General Chat

It is true what Ann says be glad you have him .

Dizzi, its true what Adeline says. Get him a shed.then he can go to 'work' there for a few hours a day. :-D :-D

Are there classes for housework and cooking for retired men? Or should it come naturally. I am beginning to feel rather inadequate now. Perhaps solving all the major problems of the world in my shed might not be enough for a happy retirement.

I know one colleague of mine who became ill in his 50's and could not work for several months. He had worked (like we all did in supermarket management) 6 or 7 days a week, at least 12 hours a day. Excellent wages and rewards, but no quality of family life looking back. No paternity leave - we were opening new stores in Pontypandy, Cambridge and Walkden and living in posh hotels.

This colleague realised he did not know his wife or his children at all. It was just like somebody losing their memory. He has to virtually start courting wife of 30 years all over again - now bald and 3 stones heavier. I may well have a similar problem when I retire next year, though I only do 8 hours a day, 5 days a week now at a very simple job :-| :-)

Aw, Dizzy – it’s a tremendous upheaval for both of you. Someone who has worked fulltime has to find something else with which to identify themselves. They are no longer Mr Bloggs the Baker (or whatever) they could easily become in your case, Mr Dizzy when introduced to your daytime social circle.

OH took ‘early retirement’ before the age of 60 (his contract ended which coincided with the downturn in the economy). He had a whole list of projects he wanted to complete which kept him occupied for a couple of years.

We take turns being responsible for and cooking the evening meal. He knows now that he also has to take joint responsibility for the housework… apart from the washing and ironing which he still hasn’t a clue about! And I’ve learnt not to take it as an insult if he gets a duster out.

Being SKIs (Spend the Kids Inheritance) we try to go out-out once a week, even if only for a walk. It doesn’t always happen, but the intention is there.

The danger comes if the previously full time worker thinks they must be joined at the hip with their spouse, or vice versa. We are both individuals and need time to ourselves.

My husband retired 3 years ago and he's busier now than he ever was. He wonders when he ever fitted in work.

Never thought of that. A shed and a book. I now see why Dylan Thomas and William Cowper lived in sheds down the garden.

There's your answer, Dizzi. A shed. Men need to have lots of quiet time to meditate and solve the world's problems - and write lovely hymns and poetry. :-D :-D

Now,now then John. What's wrong with coach holidays to Scotland. I've been on them, and the Lake District, a few years ago. Really ejoyed them. Everything done for you. You don't even have to lift your luggage on the coach.
But I do agree with you regards day-time television. I promised my-self I would never go down this road, and never have. Even in hospital. I'd rather read a good book, amongst other things. LOLOL


Julia in Derbyshire

The answer is to your problem is a shed.

We are not meant to retire. Have tried 3 times, and failed miserably. Fourth and final attempt next year. And really dreading it.

No, I do not want to help more with housework.
No, I do not want to help more with garden.
No, I do not want to go shopping more.
No, I don't want to sit in a cafe sipping a £3 cappucino, eating a £3 slice of sponge cake and discussing everybody else there.
No, I do not want to buy Chums clothes
No, I do not want to watch Countdown and Bargain Hunt every single day.
No, I don't want to go on a coach holiday to Scotland.

Please, Father, let me expire still working at over 100.

Tis an unusual lady that dosn't know how to manipulate a man to her own ends ,lol :-) Fred.

It is obvious that Ann & Fred have not met him

;-)

Too true Ann ,what would Dizzi do with nothing to complain about ,lol,and no one to blame for things going on.
Get yourself organised Dizzi ,and work out a shift Rota for him he he,Fred. :-)

just be glad you've still got him Dizzi

HE RETIRED LAST WEEK
DAY FOUR


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