This is What Surprised TCDRS Retirees Most About Retirement

As part of our ongoing “We asked, you answered” series, we recently asked our retired Facebook followers to share which aspects of retired life have surprised them the most.

By Rebecca L. Bennett

As part of our ongoing “We asked, you answered” series, we recently asked our retired Facebook followers to share which aspects of retired life have surprised them the most.

Here’s what you shared:

Busy, Busy, Busy

Between all the social engagements, volunteer opportunities, part-time work (including grandchild-wrangling), household chores and trips they have planned, many respondents are busier now than ever.

More Independence

Another common thread was that many were surprised with their newfound freedom to control their own time and schedules, following the much-loved “Every day is Saturday” adage.

Several others were surprised they actually enjoy retirement. “I thought I’d be back at work by now, but I’m enjoying having time be my own. Volunteering scratches that itch,” wrote one commenter whose bio reads “Retired~ish.”

Long commutes? No longer a thing. Waking up early? Not if you don’t want to. And as one retiree from San Antonio commented, it also doesn’t hurt that “Naps are heavenly!”

Harder Than Expected

On the other end, several retirees posted about the challenges they’ve faced in retirement, such as missing their jobs, the rising costs of living, health issues and losing loved ones.

“I wanted to continue working, but health issues from on-job injuries caught up with me,” one commenter shared, adding that it has been hard to find joy and peace with “doing nothing.”

Likewise, several retirees said they miss their coworkers and the sense of purpose and accomplishment they got from their former careers.

“I’ve lost too many friends, family and coworkers,” added a retiree from the Pasadena area.

Others didn’t expect to have to work part-time in retirement due to unexpected expenses. “It’s okay, though,” added one commenter. “I have another TCDRS retirement account to look forward to.”

Did you relate to some of the topics discussed in this article? Please join the conversation on our Facebook page @TCDRS.

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