With fewer than forty school days left before my much-anticipated retirement, I called my former newspaper editor. I had a quick question to ask, just needed some info that a friend asked me to get.
Then after the chitchat, after the answer to the question, just at good-by, he said, "By the way, we have a position opening up in June. Full-time, forty-hours. Would you be interested?"
Yes.
It seems an editor for a nearby town was leaving and the seat at her desk was going to need to be filled.
Maybe.
"Well, I'd have some questions." I was stalling.
How did I feel? A desk job. A desk with no students in front. A phone right there within reach. A computer. Local stories to cover . . . Interviews to do-- I love to ask questions.
"I remember you said to keep you in mind when you retired," he said.
But, the thing is, I haven't retired yet. I haven't had a chance to taste the freedom from routine that brings.
"One question: Would I have to get up early?"
"No, editors never do," he said.
"What about nap time?" I asked. He laughed now.
And then it clicked.
No.
I told him the timing was off. That I needed to get a taste of retirement before I committed to something else. That I'd continue as a stringer, but for now it was too much too soon to take a full time job. A job that would probably start the minute my other one ended.
He understood.
But, God willing, I'll have time for another career, or a mini one anyway.
Do I want that?
Well, let's not call it a career. I want to develop a niche, something creative that will make some money. Fun money. There must be such a thing. I want the chance of a lifetime to fall into my lap, or rather; I want to create the chance of a lifetime.
High hopes? I'd like you to meet reality.
No one has crystal ball to view the future, but in this day of rising gas prices, falling house prices, and a roller coaster ride for other things as well . . . some things are out of my control.
Thirty-five years ago, I had no idea what my retirement year would have in store. And if I had, what difference would it have made? I couldn't have changed a thing.
So I'm poised. Where I'll land remains to be seen.
But I'm the eternal optimist.
~~~~~
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” ~Maria Robinson
Comments
You'll be too busy to miss the school kids--much. You already know a lot, but you'll learn new things, and still marvel at sunny days and brightly blooming tulips.
Life begins with retirement! My ten years out of a "job" have been unbelievably good. Yours will be, too!
Namaste
We are loving our retirement, and new home.
But for you? You need to taste that freedom for a while. I know just how exhausted teachers are and you probably don't realize it yet - you will, though, when you find yourself drifting off about 3:00 pm every afternoon! lol You need time to sort out life and such before committing to something else.
am a very happy girl going through life doing what I love to do...enjoy it and see where it takes you...you never know what new doors will open once that employment door closes behind you.
Sandi
ps
David sent me by...