Soon I will be retired

by Madeline
(California)

After 38 years of teaching, I will retire on June 11, 2010.

I am excited about the next phase of my life and scared to death that what I have looked forward to so long and planned for will be lonely, boring and unfulfilling.

I don't dislike teaching, contrary to what people think, high school students are engaging and interesting. But I feel that there is something else out there for me and I want to graduate to something else.

I have read books about retirement, talked to my friends, signed up for volunteer work and classes; but I am uneasy.

I guess that it is because I am going on to the next phase of my life and it is unknown.

Does anyone out there feel like me?

Wendy: Many new retirees have anxiety about retirement. We are excited about the possibilities, and yet, smile on our face, we are wondering, internally, what's next?

I worked for local govt for 36 years, retired two weeks ago, and all I can say is WOOO HOOO!

Wendy, loving it!