I Hung On Until Retirement! But Was It the Right Decision?

30 years at one job is a LONG time! I never really wanted to do anything else for much of that time. I loved being a teacher, and found the daily challenges enough to keep my interest and enthusiasm! My WHY, my reasons were so clear to me: Watching others, both students and fellow educators, learn and grow brought me so much joy!

But about 10 years ago, after some particularly difficult challenges, I began my retirement countdown! I even had an app for that! I looked that count down so many times! I knew I was ready to do something else, but I sincerely believed that because I had already devoted 20 years, I had not real option but to stay until year 30. To leave teaching early would, in my flawed view, meant giving up a huge portion of my retirement. I told myself that since I’d already put 20 years of my life into teaching, that I had to stick it out.

In fact, I was so convinced of that, I couldn’t even imagine any other options. Additionally, I was only a teacher, so what else could I really do? I had absolutely NO idea what options I even had. (However, that is a whole other blog post! ) But, I know so much more today then I did then!

• Teachers have countless options for alternate careers. We don’t have to be defined by our teaching careers. As teachers, we are project managers, professional trainers, instructional designers, curriculum writers, implementation experts, and so much more. We have the skills necessary to be successful in nearly any career we choose to pursue.
• Teaching is one incredible calling that allows educators to impact so many others, it is not the only career that can make such an impact. We make a difference in the lives of others. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t peruse other interests and passions. There is a sense of guilt for many teachers who consider leaving education, as if because we started down this road, we have to stay on it. That is far from the truth! We have to do what is right for us and our families, and that might change over time. It is normal for adults to explore career options and to look for opportunities that may not be related to what they began right out of college. (That expectation is not the same for educators. While we can change schools, grade levels or even roles, leaving is frowned upon! ) So, making a career transition and seeking another career can still be a gift and calling, but in a different way.
• There are less stressful careers that teachers can excel at. Teaching can be extremely stressful. While many outsiders might feel that our jobs are easy, especially because we get our summers off, those of us in the trenches know that the stress is real. My own stress level increased significantly over the past decade, as cultural, physical and mental challenges became more prevalent. While there was always a certain excitement and joy that came with working with students and teachers, the stress elements began to erode that feeling. Since retiring from teaching, I have found a new career that keeps me busy, but it does not keep me stressed! It is an incredibly liberating feeling to not feel that constant pull of stressors!
• It is not necessary to stay in teaching for 30 years to get “full retirement.” Hitting that goal always hang over my head. However, if I had left teacher at year 10, 15, 20 or even year 28, I could have found another career that would allow me to continue to grow my retirement fund. I wouldn’t actually have necessarily “lost” my full retirement. In fact, quite possibly I prevented myself building a better retirement fund. That fund might have looked different and been a separate entity from my teaching retirement fund, but it could have been more beneficial in the long run.

So, I am celebrating that I successfully committed to my teaching career for 30 years! I hung in through the joys and tears! But, with all that I have learned this past year about the countless opportunities out there for educators who are ready for a professional change, would I have held on until year 30? I honestly believe the answer would be no.

So, if you are an educator who is debating making a transition and “giving up retirement” is holding you back, let that fear go. You can successfully transition to a new career and still be secure in your future!

Are you a retiring educator? Or are you looking for a new role in education? There is life beyond the classroom! I began my journey completely lost and not sure where to go! I found Teacher Transition and it really helped me figure out my next steps! Check out the many courses offered by them! You will not only find great courses, but you can join live cohorts and get support for mentors! Check it out here using this link! (Note: I am a proud affiliate, and I support this message!)_