Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Happy Mardi Gras! Happy Fat Tuesday!

My short Tik Tok career…

Some of you may have already figured this out. Some of you I have hinted to and some of you I have outright told…

I am retiring at the end of the year! Well, I will officially retire on July 1st.

I can now tell you because I told my principal last week – last Tuesday to be exact. I was still doubting myself on Monday and honestly, I was a ball of emotions. On Tuesday I woke up with a sense of peace about my decision. I had made an appointment with my principal during my planning period.

I started with, “I have made the difficult decision to retire at the end of the year” and he really did seem surprised and sad. I teared up and got choked up a little. Darn it!

But, we talked for about 20 minutes and I made him laugh about 5 times. So, me getting choked up just says I care, right? Not that I am an emotional perimenopausal woman?

I probably gave him more information than he needed, but then I always do…

I said I kind of thought going in this year it might be my last year, but I’ve loved my students and my new microphone – lol. I said I was ready for more flexibility in my life and now I am dealing with my mom’s estate.

I said I didn’t think I could be effective if I stayed another year, but that I am going out on top of my game just like Michael Jordan. Ha!

I made him laugh and chuckle several times and he said I have done so much for my department, which was nice.

I also told him I wasn’t ready for it to be public. I think it’s too early to tell my students. Also, I would like them to hear it from me.

This is 31 years. Kentucky has a really good pension and I could have retired after 27 years based on when I started teaching. Many teachers do retire after 27 years. I also had some teachers say, “why are you still here?” Weird and rude. Don’t project your feelings onto me and it’s different for everyone. I was told I would know when it was right.

So, I’m sad. I’m relieved to have made the decision. I’m excited. I’m all the things. I have been a teacher for longer than I haven’t been a teacher.

Teacher = 31 years

Not a Teacher/Normal Person = 22 years

I want a new chapter! I think? I am not sure what I would like to do but it would need to have a lot of flexibility – I think? I would like to boss people around. Anyone?

If you are retired or you changed careers, what can you tell me?

Amy

51 thoughts on “The End of a Chapter”

  1. What a big and exciting change for you! 31 years as a teacher is amazing, you have no doubt helped and educated so many young people. Good luck with your new chapter.

    Like

    Reply

  2. Congratulations! That is exciting… and scary and I’m sure it will be sad and you’ll have all the feelings in between too.

    Like

    Reply

  3. My husband retired two weeks ago and he is loving it. It took a few days for him to realize he didn’t have to go to work. I can visibly see how the stress has gone out of him. I will retire in a year maybe a year and a half. I have been at my job for 49 years so it will be a huge adjustment for me but I am looking forward to it. Good luck I think you will love it.

    Like

    Reply

  4. I’m so excited for you!! Truly. I have all.the.thoughts – ha! As a former teacher I miss the classroom every day. Really. It drives my husband NUTS because he only saw the bad/frustrated/head-against-a-brick-wall part and, for some reason, couldn’t take the “good/great” from it that I did. But the peace you are feeling is real and shows you made the right decision. I more “abruptly” left and didn’t have the long goodbye that you will and deserve – I’m praying this is a GOOD time for you.

    I left with NO plan. None. Give yourself some time. I read a blog post six-ish months ago that talked about us (meaning newly empty-nesters/new season people) not being patient with ourselves and just expecting to jump into the “next thing”. That is my biggest advice. You are giving your boys a year to figure it out, right? They graduated and you are like, “try some things, stay home, explore” – give yourself that same advice. I have had five different jobs in 4 companies since 2017 and am just now finally settled. Pretend you are in your 20’s and get to start over. Try lots of things, take it easy, don’t expect the salary you have now or the schedule you have now. Just relax – it will work out. This is when you get to just “be” – Tom and Eddie Otis are your only responsibilities!!

    Can’t wait to see where this new chapter leads you :). Reach out anytime – we can talk!

    Like

    Reply

  5. Congrats! I am in the same boat-kinda. This is my 40th year and I am an elementary school counselor. I am still young (61) and have done this my WHOLE life! When I told my principal she said,” Don’t do this to me”. Now what??? Now I’m even MORE conflicted! My teachers don’t want me to go because I really do the principal’s job (most days) and they like my style, however my husband is retiring in August. Some days I am ready and other days I think I can go 1 more year. I want to feel the peace that you feel. The only downside is that my husband LOVES to exercise and will want me to exercise every day. He doesn’t realize what a teacher does in a day. YIKES!

    Like

    Reply

    1. 40 years! Wow! You have to do what is right for you and not listen to their pressure. For me, if I start a new year, I will feel stuck. A counselor is a little different but it would still be hard to replace you during the year.
      I want to start a better exercise routine. You have to do what you enjoy and not what he enjoys.

      Like

      Reply

  6. Amy – Wow! What a big decision! I’ll tell you what 1 of my managers said that she did in the months before her last day of work: she created a board where she wrote things that she would like to do on sticky notes! Kind of brainstormed them. She had a lot of church & volunteering-type items because working a full-time job limited her involvement. I am happy for you!

    Like

    Reply

  8. That is exciting but I’m sure very bittersweet to be leaving something that’s been a large part of your life. I think you will love not working every day (you could always sub or work part time somewhere; it seems some young, energetic people do not like to not work at all). It sounds like you’ve made a great impact as a teacher. Soon will be your time to make an impact elsewhere- and whether you impact one or two people as opposed to a whole cohort of teens, it doesn’t matter. There are always ripple effects. Have a great day!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you! It is, but now I am mostly excited! I do think I might sub.
      I have a lot of interests – food service, clothing, gifts – so many things.
      Thank you. I hope that I have.
      You too!

      Like

      Reply

  9. It’s great to go out when you are on top and have had a good year! The fact that you feel at peace with your decision just reaffirms it’s right! I am so happy for you!

    Being a teacher is who you are – whether you are working or not, you are an educator! You’ve touched countless lives and you’ve made a huge difference.

    I can relate to people asking you about still being there. Everyone assumes I should be retiring because of my age but education was not my first career and I took 5 years off when my boys were born. I will be working for another 8 years! I don’t know anyone who is working that long. I’ll be the last man standing!

    I can’t wait to see what you do next Amy!!!!

    xo,

    Kellyann

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you! I feel that I can always go back! Spanish teachers are hard to find. But, I do feel like it’s right.
      I always forget you did something else first.
      I can’t wait, either! Ha!

      Like

      Reply

  10. It’s public now! I am so glad that you had the talk with your principal yesterday, and that you felt the ease to share it here. You have worked so hard for this milestone, and I am beyond excited for you, my friend. I know it’ll be an adjustment, but I feel confident that you’ll find your place, and that an opportunity will present itself.

    Like

    Reply

  11. Oh wow, Amy. Quite a monumental change.However, I believe in doing what makes you happy, as long as it is doable from a practical standpoint.

    I opted for a career change a few years ago, also related to changes in my family. I left a corporate/ middle management role and struck out on my own. No regrets, except for the lunchtime fun with my ex-colleagues. Can’t have it all, though 😃.

    Like

    Reply

  12. Congratulations! What a great run!

    (I almost always get choked up when I leave a job, fwiw.)

    You can still run your tiktok! What a moving into PD or curriculum? I think there’s some great remote options out there.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you!
      Aww – relatable!
      I guess I could run my TikTok.
      I am definitely taking a break at first, I think. I am hoping to manage our kitchen reno project!

      Like

      Reply

  14. Congrats!!

    Welcome to retirement living! My best advice is take it easy for a while. don’t take a job right away. Enjoy it first.

    I’m so happy for you! And happy for me I will not worry so much about my punctuation!

    Again, you totally deserve this!

    Missy

    Like

    Reply

  15. Congratulations!!! I know it’s bittersweet to leave a profession that’s so much a part of your life. Thank you for being a teacher! ❤️ No advice on what to do next but you seem like you enjoy your social time. You have so many options! If you miss your kids, you could always substitute or tutor. Wishing you all the best for the future!! ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. Congratulations! I know it’s a difficult decision to make, but when you know, you know. My only words of advice are to expect highs and lows as you transition to a different way of life. Enjoy every moment of the last few months. And, have lots and lots of fun…freedom from being “caught” doing things teachers shouldn’t do as well as freedom from a schedule. You can always email me if you need extra thoughts.

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. Congratulations! I’m sure you are a mixed bag of emotions, but I am sure you will rock your retirement! Losing both of my parents in 2023 (six weeks apart), I understand all the emotions that come with dealing with the estate (I was co-executor with my sister), but I am sure you and your sisters will handle it with grace.

    Again, congrats!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. Just be patient with yourselves. We have 2 brothers as well, and we did the sticky note method as well..noting what any would like to keep/donate/etc. The emotions are going to run all over the place and something that seems insignificant to one might make another bawl. I’m the youngest (53) and my sister is the oldest (65) (with the boys in between) and it was interesting to see how different we each reacted to different items/situations. Just go at your pace, don’t worry about what anyone else says you should do or have done by now. We waited awhile (Mom passed away the day after Labor Day and we didn’t really start clearing out the house until after the holidays) and some said we waited too long and other stated we rushed into it. Only you and your sisters know what is right for you and your situation. Wishing you the best! 💗

        Like

  22. Whoohoo! So exciting! I will say retirement is a process and it takes some time to figure out your new normal, how you’ll spend your time, what youj want to involve yourself in so continue to give yourself grace. Also, we wonder what we’ll do but most people I know who are retired (us included) are always looking for blank space on the calendar as it easily fills up, with both fun and necessary stuff. Good for you for your dedication to teaching!

    Like

    Reply

  23. Congratulations! As a retired teacher I can confirm that you know when the time is right. I have been retired 10 years and have enjoyed every minute. You will love your retirement and I look forward to reading about all of your new adventures! Enjoy your last few months.

    Like

    Reply

  24. Congratulations on making such a huge life decision. You deserve it! It seems like you have a real sense of peace about retirement, and you will find lots to do! So excited for you!

    Like

    Reply

  26. Congratulations, Amy! I’m sure in many ways it feels bittersweet but there are so many exciting opportunities that await! I’ve never been as busy since retiring but It’s all on my own timeline! Enjoy the next few months as you relish your career and all you’ve accomplished and as you dream of what lies ahead!

    Like

    Reply
  27. Pingback: Wednesday Hodgepodge – Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa
  29. Pingback: Fashion Files – Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

  30. Congratulations to you! How exciting!! Looking forward to seeing what you do in your next chapter. ❤

    Like

    Reply

  31. Amy, there is so much for you to do in this digital world, I think you should continue to explore it! I can also see you writing a book! You are a force of nature! I love your writing, and you are really good at it! My husband and I have some ideas for business and I was really pumped up by a book called The One Thing, by Gary Keller!

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment