Expanding Your Hobbies

Many people enter retirement thinking they can pursue their long held interest in photography, acting, cooking, woodworking, painting, gardening, or one of a thousand avocations! If you have a hobby that is truly a passion, chances are you won’t have much difficulty creating a list of activities based on this interest. There will be clubs to join, contests to enter, classes to take, books to read, and more. Many people, however, have been consumed with work for twenty years or more—leaving little time to develop outside interests. Where to start?

• Contact a local community college that offers adult education classes. You can sample a few of them until you find an area that interests you.
• Go online and look for associations in areas that have always interested you.
• Browse the craft or hobby sections of your local bookstore or library for more ideas.

Whether you’re searching for a new endeavor or devoting time to a current hobby, retirement provides a marvelous opportunity to explore. In fact, it is recommended that you start seeking out areas of interest well in advance of retirement so that you make a smooth transition. Too often a retiree decides he or she now has time to take up sailing, tennis, antique collecting, or something else, only to feel disappointed. However, the person who loves golf but has never had the time to play will feel released from the bonds of work, fully aware that this is where he or she was destined to be. Start looking for hobbies now! They’re good for you.