Jan, my retirement story is somewhat similar, only it was 9 years ago, haven’t regretted it at all. My story actually begin the year before during the 2011-2012 school year, the district was offering bonus to retire, it was one years salary spread out over 5 years. Everyone thought I would take it, did think about it then decided I could work another year, get that salary, plus a year added to retirement pay, and my class was an ok group but not best didn’t want to end on down year so did another year. That following year, the principal was having issues, there were new programs coming down the road, new training that was being developed, when all this happened I decided it’s time, made my decision in September but didn’t tell anyone till January, then only a few people. The bonus was my class, I taught first grade, was awesome, I was having the best year, kids were learning and teaching was fun again! So I ended my career with a great last year! Have enjoyed my retirement, traveling, spending time with family and friends, enjoy my quilting and card making hobbies. Thanks for sharing your story.
Linda ~ we were so lucky being teachers, weren't we? The year after I decided to retire was the best. I taught high school. I laughed with the kids a lot & told them not to be standing in the doorway when the last bell rang. ha ha! Who knew just having lunch with friends would be such a blast?!?! Here's to us both having a lot more fun! Cheers! xoxo
Jan, I remember deciding in 5th grade that I was going to be a teacher. Started teaching in 1970, took off 4 years when my kids were little, retired in 2013. There was only one year in my career when I had a hard time finding enjoyment, it was the year my husband suddenly passed away two weeks before school started, that was a tough year for me. Fortunately I had a good class, great support from staff members, especially the administrators. I loved working with kindergarten and first grade kids, so fun to see the growth each year!
I love this, Jan! Our stories are pretty similar. Mine involved a question, "what has the time come for in your life?" combined with walking on a beach in Oregon and hearing the words, "what are you waiting for? This is not MY timeline for you." I went back to work for three days and then wrote my resignation letter. At the time I didn't know if I was retiring, but God put me back on the writing path and I've been going down it ever since. Isn't retirement grand?!
Yes, it is, Cathey!!! And whoever thought I'd have time to find a friend like you -- all the way across the country. Feeling blessed in my retirement. xoxo
Well, maybe one of these years, we will make a trip to Ohio and you can teach me how to golf. Fair warning - it's pretty hopeless. But we would have fun!
I loved your text!! I still have a little bit left to retire... But, I saw them, I keep imagining myself, retired... I'm going to rest a little, then find something to do..🤦🏼♀️🥰❤️
Today I told a friend that I am so tired that I need a vacation to rest from my vacations. I stopped working when my son was 5 years old and was starting the lower school, and went back to work when he was 16 and starting the University. When I retire I would like to be able to travel, without pressures.
Elizabeth ~ that's one of the best things about retirement you may have challenges & things to worry about, but the stress of teaching is gone. It is an amazing feeling. Enjoy every moment of your teaching career, but know there are still many place to go -- without pressure. xoxo
Hi Jan, I'm a bit behind in my reading. You have eloquent way with words on paper. Your retirement story resonates with me. My last year of work was similar in that I & my boss did not get along. The more "I hung in there" the more I became disgruntled, angry & occasionally unkind. I did not like what I was seeing myself become. I finally realized I needed to retire. I have not regretted my decision at all.
Juliann ~ I often wonder if discomfort is God's way of moving us on. I always thought I'd die behind my desk. I couldn't believe how unhappy I became. After 30 years I was starting to doubt myself. So many good things happened after I retired!!! I'm so happy for you too!!! We've got this!!! Love thinking about you Italy. Enjoy! xoxo
Funny you should ask Jan, my plans are to retire to Kentucky have land for my horses and my fur babies. I also am looking to travel and to wake up in the morning and have my chi tea on my deck and soak in everything. Hey maybe even have Graham an Donny for a visit would that be a heaven’s dream. That’s my plans. Sounds to god to be true well see.
Love this Jan! Well because I have a child still in high school and a child just starting college I’ve got a while before I will actually get to retire. But I have shifted careers and in one sense I had do you feel I have retired because I love what I do. But I do long for the days where, yes, I can just clean my oven because I have the time to do it. Or, to go take a three hour hike in the middle of the day on a Wednesday. But those days will come, but today I’m choosing to focus on moving forward but staying in the here and now. In fact, that’s what my tidbit video will be about later today. Thanks Jan, I always enjoy your writing!
Hi Tricia ~ I remember the days when I was happily teaching & there were those around me wanting to retire. I used to think why don't you leave & leave the rest of us alone. ha ha! Just wanted to write this blog for those who are dreading retirement because they don't think they'll have anything to do. Yikes! There's so much in life to do -- working or retired. I'm glad you are still happy in your career; you are doing such important work. I'll look forward to watching your video today. xoxo
Yes thank you. In some ways I feel like I have just started my career and in some ways I feel like I’m in the middle. Definitely not at the end. My tidbit is very slowly loading to Instagram so it should be up shortly.. 🙃😊
Going out to play bridge with the old ladies tonight, but will definitely watch your video when I get home -- if they don't keep me out too late. ha ha! I know you've probably heard of the Thought - Action - Emotion Pyramid. (maybe in different terminology) When I came to the end of my career, I felt a bit sad because I was a Master Teacher by then (Thought). I was still loyal & showed up everyday (Action), but my Heart for it (Emotion) was gone. You've still got it all. So you go, Girl! I'm excited for you & all the people you are helping!!! xoxo
Hi Donna ~ change of any kind can take some getting used to. I had a show lined up to direct at our local theatre; I was busy right away -- so I didn't mourn too long. I'm like you though I love the freedom of planning my own day. Trying to figure out why I get myself so busy the third week of every month. I might need a social secretary?!? Ha ha! Take care & thanks for reading my blog. xoxo
Retirement is the best thing. You don't have to do anything by a schedule . Lots of people don't have the blessing to reach this stage in our lives . Enjoy every day do what you. Blessings to you.
Yes, we are blessed, Susie! If you get to this stage of your life with good health, you are really lucky. Have a good day! Thanks for reading & commenting on my blog. xoxo
Yes, you will, Elise!!! It will allow a part of you to bloom if you let it. You will have more time -- with less stress -- to discover new things. By the way, you'll still find lots of ways to use your "work life" skills if you want to. The world is desperate for good workers. Thanks for reading my blog. xoxo
Hi Jan! The first time I retired was in 2003. I was hired back on a contract basis. Then a manager that I had worked for took over an office 35 miles away and told me she needed to hire another sales rep and asked if I would consider coming back to work full time. I thought about and accepted the position because she was fun to work for and I still had enthusiasm for the job and my customers.
As it turned out, my manager was a dynimo, and was promoted to GM of the LA office about two years later. The different people that took her place just weren’t her. She was fun to work for and inspirational, however, with the new managers and new work polocies my enthusiasm began to dissipate.
There was talk of a Buy Out for many months. I transfered back to my original office closer to home and served my last year in the Key Accounts division. After five years, my service was bridged giving me 38 years seniority. A Buy Out was offered and I gladly accepted the generous offer. I never looked back this time. I have been retired since January 2009. I love every minute of my life now. No more traffic to contend with, quotas, deadlines or negative people.
Currently, I teach a craft class once a month. I find things I want to do, learn how to do them, then teach seven of my dear friends. I serve a brunch or lunch too, which tickles my love for entertaining. We all LOVE it. I attend a Bible Study each week of the school year, and I have so much fun going to lunches or dinner with friends. My husband and I love to travel and take a few trips each year.
In conclusion, to “How to Know When It Is Time to Retire?”, you just know.
Hi Debbie! I went back to teaching at a small college in our area after I retired. It does take awhile to wean yourself out of the work world. ha ha! If I lived near you, I'd try to be in your craft class. Always looks so fun!
Hi, I'm 83 and have formally retired at least twice, but, as a friend once said, I seem to have flunked retirement 101. Recently, I discovered my love for writing. I can do it on my own time., no one pressures me, there are no set hours, and I can wear my pj's while I "work." The best career ever. Where are you living in Ohio, if I may ask? We were born and raised in Toledo .
Oh Janice ~ I live about 50 miles south of Toledo in Upper Sandusky, Ohio -- near Findlay. I graduated from BGSU. My older daughter lives in Chelsea, Michigan (near Ann Arbor) so we go by Toledo all the time. Where do you live now?
I almost had a relapse today. Two different people told me about two different attorney jobs - both of them boring, but with a very nice paycheck! After worrying about it for two days, I realized, umm, I'm WORRYING and that's not good. If I was happy about it, that would be okay, but I'm trying to talk myself into the practicalities of it - left brain - and ignoring that my right brain wants to paint, watch TV, visit friends and cook really complicated things. Oh, and I also found this, which you might enjoy. That fruitless thinking part - so me. ;) https://substack.com/@janstoneburner
Hi Jan, I retired early and it was the best thing I ever did.I love travelling just taking off whenever I feel like it.When I think back I wonder how I fitted everything in a day ( I suppose being younger helped 😊)I was self employed so I didn’t have a 9 to 5 job we worked long hours.Another great blogg ! ❤️
Jan, my retirement story is somewhat similar, only it was 9 years ago, haven’t regretted it at all. My story actually begin the year before during the 2011-2012 school year, the district was offering bonus to retire, it was one years salary spread out over 5 years. Everyone thought I would take it, did think about it then decided I could work another year, get that salary, plus a year added to retirement pay, and my class was an ok group but not best didn’t want to end on down year so did another year. That following year, the principal was having issues, there were new programs coming down the road, new training that was being developed, when all this happened I decided it’s time, made my decision in September but didn’t tell anyone till January, then only a few people. The bonus was my class, I taught first grade, was awesome, I was having the best year, kids were learning and teaching was fun again! So I ended my career with a great last year! Have enjoyed my retirement, traveling, spending time with family and friends, enjoy my quilting and card making hobbies. Thanks for sharing your story.
Linda ~ we were so lucky being teachers, weren't we? The year after I decided to retire was the best. I taught high school. I laughed with the kids a lot & told them not to be standing in the doorway when the last bell rang. ha ha! Who knew just having lunch with friends would be such a blast?!?! Here's to us both having a lot more fun! Cheers! xoxo
Jan, I remember deciding in 5th grade that I was going to be a teacher. Started teaching in 1970, took off 4 years when my kids were little, retired in 2013. There was only one year in my career when I had a hard time finding enjoyment, it was the year my husband suddenly passed away two weeks before school started, that was a tough year for me. Fortunately I had a good class, great support from staff members, especially the administrators. I loved working with kindergarten and first grade kids, so fun to see the growth each year!
I love this, Jan! Our stories are pretty similar. Mine involved a question, "what has the time come for in your life?" combined with walking on a beach in Oregon and hearing the words, "what are you waiting for? This is not MY timeline for you." I went back to work for three days and then wrote my resignation letter. At the time I didn't know if I was retiring, but God put me back on the writing path and I've been going down it ever since. Isn't retirement grand?!
Yes, it is, Cathey!!! And whoever thought I'd have time to find a friend like you -- all the way across the country. Feeling blessed in my retirement. xoxo
Well, maybe one of these years, we will make a trip to Ohio and you can teach me how to golf. Fair warning - it's pretty hopeless. But we would have fun!
If you ever make it to Ohio, we'll do lots of fun stuff! xoxo
I loved your text!! I still have a little bit left to retire... But, I saw them, I keep imagining myself, retired... I'm going to rest a little, then find something to do..🤦🏼♀️🥰❤️
Hi Nali ~ you will be surprised how "something to do" finds you! Enjoy all those remaining "working moments." Thanks for reading my blog. xoxo
Today I told a friend that I am so tired that I need a vacation to rest from my vacations. I stopped working when my son was 5 years old and was starting the lower school, and went back to work when he was 16 and starting the University. When I retire I would like to be able to travel, without pressures.
Elizabeth ~ that's one of the best things about retirement you may have challenges & things to worry about, but the stress of teaching is gone. It is an amazing feeling. Enjoy every moment of your teaching career, but know there are still many place to go -- without pressure. xoxo
Hi Jan, I'm a bit behind in my reading. You have eloquent way with words on paper. Your retirement story resonates with me. My last year of work was similar in that I & my boss did not get along. The more "I hung in there" the more I became disgruntled, angry & occasionally unkind. I did not like what I was seeing myself become. I finally realized I needed to retire. I have not regretted my decision at all.
Juliann ~ I often wonder if discomfort is God's way of moving us on. I always thought I'd die behind my desk. I couldn't believe how unhappy I became. After 30 years I was starting to doubt myself. So many good things happened after I retired!!! I'm so happy for you too!!! We've got this!!! Love thinking about you Italy. Enjoy! xoxo
Funny you should ask Jan, my plans are to retire to Kentucky have land for my horses and my fur babies. I also am looking to travel and to wake up in the morning and have my chi tea on my deck and soak in everything. Hey maybe even have Graham an Donny for a visit would that be a heaven’s dream. That’s my plans. Sounds to god to be true well see.
Sounds heavenly, Shari! I hope it all comes true -- those sound like some great house guests. xoxo
Love this Jan! Well because I have a child still in high school and a child just starting college I’ve got a while before I will actually get to retire. But I have shifted careers and in one sense I had do you feel I have retired because I love what I do. But I do long for the days where, yes, I can just clean my oven because I have the time to do it. Or, to go take a three hour hike in the middle of the day on a Wednesday. But those days will come, but today I’m choosing to focus on moving forward but staying in the here and now. In fact, that’s what my tidbit video will be about later today. Thanks Jan, I always enjoy your writing!
Hi Tricia ~ I remember the days when I was happily teaching & there were those around me wanting to retire. I used to think why don't you leave & leave the rest of us alone. ha ha! Just wanted to write this blog for those who are dreading retirement because they don't think they'll have anything to do. Yikes! There's so much in life to do -- working or retired. I'm glad you are still happy in your career; you are doing such important work. I'll look forward to watching your video today. xoxo
Yes thank you. In some ways I feel like I have just started my career and in some ways I feel like I’m in the middle. Definitely not at the end. My tidbit is very slowly loading to Instagram so it should be up shortly.. 🙃😊
Going out to play bridge with the old ladies tonight, but will definitely watch your video when I get home -- if they don't keep me out too late. ha ha! I know you've probably heard of the Thought - Action - Emotion Pyramid. (maybe in different terminology) When I came to the end of my career, I felt a bit sad because I was a Master Teacher by then (Thought). I was still loyal & showed up everyday (Action), but my Heart for it (Emotion) was gone. You've still got it all. So you go, Girl! I'm excited for you & all the people you are helping!!! xoxo
It definitely can be a challenge at firsr. I have been retired for 4 years. I enjoy the freedom of planning my day for me.
Hi Donna ~ change of any kind can take some getting used to. I had a show lined up to direct at our local theatre; I was busy right away -- so I didn't mourn too long. I'm like you though I love the freedom of planning my own day. Trying to figure out why I get myself so busy the third week of every month. I might need a social secretary?!? Ha ha! Take care & thanks for reading my blog. xoxo
Retirement is the best thing. You don't have to do anything by a schedule . Lots of people don't have the blessing to reach this stage in our lives . Enjoy every day do what you. Blessings to you.
Yes, we are blessed, Susie! If you get to this stage of your life with good health, you are really lucky. Have a good day! Thanks for reading & commenting on my blog. xoxo
Dear Jan. What a lovely read! I am approaching the same crossroad and your writing is just what I needed to hear. I WILL be okay. Thank you.
Yes, you will, Elise!!! It will allow a part of you to bloom if you let it. You will have more time -- with less stress -- to discover new things. By the way, you'll still find lots of ways to use your "work life" skills if you want to. The world is desperate for good workers. Thanks for reading my blog. xoxo
Hi Jan! The first time I retired was in 2003. I was hired back on a contract basis. Then a manager that I had worked for took over an office 35 miles away and told me she needed to hire another sales rep and asked if I would consider coming back to work full time. I thought about and accepted the position because she was fun to work for and I still had enthusiasm for the job and my customers.
As it turned out, my manager was a dynimo, and was promoted to GM of the LA office about two years later. The different people that took her place just weren’t her. She was fun to work for and inspirational, however, with the new managers and new work polocies my enthusiasm began to dissipate.
There was talk of a Buy Out for many months. I transfered back to my original office closer to home and served my last year in the Key Accounts division. After five years, my service was bridged giving me 38 years seniority. A Buy Out was offered and I gladly accepted the generous offer. I never looked back this time. I have been retired since January 2009. I love every minute of my life now. No more traffic to contend with, quotas, deadlines or negative people.
Currently, I teach a craft class once a month. I find things I want to do, learn how to do them, then teach seven of my dear friends. I serve a brunch or lunch too, which tickles my love for entertaining. We all LOVE it. I attend a Bible Study each week of the school year, and I have so much fun going to lunches or dinner with friends. My husband and I love to travel and take a few trips each year.
In conclusion, to “How to Know When It Is Time to Retire?”, you just know.
Hi Debbie! I went back to teaching at a small college in our area after I retired. It does take awhile to wean yourself out of the work world. ha ha! If I lived near you, I'd try to be in your craft class. Always looks so fun!
It did for us! You would fit in perfectly with me and my friends.
Hi, I'm 83 and have formally retired at least twice, but, as a friend once said, I seem to have flunked retirement 101. Recently, I discovered my love for writing. I can do it on my own time., no one pressures me, there are no set hours, and I can wear my pj's while I "work." The best career ever. Where are you living in Ohio, if I may ask? We were born and raised in Toledo .
Oh Janice ~ I live about 50 miles south of Toledo in Upper Sandusky, Ohio -- near Findlay. I graduated from BGSU. My older daughter lives in Chelsea, Michigan (near Ann Arbor) so we go by Toledo all the time. Where do you live now?
❤️
I almost had a relapse today. Two different people told me about two different attorney jobs - both of them boring, but with a very nice paycheck! After worrying about it for two days, I realized, umm, I'm WORRYING and that's not good. If I was happy about it, that would be okay, but I'm trying to talk myself into the practicalities of it - left brain - and ignoring that my right brain wants to paint, watch TV, visit friends and cook really complicated things. Oh, and I also found this, which you might enjoy. That fruitless thinking part - so me. ;) https://substack.com/@janstoneburner
Definitely my friend!! Have a great day!!!🥰🇧🇷
Hi Jan, I retired early and it was the best thing I ever did.I love travelling just taking off whenever I feel like it.When I think back I wonder how I fitted everything in a day ( I suppose being younger helped 😊)I was self employed so I didn’t have a 9 to 5 job we worked long hours.Another great blogg ! ❤️