A new phase in my life

[Bakersdozen]

This category is usually filled with light hearted banter, but I wanted to share what is going on in my life.  After 24 years of working at the children's home, I gave notice last Saturday.  I applied at several school districts on July 3rd.  On July 5th, to my amazement, the phone calls for interviews started.  I had a very positive interview on Friday, and was offered that job.  I have another interview today with another school district that is closer to home. 
I took a leap of faith and turned in my resignation.
Losing my mother this spring has given me a different perspective on life.  I know she would be thrilled that I quit.  My husband is quite proud of me as he has urged me to do this for years.
I feel tired, drained, under appreciated, and taken advantage of by those around me at work. 
At this phase of my life, I need to leave that job while I still have what's left of my health.  It will be difficult to leave the kids, but I have given them 24 years of my working life.
As I write this, another school district called to set up an interview. 

[Wandering Man]

As 3Reds used to tell her high school students, the two most exciting days in your life are when you get hired and when you quit.

I suspect there is no one on this forum who is surprised to learn you are getting interviews, or that you will be challenged with multiple job offers.

Congratulations on your career change.

 

[Jen]

Proud of you Baker!

[Les]

Good for you Baker!  I had a similar aha moment when my Mom was in assisted living, so I can completely relate.
Burn out I get too, 36 years with the Dept of Corrections took it's toll on my mental and physical health.  Fortunately, I could retire at the age of 55......there were skid marks in the parking lot as I left on my last day.  I developed a new philosophy at that point and have stuck by it......"I don't do anything, I don't want to
anymore------especially when people lay guilt trips on me".  I am much happier and it has become so easy to say NO! 
Wishing you peace and contentment!

[Perry]

You will be happy with your decision and never look back.
I also "retired" at 55, opting to take a very small pension, and pursue my passion. I make a fraction of what I did in my professional life, but am happier beyond belief.

[neillsayers]

B13,

Good on you and two thumbs up! Life is short and fleeting-find what you love and do that!

[riverbee]

bakers..........wow!

thanks for sharing. congratulations! and i wish you the best!

[Bakersdozen]

 toll on my mental and physical health.......there were skid marks in the parking lot as I left on my last day. 

Thanks Les.  A toll on my mental and physical health is exactly what I am experiencing.  I keep saying to myself I am just so tired and that is mental.
As for skid marks?   
Interview #2 lasted 2 hours.  She offered me a job as well.  After the first hour I knew it was in the bag.  She wouldn't be wasting her time with someone that she wasn't going to hire.  That job isn't quite as sweet as the first, but it's practically in my back yard.
3 applications and 3 call backs.  Very nice.  I made an appointment for an interview with the 3rd call back, but cancelled after the 2nd interview.  It was the least appealing. 
HR departments will be following up with references now.  None of these jobs are definite yet.  I feel fairly confident and have faith that this will work out.

[Les]

Good for you! 

[Bakersdozen]

Yesterday was my last day.  I hugged all the kids, shed a few tears with them, received some wonderful home made cards and made my exit. 

Now on to the next phase of life.  The husband and I are going to take a little road trip to the Denver area next weekend.  Going to catch a concert at Red Rocks and say in a B&B. 

I received a call back from the first job interview (the preferred job) and was officially offered the job.  School starts around mid-August. I am looking forward to some down time and plan on harvesting honey next week.

Since I will have weekends free, it didn't take long for folks to hear.  In September I am going to represent my local bee club at a Pollinator Park celebrating the southward migration of Monarchs  Lots of kids on hand.  Should be fun.

[apisbees]

Congratulations. On Every thing. New Job, Weekends free, Needed vacation and Concert to let loose at. good luck on your honey extraction and all will appreciate the bees being represented at the Pollinator Park celebrating the southward migration of Monarchs.
Keep us posted.
thanks

[efmesch]

Best wishes on your having made the "leap".  Don't look back. 
You've entered a new phase  of your life and it should lead you to new heights. 
When I retired, I felt as if 20 years were removed from my age.  When my wife reached retirement age, she found it difficult to "cut the rope" to her job and kept extending her employemnt, teaching as a substitute.   When I finally managed to get her to stop going back to the classroom and she tasted the "freedom" of retirement, she wondered why she hadn't done it earlier.

I wish you the best of success in your new career, but if it turns out not to be what you had expected, don't drag out the suffering.  You have many feathers in your cap, you can always try something else.

[Bakersdozen]

Today is the first day of the new job with a school district.  I have been to several orientations and an in-service.  I don't believe I have ever worked with folks that are so warm and friendly.  Upon arrival to the first orientation I, and everyone else, was greeted at the door by the district director of food services.  People came over and introduced themselves to me and welcomed me to the organization.  I could get used to this.
Today we will put away the food delivery, acclimate ourselves to the kitchen, do some more training, and then prep for the first day.  I will be thankful for no drama. 

[Zweefer]

congratulations! I am sure you will not regret this decision, as you did not make it lightly.  Enjoy your holiday, recharge the batteries, then hit the ground running!   

[apisbees]

I will be thankful for no drama. 
You really think that is possible, get more than one person working at any job and you can get drama. It does come down to whether it get dropped of exaggerated. 
Drama is everywhere, I have had it in the bee yard when I have been working the bees alone. You have one hive queen-less another about to swarm and another half dozen bee pissed off at you head butting trying to chase you out of the bee yard. Now that's Drama and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Have fun and play nice with the other kids.
Best of luck at the job.

[riverbee]

bakers........thanks for the update. very cool!  warm and friendly folks, no drama..........best wishes to you!

[Bakersdozen]

Ah oh! First day on the job.  Drama!    We were there to receive the food delivery and prep for the first day on Friday.  There is an "old guy" and it was his first day too.  Between you and me, I thought he looked a bit frail.  I was in the storeroom putting away the dry goods when I heard a noise.  I looked out and there he was laying on his back in front of the freezer!  Fortunately, he was unhurt.  He slipped and fell some how!  The "old guy" said it was the first time he had done any work like this. 

[riverbee]

lol, well maybe it was a test and you passed drama day............

[Les]

Baker, wishing you peace and happiness in your new job! Enjoy having weekends off and the ability to pursue
Interests you could not do before!