Originally at Simple is Working – 8/17/11
Today is August 17th, a day that I have looked forward to, but in some ways I have dreaded this day coming.
It is the effective date of my resignation as a teacher.
While I have called this period that I am entering into today as semi-retirement, it really is not. Looking at it – I think that it is more accurate to call the next year (at least) – a sabbatical that might lead to semi-retirement.
Sabbatical as defined by Dictionary.com is: any extended period of leave from one’s extended period of leave from one’s customary work, especially for rest, to acquire new skills or training, etc.
I believe that sabbatical definitely describes my plans for the next year better rather than semi-retirement. It will be a time to rest, work on getting in shape, explore the direction of my life and learn new skills that I can use either as an educator or in other endeavors that interest me.
During this sabbatical I plan to improve my skills as a teacher, who used technology extensively in his classroom and stay current as a special educator, while not being immersed in the teaching lifestyle 24/7 when school is in session (yes being an educator is a lifestyle). If I decide to go back to the classroom, after the year is over, I will be ready – if the opportunity is right for me.
If at the end of the year I don’t return to the classroom and choose a different direction that will be good too, I am not going to worry about that right now. For the present I will take it a day at a time, pick up new skills that interest me and enjoy the life in front of me.
Then again you never know what kind of opportunity may present itself during the course of the next year or if someone makes me an “offer that I can’t refuse”.
Either way I am sure that my sabbatical will prove to be an interesting year and that I will learn a lot about myself and many of other interests that I have.
I know that I am looking forward to it, well errr mostly – can I take another look at that honey-doo list 🙂
One thing I am doing is enjoying my life much more.
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