For the past 34 years I was a school teacher. I worked long hours almost everyday of each year to better my craft and serve my students. My favorite part of the job was looking for ways to teach and inspire children well. My greatest reward was when a child succeeded. In fact, this morning I received a nice note from a parent letting me know how well her child is doing in math. To me, that's the greatest gift a teacher can receive.
Due to pandemic health risks and differences with management styles and decisions, I made a decision to retire this summer, and now I am thinking about what's next.
Do I miss teaching?
Looking back, this was the right time to retire. The pace of teaching, pandemic health risks, my deep interests in research/writing, and family needs/concerns demonstrate to me that I made the right choice. I know the students will continue to be well served by dedicated educators, loving families, and a good community--that's good, and I believe that there are new ways for me to grow and do good work in the greater world.
What will I do?
First, I will give myself a year to improve my health and explore the world of ideas and people around me. I have been working since I was 15--that's 46 years of mostly round-the-clock service and work. I grew up with hard working family members and never considered not working. I endured some very difficult work situations over the years, but never considered quitting or not working--I put up with it and worked to make the situations better. It is a true luxury to not work everyday at this moment, but in time, I will return to work.
During this year, I'll shore up some of my weak spots for what's to come. I've avoided some of these areas for years in order to teach well and take care of my family. Even as a child, I had a lot of responsibilities and not much time for this attention to self care so this truly is a gift, a gift I don't want to squander, but to take seriously. So my first job as a retired teacher is self care.
I also want to care for my growing and changing family. I love my family dearly and want to think about what I can do to support and contribute to their good living in meaningful ways. That will begin by hosting family members for healthy meals, visiting my parents to help out when I can, and being present to listen and help out as needed.
And, I want to support a better country. I hate what the Trump team has done to our nation's prosperity, health, environment, and good values. As a military mom, I fear what Trump's suspicious international relations does for my son's safety. As a future grandmother, I fear for what the Trump team does to the environment and opportunities for everyday people to get ahead, live good lives, attend high-quality schools, and access to quality, affordable health care. I don't want a country with a wealth class and a servant class, but instead I want a country where everyone has the opportunity to live a good life. I also want to live in a country that is sensitive and helpful when it comes to the poverty, environmental devastation, and corporate greed that is harming so many the world over--I want a country that works with others for win-win solutions.
And I want to contribute to the greater world in a meaningful way that maximizes my abilities and holds me to task--hard work to serve others keeps one honest and well directed. I will find that place in time, and I am curious about where that place will be. In fact, this is the first time in my life that I'm allowing a bit of serendipity and surprise to enter my plans. Before this I was programmed to live a life that included getting married, having a family, teaching, and supporting my family well--that took precedence, and while those roles are still important, the next step is less scripted which is both exciting and daunting at the same time.
I love the novelty this new stage has brought to my life. It was an unexpected change, but one that I'm embracing as I move ahead. Where I am going? Let's see.