I've Really Done It!

[shiredancer]

Wow. I'm in a bit of shock. After 15 years at my job as graduate advisor in a religious studies department (and in the last three years, in the East Asian department as well), I've accepted a new job. Same gig (grad advisor), but a different department at the university: Film and Media Studies. I'll start there on July 15 at 50%, and continue where I am through August at 50% to help with the transition. Then I'll be 75% at the new place -- it's my way of easing into retirement, I guess. I'd been thinking recently that I'd like to retire from the University at 60 (next year), but my husband lost his job a few months ago, so that's not in the picture. Of course, reducing my time at this juncture seems absolutely ludicrous too, but honestly, I couldn't take the doubled-up job situation for more than another year, tops. I'm hoping this new situation will give me a whole new lease on my work life, and I'll stick around until closer to 65. We're crossing our fingers that Peter will get a new job sometime soon, but as everybody knows, times are tough.

I'm feeling such a mixture of emotions -- excitement at doing something so new, worry about what the new place will be like, sorrow at leaving my beloved grad students and faculty and colleagues... just, wow. Sending the email to announce my departure was excruciating. I still can't quite believe I'm doing this. But deep inside is a very positive feeling that it's the right thing to do.

Kidlet has moved back into the house with us after a year in her apartment. She ended up having to deal with some really crappy roommate situations, and ended up coming here whenever she had to seriously study. This will save some money, and we're happy to have her back. She brought a cat with her, which isn't going down well with our elderly Tigger. Bouncy young Indie is plaguing him constantly, but they don't get into serious fights. Indie thinks the bunny is a fun toy to poke his paws at through her pen, but she takes it in stride.

Comments

[fluterbev.livejournal.com]

Oh, massive best of luck. This sounds like a hugely positive move. I totally understand the feelings about leaving your present department, always a wrench! But if it feels as right to you as you say, then you are doing the right thing for *you*.
Congratulations on the move, it sounds like just what you need! x

[shiredancer.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the support, Bev! I know you went through your own massive changes not so long ago, and I hope you've found it to be all good for you. We University workers must stick together! *Hugs*

[snailbones.livejournal.com]

Oh wow - go you hon. It must be a terrible wrench, but like you say, a tremendous new challenge, and hopefully a new burst of energy with it!

Good luck and huge hugs ♥

[shiredancer.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Snailie! All support welcomed here. I do hope it will go well -- hugs back!

[kernel1.livejournal.com]

How exciting that at a time when you might have been winding down towards retirement you are doing something new instead. I hope it all works out ands adds some zest to the next few years at work.

[shiredancer.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Kernel -- adding some zest would be perfect!

[akamarykate.livejournal.com]

Yay, Sally! This sounds like the right change at the right time, and I'm so proud of you for having the guts to do it!

[shiredancer.livejournal.com]

Aw, thanks a bunch, MK!

[snycock.livejournal.com]

It's always scary to contemplate doing something new... but often it turns out to be something really positive and productive. I hope this is that for you!

[shiredancer.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Jen! Any more going on re your own job front? Talk to you tomorrow on chat!

[dimity-blue.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear about Peter's job situation. That must be hard on both of you.

I hope your new job goes well though. Take care. ♥

[shiredancer.livejournal.com]

Hi Sarah! So sorry, I'm not keeping up well on LJ and never got back to you. Thank you for the support! I keep hyperventilating at the new job, but I'm slowly easing in... I think. Gulp!