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Looking ahead to an empty nest or already there? Here are 5 Ways to Spend Your Free Time Once the Kids Have Moved Out.
Your dreams have finally come true.
The kids have moved out and you now have tons of free time for yourself.
The only problem is you're not sure what to do with that time.
You just know that surfing the internet or reading posts on social media is not it.
Whether you love crafts or want to make some extra money, there are great ways to spend your free time once the kids have moved out.
5 Ways to Spend Your Free Time Once the Kids Have Moved Out
Watch the basic ideas, then scroll down to read more details.
1. Start a New Craft
Have you always wanted to learn how to do a certain craft, but never had the time? Now's the time.
Visit your local craft store and get the supplies you need to get started.
There are YouTube videos on almost any craft imaginable.
You can also find classes at many craft stores. Best of all, you can even turn your kid's old room into a craft room.
I shared about my new craft device, the Cricut Explore Air, on my other site.
I am constantly amazed at how much fun it is to use as well as the quality of the final projects.
There are also a large variety of classes on Craftsy.
2. Take Classes
Did you know that keeping your brain active can lead to a longer life?
Now that the kids are gone, why not spend your free time taking classes?
You don't have to earn another degree. Many colleges offer a number of personal enrichment courses.
You could learn photography, baking, creative writing, and so much more. Or pursue a degree in a different field.
If you don't want to go to a campus, you can enroll for online courses. Udemy offers a wide variety of more practical classes.
There is also CreativeLive where you can sit in for free with the option to buy a class for lifetime access. I've sat in on a few photography classes and really appreciated some of the tips.
I've also spotted some fun DVD based courses covering topics such as art, ballroom dancing, drums, guitar, photography and piano. We have their homeschool edition for piano and it is a FULL class.
3. Start a Vlog or Podcast
Want to earn some extra money?
Or maybe you just want to share your passion with others?
Start a vlog on YouTube. YouTube is a great way to share your passion with the world and get paid to do it.
Podcasting is also a growing market. Here's one resource on starting your own podcast. Build in spots for ad placement from the beginning so you are ready if and when it takes off.
It will take a while before you start to see a paycheck, but it can be so much fun to connect with others and teach people new things. YouTube has minimum thresholds for earning through ads. However, some companies will sponsor work without you meeting those minimums.
You can start with just your smartphone, although many recommend basic equipment to have a truly class act. Like a good microphone and pop filter. And a space in your home that has minimal echos for recording.
I have a Blue Snowball microphone with a swivel mount pop filter. I use this equipment for voice overs on videos and can use it for a podcast as well. If I had the money for it, I would have bought a Blue Yeti microphone.
There are ‘podcast microphone kits‘ available, but keep in mind you pay for quality. However, if it is a hobby to test the waters, it may work just fine.
Blue Snowball iCE USB Mic for Recording and Streaming on PC and Mac, Cardioid Condenser Capsule, Adjustable Stand, Plug and Play – BlackStudio Microphone Mic Wind Screen Pop Filter/ Swivel Mount,360° Flexible Gooseneck HolderBlue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming on PC and Mac, 3 Condenser Capsules, 4 Pickup Patterns, Headphone Output and Volume Control, Mic Gain Control, Adjustable Stand, Plug & Play – BlackoutUSB Podcast Condenser Microphone 192kHZ/24bit, UHURU Professional PC Streaming Cardioid Microphone Kit with Boom Arm, Shock Mount, Pop Filter and Windscreen, for Broadcasting, Recording, YouTube
Whether you love to shop for bargains or love to paint, you have something you can share with others through a vlog or podcast.
4. Volunteer
If you want to give back for all the blessings you've had in your life, why not volunteer?
Whether you love animals or kids, there are so many great volunteer opportunities. This can be a very rewarding way to spend your free time.
Not sure who needs help in your community?
Search online!
Volunteer Match is one website for major US cities that can get you started.
And you can find opportunities on LinkedIn to use professional experience for nonprofits.
5. Work on Your Bucket List
Last, but not least, take the time to start checking items off your bucket list.
We all have different things we've always wanted to do. Now that you have time to do those things, you no longer have any excuses.
Whether you've always wanted to try skydiving or wanted to travel to Ireland, do what it takes to make those things happen.
For my husband and I, travel has been almost exclusively for work or to visit family. Taking 6 people somewhere gets rather expensive. Our ONE family vacation to Hawaii almost hit $10,000 even with cooking our own food at our townhouse rental and one companion fare ticket.
You don't have to waste all the free time you've gained now that the kids are gone.
Whether you want to try a new craft or volunteer, there are so many great ways to spend your free time once the kids have moved out.
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This post was originally published on Nov 7, 2016 and has since been updated.
Amy Eades says
I only have one more left at home and he’ll be 18 in a little more than a year. Great advice. Thanks so much.
JANET A MATRAI says
My son is 24 years old and that advice is well said . I volunteered when I was younger as a nursing aide
Cyn says
Ever since I became an empty nester I have been working my way through my travel bucket list. It’s so much fun! Next up, I want to take some more classes. I have always wanted to learn to speak Italian.