Have you engaged in a new interest or hobby, or even returned to an old one? To transition yourself into retirement, you should be participating in several activities so that once you retire, you won't be scrambling to find something to do with your time. Surprisingly, you might find that the office hustle and bustle you disliked is the one thing you miss most.
Next, do your homework. If you know you like gardening, make sure you learn and research as much as you can. A hobby can easily turn into a number of things -- if you take the time to acquire the right skills. Volunteer work, working part-time, or even running your own home-based business can all be possible extensions of your hobbies.
Even if retirement is still several years down the road, remember that hobbies can provide an enriching outlet for everyone. Before retiring, you can pursue some interests to gain a sense of what you enjoy, and then fully develop those interests in your retirement. When else can you play golf, go swimming or even paint to your heart's desire?
