Getting Serious about Early Retirement

[Caroline]

bookman -- I've been taking Community College courses lately, just for my own edification. I've got some truly dedicated, committed, involved teachers who make the time spent with them a joy and a pleasure, and a couple who just don't give a rat's behind about their students. They show up late and unprepared, leave early, cancel classes at will, and ignore similar behavior by their sudio workers (studio is closed when it's supposed to be open, ceramics aren't fired, software isn't loaded and computers aren't installed, etc. etc.)

On behalf of the students who care about these things, let me say "thank you very, very much!"

All that being said, maybe you could adjust the "endless committee meetings, meaningless evaluations, etc" conscience, and keep the "I love teaching" conscience intact. I have a professor friend who has gotten VERY good at avoiding the committees and the infighting. He refuses to participate in the latter -- he has found that there are plenty of other folks who actually LIKE that kind of thing and he leaves it to them.

I have no direct experience in keeping half a conscience alive -- my megacorp conscience is a burnt cinder at this point... the ashes aren't even smoking anymore.

Caroline

[bookman51]

Originally Posted by Caroline

bookman -- I've been taking Community College courses lately, just for my own edification.* I've got some truly dedicated, committed, involved teachers who make the time spent with them a joy and a pleasure, and a couple who just don't give a rat's behind about their students.* They show up late and unprepared, leave early, cancel classes at will, and ignore similar behavior by their sudio workers (studio is closed when it's supposed to be open, ceramics aren't fired, software isn't loaded and computers aren't installed, etc. etc.)

On behalf of the students who care about these things, let me say "thank you very, very much!"

All that being said, maybe you could adjust the "endless committee meetings, meaningless evaluations, etc" conscience, and keep the "I love teaching" conscience intact.* I have a professor friend who has gotten VERY good at avoiding the committees and the infighting.* He refuses to participate in the latter -- he has found that there are plenty of other folks who actually LIKE that kind of thing and he leaves it to them.

I have no direct experience in keeping half a conscience alive -- my megacorp conscience is a burnt cinder at this point... the ashes aren't even smoking anymore.

Caroline

I suppose but when the enthusiasm goes, it goes.* *I would prefer not to wait so long that my students and coworkers know that my heart is not in it.

[newguy88]

Teaching in america today..

Try it in one of americas inner cities.

I have had enough, been their done that! Newark NJ for 25+ years.

I gotta get out of that place.

[bookman51]

Well, I turned in my resignation on Tuesday.* Talked with the head of the institution on Wednesday.* I think it went okay. Working through tomorrow and than taking all my vacation time.* Life is a gamble whatever one does. I spent my career doing the right things, and I am tired of those who cannot build and thus spend their time destroying.* *Look forward to spending time with wife and family and doing what I want to do every day.* Yes, I know not every day is going to be good, but it has got to be better.* Wife and I saved for rainy day and it is raining.* *Thanks to all those who added their advice, etc.

[brewer12345]

That's great, bookman. I'm sure you'll find that you have saved up a very wide umbrella indeed and the rainbows will be coming out directly.

[bookman51]

Originally Posted by brewer12345

That's great, bookman.* I'm sure you'll find that you have saved up a very wide umbrella indeed and the rainbows will be coming out directly.

Thanks for the words of encouragement.* I think financially I will do fine.* And life is uncertain enough that even if I continued to work another 3-6 years to traditional retirement age, something could happen either financially or to my wife's or my health that would not allow us to enjoy life.* Life is not forever.

[bluehero]

That's what pushed me over the edge to go. Besides suffering from serious bunout and health issues, colleges were dropping like flies with heart attacks. 4 in a six month period last year. Life is too short, embrace and enjoy every minute of it.

[bookman51]

Well, retired two almost two weeks and seem busier than ever.* Still working on the health insurance but it is doable.* *Co-workers cannot believe I walked out, particularly those who made life miserable for me.* *Look forward to long and happy life without them.

[Ed_The_Gypsy]

Another free man!

I can't do it yet myself, but I can cheer for those who do!

Cheers!

Gypsy