This summer is going to be a prelude to retirement. There are issues I will need to begin dealing with and priorities that need to be established.
Teachers live in a world of privilege. Yes, we have a rough job. The stress is high and it takes a lot of energy. At the same time the benefits are beyond what those of you paying our salaries can only dream of. After having all summer off I can understand the appeal of welfare. It is awesome to not have to work and still be able to eat. It is so refreshing to not hear an alarm every morning. Can you picture months in which you can say, “Tomorrow” to something you need to do and know that you will have the time.
Most of you are lucky to get two weeks paid vacation a year. Most of you are losing your health insurance. Many of you are worried about layoffs.
I will only need to worry for one more year. That is what I know I have to do. At that point we will decide if we can get out of the rat race and out of the People’s Republik of Kalifornia. Then I will have to make some changes and I might as well get started.
It is hard to motivate yourself when you have plenty of time. When you can mow the lawn tomorrow and it won’t make any difference it is an excuse for a nap. You can have all the projects and goals in the world but when you have plenty of time it takes the edge off. I think that discipline and a schedule will be necessary to self-impose. I want to write more. I have files full of ideas to write about. I have a lot to say. It doesn’t matter if no one is listening, I still want to say it. Lazy afternoons are killers for a posting schedule.
I need to get started on this. I have the rest of the summer. Maybe tomorrow.
homo unius libri
As one who has lived in the world of the retiree for the past seven years, I can say without a doubt that I highly recommend it. Especially the part about throwing away the alarm clock.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to know that everyone doesn't just roll over and die when they retire. On the new phone my kids got me we discovered that it already had wake ups programed for Monday through Friday. I deleted them.
DeleteGrace and peace.