you?"
Just from curiosity, has anyone ever said "yes"? ;). It might be better not to answer that (unless in a PM :D).
Quote from: MalcolmAL on August 12, 2015, 12:04:22 AM
When collecting prescription :
asked if I had paid or was I exempt
replied, with some mock indignation, "I am a pensioner"
- "Oh you dont look 60! "
- " I'm not, I am 71"
Not my original, was on PM (5pm Beeb R4 ) recounted by Eddie Meir.
In my case when some have enquired, tentatively, " Oh, so err, umm, are you retired then ? "
- " Yes, I have been for the past about 35years"
The sound of jaws dropping is tremendous :)
True story. My mum, a rail enthusiast too, and I were visiting Steam in Swindon. Over 60s get a concession on their entrance fee.
Me (to man on till) "You won't believe this, but my mum is over 60" (She was 89 at the time).
Mum "Yes, and my son is nearly 60 too"
Man "62, OK you can both go in on concessions"
At the time, I was 59 but didn't feel like arguing. But was unsure whether to feel flattered or insulted. :D
Quote from: D1042 Western Princess on August 13, 2015, 07:36:20 AMBut was unsure whether to feel flattered or insulted. :D
Yes !
An uncle and cousin - football match - uncle shows his card - OK , , cousin (who was in his 40s then) jokingly said "ah, I've left mine at home ! " and was not best pleased when he was OKed as well :)
Me, couple of years ago at the Nailsea&District show - approaching the desk, man looks up and says "concession ?" before I had said a word !
" Yes, but I'll pay the regular, it's all in a good cause ! " :)
Always have done that at Model Shows.
At a recent Model show I queried why there was no concessionary price for my Mum and was told 90% of their visitors would be concession tickets so they didn't do them ???
Newport nobby
Re: 'At a recent Model show I queried why there was no concessionary price for my Mum and was told 90% of their visitors would be concession TICKETS so they didn't do them'
Based on observation over many years, that attitude would effectively remove most of the 'grand kids' who come with Nana or Grandad and as a result, a substantial part of the 'Sunday afternoon' traffic / revenue.
I would have thought that the organisers would have been aware of that.
'Nowt like people...
I have the opposite problem...
People ask me "But why haven't you retired? - you are 66"
Best response, I suppose, is "Oh! goodness...am I...I must have forgotten to check the calendar!"
Quote from: Tom U on August 14, 2015, 09:12:35 AM
I have the opposite problem...
People ask me "But why haven't you retired? - you are 66"
Best response, I suppose, is "Oh! goodness...am I...I must have forgotten to check the calendar!"
It must be nice to have a job where you don't want to get out Tom. In my industry (railways) very few long service men don't want to leave because it changed (for the worse) on privatisation.
I usually reply when asked what I do all day " I am relaxed, calm and at peace because I don't have to put up with the dictatorial aerosols who exist today in the working environment".
Also, because building a model railway is so labour intensive, I don't have any spare time for work.
David
Explain that building a model railway is creating a work of art - a kind of moving painting. Further explain the many skills and varied knowledge required to plan and build a model railway. They won't ask the question again.
I list of all my (many, many) chores but the most important of all is '... and on top of all that I've got a railway to build!'
That gets quite a mixed response. :D
Dave G
Not something I 'find' to do but once or twice I've dreamed I was still in the Army but thought my retirement was due or even overdue and I couldn't find out when it should have been.
Barrack room shrinks feel free to diagnose I won't be offended.
Dave
PS. I've been retired from the Army 20 years now.
Interesting question?
I was asked the self same question here in our little village by one of those people who think they have it made because they have accrued money etc!
He asked quite innocently what I do all day now that I am retired and I answered, that 90% of my day is spent puzzling over the vagaries of model railways.
I got the look that says "Poor soul, he is regressing back to childhood"!
Noticing this look across his face I launched into how fascinating the world of electronics and the possibilities contained therein have given me a new lease of life!
How a myriad of problems have given my grey cells the workout they needed and the deep satisfaction, poor soul that I am, get from seeing it all working!
I then asked him what he did with his retirement, "Oh I sit around a lot, play the occasional round of golf, generally :censored: off with life and wish I could be working!"
I think there is a moral here somewhere???
Peter.
I suppose that money can't buy you happiness (though it does go a long way towards a decent-sized well-insulated railway room and rolling stock to match).
I was "forced" to retire on my 50th birthday which was 7 years ago, and it has given me the time to restore 2 classic cars, build my layout (ongoing), travel with the wife, and try to spend more time with my family that I missed out on when I had to work, and to be totally honest, I have loved every minute of the past 7 years.. :thumbsup:
But to answer the original question when asked what I do with my time, they all get the same answer ...
"As little as possible, I'm retired" :P
Quote from: Greybags on October 05, 2015, 09:22:00 AM
I was "forced" to retire on my 50th birthday which was 7 years ago, and it has given me the time to restore 2 classic cars, build my layout (ongoing), travel with the wife, and try to spend more time with my family that I missed out on when I had to work, and to be totally honest, I have loved every minute of the past 7 years.. :thumbsup:
But to answer the original question when asked what I do with my time, they all get the same answer ...
"As little as possible, I'm retired" :P
My sentiments exactly,since i retired 9years ago at 63,we went on a number of safari holidays in Africa,so many that my wife got fed up with animals & getting up at 5 in the morning to go on another game drive bu oh!,those breakfasts when you got back.For next year,i told my wife she could choose between Bognor or Botswana so she chose Cyprus.Oh well!!!.
Ray.
https://youtu.be/7Cc62oBsUeE
Cheers John.