Thinking about Retirement

Retiring is a big deal.  It is the end of an era.  It is the end of a career.  It is a sign of accomplishment. It is difficult... 

I am still a couple of years away from retiring as a high school English teacher.  I am starting this blog to share my thoughts about my career and my possible upcoming retirement.  Please feel free to add your comments and experiences.  

I know many teachers who have gone to and over 30 years.  Right now, I just don't think I can do it.  I may change my mind, but as of now, I am thinking it is my time to leave.  I want to discuss these reasons in more depth and hear from others who feel the same.  I almost feel like a traitor to education by thinking about retirement.  

I have so many mixed emotions.  Everyone expects teachers to talk about the love of the job for the sake of the job, and I do - I mean, why would someone stay so long in a career working with teenagers if not for the love of it.  I have seen people go through college, begin their student teaching, and quit before finishing.  I have seen people leave after one quarter.  I wish those people well because they realized early that they were not cut out for teaching.  You have to KNOW.  I have always known that I loved working with kids.  I guess that is why I feel guilty about wanting to retiring.

Yes, I say "want" to retire.  I hope to dig deeper into that component later.  

This is where I leave you.