Okay, Now What?

It's interesting how you fall into a routine after you retire (actually in most any endeavor). I find myself spending much of the day reading (RSS feeds related world, national, and local news; technology news; alternative energy news; and of course the iPhone) and listening to a variety of podcasts (same subjects). To keep things interesting, I also throw in a few miscellaneous subjects just to keep things interesting--eastern philosophy, science fiction, my previous company, information technology competitors, and of course politics. I am also continuing to teach in a graduate MBA program. Therefore, one could say that I am pretty well informed.

I also have fallen into a routine of piddling around the house doing odd chores (not near enough according to my wife) and having lunches with former business colleagues. It is fun, but not particularly exciting or challenging in the great stream of things. Indeed, at six weeks into retirement, I find myself becoming bored.

Okay, now what? While I am in no rush to get another job, I find circumstances pushing me. For instance, I never realized how may information technology jobs there were out in the market--many paying competitive or superior to what I have been used to. While I don't particularly want to pursue them, it is something that I know well and there are many of them.

The other path that I am considering is some activity in renewable energy. However, at the present time, much of the intellectual and financial energy in this field is being consumed in technology development rather than technology deployment. The exceptions are opportunities in solar panel sales and installation, and wind generator sales and installation (not to dismiss solar water heating). Unfortunately, these require climbing on roofs, installing and climbing tall towers, and similar activities--not my cup of tea.

Therefore, I am at that point that I need to do something, but it has not quite coalesced. Any ideas or suggestions or stories of similar dilemmas are welcome.