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

[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!