Throughout my career, I have seen teachers celebrate during their 30th year of teaching, their final year of work. They laughed during faculty meetings when they learned of new programs, new procedures, and new paperwork for the following year because they knew they would not have to do it.
They celebrated a year of lasts: last first day of school, last Open House, last report card, last research paper, last. . . last . . .last.
With ten years of teaching experience, I laughed and celebrated with these teachers. With twenty years of experience, I celebrated their retirement, but I was also secretly envious.
With 32 years of teaching experience today, I am just stumped and often avoid the issue of retirement.
I started this school year with big plans to retire from high school teaching and find a job teaching college. So far, I have had little luck finding a new job, and I’m starting to wonder.
Do I retire anyway?
Do I retire and then teach half day?
How much longer can I continue to make such a long daily commute (2 1/2 hours)?
If I retire, will I get bored?
If I love my students and my job and am effective, should I retire?
Ten years ago retirement seemed like such an achievement, a reward for decades of service.
Today, the decision just seems too difficult to make. I welcome all advice.