My dad needs a hobby! (retirement story)

[Cindy B]

Just recently, my dad retired from his Air Force and Post Office job. This is a man who has been working three jobs for over 30 years !

My mom told me she caught him trying to get the gophers in the back yard.. Yes, that sounds harmlesss.. (PETA PEOPLE TAKE ALERT!)

However , my parent live in a remote rural area. They have over 3 acres of land.

My mom said she caught him hanging out the kitchen window with a rifle aiming shots at the gophers! He was trying to get them and trying all the windows in the back of the house for a better shot!

(I had mental pictures of Caddyshack there!)

I told her "He needs a hobby!". My mom laughed and said "Yes, its the gophers!"

 

[stormi65]

How about genealogy?

 

[we3luvdisney]

 

[Pam]

Shotgun shooting at the RIFLE RANGE?

Stamp collecting?
Gardening, Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselor, blackpowder muzzleloader rendezvous enthusiast

 

[orvilleair]

Did you say trying to get rid of the gophers or golfers.

Hobby: My dad = fishing and travel.

 

[chrissyk]

How about teaching?! Soooo many school districts are in need of "subject matter qualified" teachers. I'll bet that your dad would qualify for some subject or other after a career in the military! I'm going to be doing this myself soon, as a high-school math teacher (I was an engineer in my last career). Look on your state's DOE website for more information on their accelerated certification program. I think that most states have them.

My dad went back to work full-time and then some after a year of being "retired". He was SO bored.

 

[mickeyboat]

My FIL drives a school bus for children who go to alternative schools. He loves the interaction with the kids, has a lot of free time during the day (to nap!) and has summers and school vacations free. He also gets a small check to help supplement his income.

There are special licensing requirements and he must pass an annual physical exam. Both of these are paid for by the bus company.

Denae

 

[kasar]

My dad has some health issues and can't really get around much. After working his whole life in sales (travelling, eating out, etc) he REALLY needs some kind of hobby, too. Right now, his only interest is the Food Network.

 

[mommytotwo]

Poor little gophers. If he is into golf, 3 acres of land could be turned into a small golf course. He could travel or even do capentry.

 

[Parkhopper]

My dad retired a few years ago and, after a rough initial adjustment, has done great. He took a painting class and it turns out that he has some natural talent and has found something late in life that he really enjoys. Both of my parents started going to the gym regularly at the Senior Center and have made friends and are in the best shape of their lives! They also travel frequently which is a great way to meet new people while seeing new sights!

I hope that your father adjusts to the pace of retirement soon!

Suzi

 

[Kallison]

My Dad drove school bus too and loved it.
Substitute teaching on the middle school, high school level?
My Dad is really into his computer.

 

[vettechick99]

I'm starting a darkroom. Very time-consuming and fun if you like photography!!

 

[ilovepcot]

Having 3 acres of land, perhaps he could get into breeding a particular type of dog he likes. I'd love to be able to do that!

Stained glass is a really rewarding hobby that doesn't require a great deal of space....at least not in the beginning. Most of the glassers who do the magnificent doors and windows I know are men and many began after retirement.

 

[Cindy B]

Lets see:

He's been a bus driver, instructor, photographer, construction/contractor, mechanic. He's turned the yard into a golf course, and let it grow back.

He also has a side business. (but obviously needs more time into that)