How to Handle Family and Friends Once You Have Retired

For you, retiring more than likely means freedom – freedom to come and go as you please and freedom to do things you have always wanted to. However, family and friends may have another definition of retirement; they may think of it as just one more person to help them with their needs.

Your grown children may expect you to be available for babysitting services while they enter back into the work force or enjoy leisure. Your neighbors may have pets that need walking or homes to be looked after while they are away on vacation.

That is all well and good if that is your desire; however, if it is not, you need to make that clear from the outset.

Communicate Beforehand about Your Availability

* Communication is key when it comes to expectations of others. Perhaps it has come up in conversation that you can now watch your grandchildren every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

However, if you have not agreed to this schedule or if you have no intention of doing so, it is imperative that you clearly communicate this to your children.

* Be firm. If you and your partner have decided that you are ready to hit the ground running with no duties or obligations, it is essential that you make that clear.

Do not let anyone persuade you, because that is a lose/lose situation. You and everyone else will be unhappy. If you have decided in no uncertain terms that you are unavailable, then do not waiver.

* Be flexible in emergency situations. Of course, you can always offer yourself in emergency only situations.

Unexpected Requests

There may be times when an unexpected request comes your way from a friend or neighbor. Being that they know you are home all the time, they may ask you for a favor or two on a recurring basis.

* Have a reply ready for such occasions. You know who your friends are and who surrounds you as a neighbor. If you have a neighbor who is a pet lover and takes in too many pets, yet does not have the time or capability for caring for them, be aware.

This neighbor will more than likely ask you to pitch in and help the cause. Have a reply ready, telling them that you are not capable or that you simply are busy enjoying your new-found freedom. Do not be caught off guard.

* If a friend is starting up a brand new business and you are not interested, than prepare yourself ahead of time. You have to know that more than likely you will be asked to pitch in and help. Again, have a pat answer ready to go.

With clear communication, firm but fair approach, and having prepared responses to certain requests, you can handle friends and family with grace and ease, and enjoy your retirement without feeling guilty.

New Businesses You Can Create during Retirement

If facing retirement is not something that you relish, either because you are the infamous “type A” personality or you just dread the thought of not working or earning income, then there are many opportunities for retired individuals to enjoy.

New business ideas from creative to technical and anything in between are available for retired individuals. There are opportunities for creativity, tutoring, and philanthropy just to name a few.

Creative

A retired individual can open up a new business or start a new endeavor based on a favorite hobby or talent.

* Art lessons – if you know how to paint or draw, there is no time like the present to teach younger students or even fellow retirees how to paint and draw.

* Music lessons – the need for reasonably priced, reliable, and trustworthy music instructors is on the rise. With so many budget cuts to school systems, this is an excellent opportunity if you are skilled in this area.

* Arts and crafts – if you love creating arts and crafts and if family and friends have told you that you have a knack for it, then perhaps it is time to turn that into a lucrative event.

Churches, schools, and even not for profit companies hold craft sales various times throughout the year.

Financial

If you have a knack for numbers and enjoy crunching them as much as the next person hates crunching them, you might have yourself a business in the making.

* Accountant – you can turn your love of numbers into an accounting business that will earn you potential income during tax season. Find out how to go about becoming a certified public accountant.

* Budget workshops – You can teach persons heading toward retirement age how to budget once retired and how to plan accordingly for that retirement.

Tutoring

* If you have a second language, a degree in English or perhaps a career as a math teacher, tutoring is a great and lucrative business to have on the side. Tutors make a very nice hourly salary while helping others.

* Tutors can range in anything from math and science to English and S.A.T. preparation. Many parents would be more than willing to pay for extra tutoring in the hopes of their child getting into a better college.

* Opening a new business as a retired person is a win/win situation. You get to help others, fulfill a need, and make some extra cash along the way.

Creating a new business is also a great way for a retired individual to make sure that their mind stays active as well as their body and spirit.

What’s your biggest issue? How do you handle it – or can you think of any additional tips you can share with others if you don’t have an issue with this in your life?

Share them with us in our Comments – or share this blog post on Twitter or Facebook or wherever you feel it could help someone you know.

Cheers, Helene Malmsio

Related Reading: https://www.discoveryhub.net/how-to-retire-in-comfort.html

"Power Tips" magazine is back!
You Get A Free Complete Self Help Report delivered to your email box every edition, plus you get a free PLR article and other great gifts!

SUBSCRIBE BELOW ...  I promise you will want to USE what you learn!

I really want to know what you think of this site, this page, and to hear your tips or suggestions about it.

So please share your story or simply add a Comment in the comment box.

If you feel that the information on this page has been useful to you please give it a Like or share it with your friends - thanks!!

"You are a life Saver!!

I recently discovered this site and I can tell you that my life has not been the same. I now come here EVERYDAY and spend at least 1 hour.

I used to spend that time browsing online fashion and beauty magazine which just means that I spend more. Now I have replaced that habit with coming here.

In future I will think about contributing articles as well. Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!! and God bless"

Contact Us | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | FAQ | Testimonials

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.