Yesterday I turned in my letter of resignation to my principal. Those of you who know me, know that I love teaching so this was pretty traumatic for me. Even though I officially retired last July, I came back to teach another year. I guess I wasn't really ready to retire last year but we (my hubby and I) have talked about it in depth for this past year. I know in my heart that I wanted to really retire at the end of this year but it is another thing to really take the step. On Wednesday we were told in a faculty meeting that we had to declare our intent about next year by Friday. Of course this meant I had no sleep on Wednesday or Thursday and agonized abgout this decision for 2 days. I don't think my hubby really expected me to do it either. Well yesterday I did and felt weepy all day.
I have so many mixed feelings about doing this. I know that I love my husband and want to spend more time together doing things so that if anything should happen, we won't have any regrets. But part of me worries about my students that I'm leaving behind, and my colleagues who seem to respect my opinion and need me. I have this fear that I will forget how to teach over time (use it or lose it philosophy). Part of me is thrilled about the thought of not having to answer to anyone (other than my hubby and vice versa). I also dread the thought of packing up and moving "stuff" I've collected over the past 26 years of teaching (do you remember that I said I was a pack rat?) I'm excited about the thought of all the adventures we will have. Yet I feel like I'm grieving too. All of these mixed emotions are very confusing too. How can I feel all those emotions all at the same time?
If the weather would just warm up so I could garden and hike and hike and hike and hike some more, I think I would feel better! lol
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10 comments:
Oh my! I am so excited for you and nervous too! What a huge step! Congratulations on making such a big decision!
oh pat! you really did it? Im sure you've made the right decision. Think of all the new and exciting things you can do now. Any change is hard at first.
Lani
Oh congrats!!! I remember when my Mom did this a few years ago-she had sooooo much stuff in her classroom! Of course she couldn't leave completely she still there every day doing per diem math for the top students and art from time to time. What a wonderful next stage of your life to be starting soon!
I am so excited and thrilled for you. I know this is going to be tough but once the first 6 months is over (after it is official); you will wonder why you didn't do it before. Just remember the kids you have helped are just as happy for you. Besides, now you will have time, if I ever get a chance to drive up to see Nuke, LOL
Wow! Oh that is so hard Loony! It will all work out you will see. You did the hardest part and that was making the decision to do it and following through with it. It will be spring soon and you will be so busy with your gardening, and hiking, and scrapbooking....it will be okay you will see. Change is always hard especially at first. Hang in there dear friend. I will be praying for you and BIG ((((HUGS))))) on making this tough desision!! Just think!! Lots of time to scrapbook now!!! LOL! LOL!
{{{HUGS}}} Congrats on your decision! I hope the transition is smooth and easy for you
Oh, Pat! What a wonderful/scary moment all at the same time! You know that just because you 'retire' does NOT mean you've quit being a teacher...you have all sorts of people within your sphere of influence you will still teach. Certainly remember that you never retire from life!!
I know it's scary Pat. But it's a really exciting new phase of your life that your planning for now. Once you actually make the break you'll be able to focus on the future and truly enjoy your new life. I wish you all the very best of luck. And I'm more than a little jealous.
That is a big step that you took. I am a teacher myself, but I am just starting out in my teaching career. Right now I am just substituting, it seems really difficult to find a full time job these days, but I hope to find a job in the next few years.
Good luck with your retirement! :)
I envy you. Not the moving out of your classroom part (I'm hoping to change schools this year, and that's the part that I dread.). Not the leaving kids behind part (I love my students and would miss them terribly.). Just the being free from all time constraints and being able to do what you want when you want with whom you want. (Okay, so that was a stretch . . . LOL!)
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