Let’s be real for a second—retirement sneaks up fast. One minute you’re trying to figure out what to bring to the office potluck, and the next, you’re getting farewell cupcakes and talking about Medicare. And while there’s nothing wrong with kicking back in retirement, wouldn’t it be better if you didn’t wait until after you left work to start doing the stuff that makes life actually feel like yours?
Here’s a solid list of things you might wanna consider doing before that last work email goes out for good.
1. Travel somewhere that actually pushes your comfort zone
We’re not talking about a cruise where you just eat too much and buy fridge magnets. We mean a trip that stretches you. Maybe it’s solo travel through Portugal. Maybe it’s a hiking trip in Patagonia. Or heck, maybe it’s just finally visiting that part of your own country you’ve always brushed off as “one day.”
There’s something wildly eye-opening about seeing how other people live. And yeah, it’s easy to say, “I’ll go after I retire,” but who knows what your knees (or your schedule) will be like by then?
2. Learn a new skill that’s just for fun
We spend so much of our lives learning things for work or out of obligation. What if you picked up something just because it’s fun? Maybe you’ve always wanted to play the piano or speak French or make your own sushi. Who cares if you’re bad at it? The point is doing something new just for the heck of it.
It keeps your brain sharp, sure, but more than that, it makes you feel alive.
3. Have an awkward-but-honest conversation with someone important
This one’s not flashy, but it matters. If there’s someone you’ve drifted from, or if there’s something you’ve been meaning to say for years, go ahead and say it. Life is short, and regret gets heavy.
Retirement might give you more time, but that doesn’t always mean more chances. Just something to think about.
4. Go see live music—good music
Remember when concerts were a thing you actually made time for? You still can. Find a local band, see a legend while they’re still touring, or go to one of those festivals where you can sit on the grass and let the whole vibe wash over you. It’s therapy, honestly.
5. Test drive what retirement might feel like
Take a week off and live it like you’re already retired. No errands, no house projects—just live. See what fills your time naturally. If you’re bored out of your mind, maybe it’s a wake-up call to start planning what your days will actually look like.
By the way, if you’re considering an assisted living community down the road, visiting one or chatting with current residents can help paint a clearer picture of what to expect.
6. Volunteer somewhere that breaks your heart a little
Helping out at a food bank, mentoring teens, or visiting hospital patients—it’s the kind of stuff that realigns your priorities in the best way. And honestly? It might even inspire what you want your retirement to look like.
You can find ideas on VolunteerMatch if you’re not sure where to start.
7. Take care of your health—really
This one isn’t sexy, but it’s huge. Schedule the checkups. Walk a little more. Get serious about sleep. No amount of travel or hobbies matters if you’re too wiped out to enjoy them.
The CDC has a great page on healthy aging tips that’s worth a look—even if you’re not quite there yet.
Bottom line? Don’t wait until retirement to start living like your time matters. You don’t have to check every box at once, but trying even one or two of these things could shift everything. So yeah, maybe today’s the day to book that class, call that person, or pack that suitcase. Just saying.
