big decision

I think I have decided to go with early retirement. Just thought I should make that statement somewhere so I don't chicken out.

I have gone to the meeting explaining the package from ths school district every year for several years. I had planned on working another year at school. Then my associate principal told me that with dropping enrollment for next year I would have to give up my own room and move between classes every hour, plus teach fewer English classes and more learning support. I am so bored with my one class of ONE student this year in learnihng support. I loved the last couple of years when I had 5 different preps (English 9, English 10, English 11, and English 12 and 1 learning support class.) I kept all my reading data and provided it to other case managers. And the special ed. paper work is killer.

So I'm pleased to be retiring to just my part time ER job and whatever else happens along my way.

Yippee!

And come August I'll be sitting in a hot tub somewhere with my co-early-retiree drinking champagne as those other teachers suffer through the Iowa heat on the first day of school.

That'll be awesome, Connie! And with a nice part-time ER job; you should be good to go! Do you have TRA in IA? My sister is a teacher in MN and has been putting monies into TRA (Teacher's Retirement Account) her whole career. She is 59, and plans on working till 62 (when she can collect SS), but it's getting a little tougher for her to wait it out! Me, I am shooting for 60. I do not wish to work any longer than that! CONGRATULATIONS on making this tough decision!! - Gail from your neighboring state

Connie,

In my first year of teaching (1973) I remember sitting in the teacher's lounge listening to the older teachers complain "Teaching isn't what it used to be", "Students aren't what they used to be" Parents aren't what they used to be". Well, I went on to have 25 of the most glorious years of teaching that you can imagine. I would often say to myself that I can't believe that they are paying me to do this since I love it so much. Then my last three years of teaching I started saying to myself "Teaching isn't what it used to be", "Students aren't what they used to be" Parents aren't what they used to be". I stepped back from it and realized that it wasn't the students or parents or administrators. You can only put your heart and soul into it for so long and then it's time to move on. So I retired and moved on to a retirement job that I love just as much (Limo driving).

There's that old saying "Find a job that you love and you'll never work a day in your life". Its very true and I have been very fortunate throughout my life to have lived that way. Life is way to short to be doing something that you no longer enjoy. Good luck in retirement. I'm sure that you will keep busy and you'll have the memories of all those children whose lives you have affected during your teaching years.

Larry (retired teacher and current limo driver) from Las Vegas

Sounds like one helluva good plan to me, Connie.

Oh man, I'm in my 32nd year of teaching and really, really thinking hard about it in the next year or so. Congratulations on making yours.

Connie, congratulations on making retirement the decision.
"Leave 'em while you're lookin' good."

I appreciate Larry's wisdom about the "last three years".
I'm there.

Connie, it sounds like you have made the proper decision.

Anyway, you will be semi-retired since you'll still
have your ER job.

I often think about retirement.

However, my wife always tells me, "How will that be
any different from your present situation?"

I guess you will be playing lots more keno, right? LOL

Good luck! Just dont develop a bad video poker habit and you'll be fine

Its good that you transtion by working part time. I'm looking forward to my retirement career. I want to be the dude at Walmart that waters the flowers in the garden department. That just looks like a really fun job.

Congrats, Connie! It's a big decision, but it sounds like you've put a lot of thought into it and that it's the way for you to go. Best of luck!

My retirement is a long way off still. Actually, I don't think of it as "retirement". I think of it as reaching my "crossover point"... the moment at which one's invested capital generates enough money to meet one's expenses. It's not so much about getting to quit my job as it is not having to work at the job due to financial need.

At that point, I might still work at the job I have at the time. Or I might work at a different job. Or I might do something else for free. Or I might do nothing! The key is that freedom to choose.

- Jeff

That is really good the early is great if it you can do it. A little part time is not bad some mad (keno) money. I just missed you Larry I graduated HS the same year you started 1973.

I have 3 to go from March 25, my 58th b-day that will be.

Terry