She made a compelling case. When a young teacher asked me the other day, if I would consider doing some supply teaching, I hesitated. She caught me at a particularly bumpy time, when building my new business was not going as smoothly as I’d hoped. There are so many things to learn and so many decisions to make, that it can be very stressful at times. There’s a lot of uncertainty to navigate. The lure of returning to my old career looked appealing: nothing new to learn, a role I know well, income and flexible dates. Maybe I could do it too?
The Personal Cost
Taking on more, comes at a cost. After spending the first year of my retirement recovering from burnout and building healthy habits, I’m protective of my new lifestyle. I’m aware that I don’t have the time and energy to balance supply teaching and working on my coaching business. I’ve learned the hard way the importance of having a balance between work and the rest of my life. Adding another job would upset the scales.
Consider The Direction
Being in the middle after finishing one career and just getting started on another, is a vulnerable time. I’m fortunate to have the support of my family and friends at this time, but ultimately, the direction is my decision. Going back to teaching, is moving in the wrong direction for me.
Growing Or Repeating
I’m looking ahead. If I return to teaching, it’s repeating something that I’ve already done for decades. I know I’m capable of doing that. I want to see what else I can do. Life is short and I don’t want to waste my chance to grow into something else. If I don’t try new things, I’m just repeating the past. It’s comfortable, but I’ll never know what else could be possible, and I really want to know. I’m a personal-envelope pusher.
Forward Is Rewarding
I’m excited about all the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead. I’m enjoying coaching and learning more about it. I’m meeting amazing people from across North America, and networking with other coaches and small business owners. I’m nurturing my small business. This is all new to me and I’m thrilled to be part of it. All I need to do is to focus forward and to keep a healthy balance between work, and the rest of my life. I can do that now.
Would you consider pushing your personal envelope to see where you can go? Comment below.
Retired, And Now What? 
“I want to see what else I can do.” Yes! Isn’t that what retirement is all about? I think it’s important to protect our time after we retire or others will fill it for us. Here’s to moving forward!
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I agree. Like an empty shelf in a cupboard, others will fill it. You don’t even notice it at first and then you look back at your week and realize that it was filled by others. Moving forward takes mindful intention. Look at us go!
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