Good for you! It is totally scary, but so is most life-altering change.
Time is a funny thing and it definitely messes with the mind.
Also, I am calling BS on you comment about schools not wanting you. Any school would snatch you up if you applied, and with the way licensing is going in Montana right now, you could get a provisional one no problem. BUT I also know that once you decide to leave teaching, it's hard to think about going back. I think teachers suffer from Stockholm Syndrome, because once you quit, you are like, "I can't believe I did all that for 33 years."
The whole retirement thing is tricky. Hire a financial advisor to evaluate your situation. It might make sense to draw your pension now and put it away. But taxes complicate that.
I feel ya! I’m little behind you (42 and a child about to enter high school) but I relate. Just last week I was still nursing my baby and now she’s about to be driving?? I think the best is yet to come though, for you and for me. 🤍
Enjoy your crisis. You will do it in style. When we commuted to 2Eagle on our first teaching gigs in 1999, I remember you talking about IRAs and Roths because your mom was advising you. I didn't have a clue because I delayed adulthood. Eventually I got them, rolled my 2Eagle year investment into TRS, bought a few years early on, and RETIRED on Sunday! I still renewed my license this June, you never know. Now I will get about half my paycheck to contemplate the meaning of life. You will be retiring young and beautiful.
I feel you. Just yesterday it seems I was in middle school and my mom would happily trim my beard for me and now I'm stuck with the Costcutters.
Good for you! It is totally scary, but so is most life-altering change.
Time is a funny thing and it definitely messes with the mind.
Also, I am calling BS on you comment about schools not wanting you. Any school would snatch you up if you applied, and with the way licensing is going in Montana right now, you could get a provisional one no problem. BUT I also know that once you decide to leave teaching, it's hard to think about going back. I think teachers suffer from Stockholm Syndrome, because once you quit, you are like, "I can't believe I did all that for 33 years."
The whole retirement thing is tricky. Hire a financial advisor to evaluate your situation. It might make sense to draw your pension now and put it away. But taxes complicate that.
Good luck.
Absolutely true! It’s super scary. I will be updating my certification for the last time. 😊
I feel ya! I’m little behind you (42 and a child about to enter high school) but I relate. Just last week I was still nursing my baby and now she’s about to be driving?? I think the best is yet to come though, for you and for me. 🤍
Enjoy your crisis. You will do it in style. When we commuted to 2Eagle on our first teaching gigs in 1999, I remember you talking about IRAs and Roths because your mom was advising you. I didn't have a clue because I delayed adulthood. Eventually I got them, rolled my 2Eagle year investment into TRS, bought a few years early on, and RETIRED on Sunday! I still renewed my license this June, you never know. Now I will get about half my paycheck to contemplate the meaning of life. You will be retiring young and beautiful.