Not "I'm thinking about quitting..." or "I might be quitting..." or even "I want to quit." I really did quit.
OK, it's not effective till the end of July. I want to be around to finish up the project from hell that's been keeping me too busy to be on the board much. I still like my job and I like my coworkers too much to saddle them with cleaning up after me.
My new "job" will be stay-at-home mom. I'll have the whole month of August to do summertime stuff with DS, and when school starts again in the fall, I'll be able to volunteer more. Last year, I was the grant writer for the PTA and I just couldn't devote enough time to it. I asked for the position again this year, and I will be able to give it the attention it deserves. Just to keep my hand in a type of "corporate writing," so to speak.
Frankly, I'm excited and scared and sad and delirious and nauseous all at once.
Oh, and did I mention we leave Saturday on vacation?
Originally posted by susanrows: Not so great because I have been mentally checking out for a while and it's hard to make the switch.
Having just retired 7 weeks ago, I can SO understand this. I remember talking to my old boss, who retired in late 2006, about my own retirement in the not-too-distant future. He said "I'll warn you...once you start thinking about it...about retirement REALLY being a possibility...you will start leaning toward it and once that starts, you can't stop it." I found that to be SO SO true! When I was just sort of generally thinking about retiring, it wasn't too bad, but once I actually set a date last year for this May, the leaning started and, even if they'd have offered me the moon to stay, I don't think I could have at that point.
There was talk when I retired of them hiring me back as a consultant--but they never called. I'm actually kind of glad they didn't!
Posts: 7864 | Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE | Registered: March 12, 2004
I guess you can look at this as easing into as well as easing out of. It's hard to stay home after working for years. Good luck on the new phase of your life.
I quit. I really did. It's just that they don't seem to want to let me...
Yesterday my boss offered me temporary part-time status so I can stay on to help with this project-from-hell and with getting new staff up to speed. I have mixed feelings about it. Great that they like me enough to do this. Great to have some income and keep my benefits a little longer. Not so great because I have been mentally checking out for a while and it's hard to make the switch. Not so great because I didn't sign DS up for childcare after the end of this month. Not so great because it throws some of my plans for a loop.
But I'm dealing with it by setting my own terms: working from home a few hours a day during the month of August and then three days a week in September (one of those days in the office). And I really, really will be done by the end of September!
(Oh, and did I mention that my new boss, who just started in March, announced yesterday that he's leaving?)
There was an episode of "Mad About You" years ago in which Jamie got fed up with her boss at the PR firm and just quit on the spot. She walked around for a day with a big smile on her face, saying "I quit my job today," always with a little bounce. But then, at the end of the day, as the lights dim in the movie theater, she turns to Paul, looking absolutely panicked. "Oh my GAWD -- I quit my job today!" That's kind of how my feelings have cycled, too.
Thanks, everyone, for your support. The friends and co-workers I've told have all been happy for me, and hugged me with a big "Congratulations!" So far, no one has given voice to my nagging fears. "What, you're walking away from a salary and benefits?!? In THIS economy?!?" I may hear that when I tell my sister.
It still feels like the best decision for DS, DH, and me. But boy, it's taking some time to really grasp that reality.
WWWWWOOOOWWW! I know it all feels totally overwhelming right this minute but I've seen your progression and know in my heart you knew the right thing for you and your family and I'm so glad you have this opportunity!
Good timing on the vacation! Chance to catch your breath and process a bit. That will help I'm sure. Have a great time!
I took the bull by the horns so to speak and quit to be a stay at home mom while dd was in middle school. It was a struggle since it meant that our only income was from dh's soc. sec. benefits but I was able to devote all my time to her and her school work. Her grades improved to the point that she was able to go to college. I don't think that would have happened it I had continued to work. I am sure you will be a great asset to the PTA.
Congrats, Susan!! The emotions you describe were similar to my decision to retire 2 years earlier than I'd initially planned, because things were going downhill so bad at work. I hope that you will not only have more time for you and your family, but will feel happier in that time.
Posts: 7864 | Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE | Registered: March 12, 2004
