NB This is a sponsored post.
You know, it doesn’t seem all that long ago when my kids were babies and I was so sleep deprived I could barely function (depression probably didn’t help).
I’ll admit there were times when I secretly wished (like most parents!) that I could fast forward to the future when they were older and more self sufficient.
Now it’s happened, and there are times I feel a little shell-shocked! While it does take some getting used to, there is no doubt that having an empty nest is an exciting period of life. There’s more time, less responsibility, maybe even more $$$, to pursue new horizons …
If you too are finding yourself on the threshold of a whole new world now your kids are grown, here are some ideas to help you make the transition:
1. Travel
This is exactly what the hubster and I have been up to – we’ve just returned from our first trip to Europe! We settled down to a mortgage and kids fairly early in life, rather than travelling back when we were footloose and fancy-free. We have dreams of becoming grey nomads once we reach retirement. Whether it’s domestic or international travel, this is a great time to travel and explore the world!
2. Study
Maybe lack of time or money in years gone by meant you never got to pursue further studies or embark on a new career direction. For some empty-nesters, it’s an opportunity to finally do something for themselves, regardless of whether they will use the qualification or not. For others, it’s a chance to gain skills and knowledge (which is why I undertook a Certificate 4 in Small Business Management last year), or to change career direction entirely.
Whatever your reasons, there is an abundance of courses and providers now available, including organisations such as Careers Australia, which offer plenty of online learning options.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering is also another favourite amongst empty-nesters. With the kids gone, you might actually miss supporting and helping others. If so, there are endless opportunities to donate your time and energy to worthy causes. You can sign up directly with not-for-profit organisations or go through state and city-based organisations that coordinate volunteers based on location and need. There is also the option to combine travel and philanthropy by signing up for volunteer programs and activities overseas.
4. Relocate / Renovate
I’ve been planning a major update to our master bedroom for a while … and the hubster and I both dream about finding a house that better suits our needs (room to park a motorhome!), particularly once the nest empties fully (we still have one at home). Some at this stage in life are keen to downsize; others might want to renovate and turn the kids’ old bedrooms into guest rooms, a study, media room or even a man cave or lady den 😉 !
5. Learn another language
Going hand-in-hand with life-long travel dreams is learning a new language. Imagine being able to make yourself understood while travelling overseas! I know I was excited when I was in Noumea (and more recently, Marseilles) – I actually got the gist of what shopkeepers were saying, thanks to my rusty schoolgirl French!
I’ve shared before that I’ve struggled to adjust to the kids growing up and leaving home.
But on the flip side, it’s a massive milestone (deserving a pat on the back for a job done well!) and a great time to do the things you’ve always dreamed of or wanted to achieve for yourself!
What are your dreams for when the kids leave home?
That’s lovely. I have days I can’t wait for my little boys to grow up and leave the nest. A few years ago I use get so mad at my parents who suddenly travelled constantly, made their home (home I grew up in) more comfortable and basically had a life. I use to wonder, why didn’t they do this when we were younger and at home? Why didn’t we take overseas family holidays? Why did they only install solar power now and was so tight with the heating and air con growing up? Being a parent I get it now. Money was tight and those “nice to have’s” took the back burner until they knew the kids would be okay. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their sacrifices.
These are all great suggestions! It really boils down to perspective. We can either wallow in the sorrow of what we’ve lost or we can look for new possibilities to be explored.
Shellie
http://www.thefabjourney.com
Oh yes travel, travel and more travel. That is what my hubby and I have been doing since our chickens flew the coop. However we also have taken the opportunity to re-paint and redecorate our kid’s two bedrooms and the family room downstairs. I think it is also a great time to re-connection with your partner.
Gee I like Cam’s comment above. We can’t travel because of our dogs but we can pack up and move. We’re making a tree change at the end of the year!