On Thursday, June 7, 2018, I reached a major milestone in my life.  My last milestone was turning 50 five years ago.  On this day (Thursday) I retired from my teaching career of 18 years.  Oh my where to begin.

“You’re too young to retire!”

One of the major responses I would get when people knew I was retiring was, “You’re too young to retire!”  Hmmm….actually no and here is why:

• From the time Michael and I were married in 1988 we lived within our means and not beyond.
• We made smart financial decisions with our money and investing.
• Our only outstanding bill is our mortgage.  We pay for everything outright.
• • Example:  Our cars..both are paid for and we will drive them to the ground.  Meaning we don’t buy a new car every few years.
• Credit cards bills are paid in full each month.
• We didn’t go on lavish vacations 4 times a year and pay thousands of dollars.

These are just a few of the reasons that come to mind right now.  But, I will say we worked hard to get where we are today and that meant some sacrifice on both our parts.

How I Am Feeling Right Now

It’s very surreal.  I’m a gambit of emotions and I feel extremely vulnerable right now.  It’s thrilling yet terrifying at the same time.  Before I left my classroom, I sat in my chair at my desk for the longest time.  I just looked around and thought about all the students that occupied those chairs throughout the years.  It was almost overwhelming.  I started to question myself.  Was I good teacher?  Did I do right by my students?  I think the answer is Yes.

I suppose one of the hardest things for me is leaving my 7th grade team.  I’ve worked with these people for a very long time and I will miss them dearly.  We’ve shared our highs and lows and our families.  They were my support network.  I’m probably going to be processing this for a while.

Things I Don’t Need to Worry About Anymore

On a lighter note, I came up with this list of I can… and No more… one evening after grading a bunch of papers.  It was quite validating to write these down.  They aren’t in any particular order, but each has its own significance.

• I can refill my coffee cup whenever I want.
• I can pee whenever I want.
• I don’t need to wear a bra everyday.
• No need to set the alarm for 5:15 a.m. M-F.
• No more paper grading over the weekends.
• I’ll just have my personal e-mail account.
• I can go to sleep whenever I want.
• I can sleep in if I want (I really can sleep past 7:30 a.m.)
• No more anxiety on Sundays.
• Last time I HAVE to do grocery shopping on the weekend.
• I don’t have to auto program the coffee maker for the morning.
• I don’t have to drink coffee from a travel mug anymore.
• I won’t be cut off by drivers trying to merge from the right lane at the last minute.

I’m sure there is a lot more I can add to this list, but this is it for now.

This is a great card given to me by my co-workers.  It’s so appropriate.  I plan on doing each of the things listed and more.

Well for now that is all.  Writing this was therapeutic for me.  I hope you enjoyed reading this.   Where are you in occupation journey?  I’d love to hear!

XOXO  Wendy