What’s Next ??
The most obvious question people will ask when I tell of my retirement plans is, “Well, what are you going to do after you retire?” I would say that a simple question, to which there are no simple answers. Here is a list of possibilities, in no particular order.
1. Nothing – This option, at least at first, is tempting. But I also realize I’m still just fifty years old and there’s hopefully much more life in front of me. I think in order to keep my mind working properly, I really don’t need to lean towards this plan.
2. Substitute Teach – There’s always a need for good substitute teachers and no lack of days to be filled. I wouldn’t be responsible for all the lesson planning and grading of papers, but once again I would be in school, which is one of the things I’m thinking of steering away from after my last teaching days.
3. Teach at a community college – I have previously taught math at CVCC. The pay is good and although there are not benefits, I really wouldn’t need any. One of the best things about state retirement is that you get to keep your health insurance. Teaching adults can be easier in some respects, but once again, I would be back in a school setting.
4. Go to graduate school – Appalachian State offers a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Addictions Counseling. I have previously looked into these programs enough to know that my current M.A. would alleviate some of the coursework I would have to take. I’m not 100% sure counseling is what I’d really like to do and once again, I’d be back in the school setting, at least for a while. It would be sort of neat to be a college student again.
5. Get a job in the private sector – Something tells me that I’d like a job in which I’m just responsible for me, myself, and I. Not in charge of thirty-some teens and their raging hormones,,,, not responsible for keeping up with a plethora of paperwork… not having to bring work home. I don’t know exactly what I’d like to do, but there are many options. I do know that with the economy the way it is, there may be some limitations with this choice.
Regardless of which choice I finally end up making, I once again trust in the God of my understanding to keep me headed in the right direction. At the point-in-time when there’s a decision to be made, I’m sure I’ll know what He wants me to do and if not, I know there’s no harm in waiting to find out.
“Trust in the Lord with your whole heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
David Lee
David Lee 