Although I’m retiring at the end of the school year I really haven’t been tracking or counting down (yet). But I do have a colleague that is also retiring and he shared with me that yesterday marked 100 work days until we are done. So I’m heading into work today with just 99 work days left. That seems a bit surreal to me.
I know someone who started their retirement countdown with over 2 years left. It worked for him, but my mind doesn’t operate that way. I have always struggled with being excited through anticipation. I used to fake it for my kids, but they are grown up now. I get a tiny bit excited for a trip the night before, but only after my bag is packed. Even if I’m packing a bathing suit to go sit on a beach, the excitement level isn’t that high for me.
Sometimes I feel like I’m missing out by not getting excited in advance. I see excited anticipation in others and wonder what gene I’m missing that I don’t get the same feeling. I know that comparison is the thief of joy, but there is something ironic about joy being the thing you are lacking in your comparison.
99 days. Down to double digits. It seems short. There is still so much to do. And yet, I’m ready. Maybe not excitedly ready, but I’m ready.
All the best and congrats again!
Congratulations David!
I’m just curious—how did you come to the decision to retire, and do you have any plans for post‑retirement? I completely understand if you prefer not to answer.
By the way, I was your children’s elementary teacher!
Of course I remember you Madame Samiei:)
My decision is two-fold:
1. I’ve been with Coquitlam Open Learning for 14 years and Inquiry Hub for 13… I’m ready for a change but don’t have it me to try to move and put in another 4-5 years.
2. I’m 58 and feel that I have other things I want to prioritize.
I will write even more every day.
I will see more of the world.
I will spend more time taking care of my body and preparing food out of love rather than necessity in a busy schedule.
I might TTOC (substitute teach) part time.
I might do something completely unrelated to education.
I’d rather leave still loving my job than stay too long… I’ve never liked how that has looked on others and so I don’t want that to be me.
It’s my time to go, I’m convinced of this and looking forward to whatever comes my way from here.