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Feeling hopeful... just had to share.

Discussion in 'Non-Vegas Chat' started by queentata, Dec 12, 2015.

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  1. queentata

    queentata VIP Whale

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    Hope this is not too hokey, but just had to share this. I am retiring next week, on December 18. SUPER excited to be living a job I have loved for a long time, but have now become too stressed to keep doing.

    I will only be drawing about 60% of my salary, though, and still am energetic and have been trying to find a part time job working with new teachers, and/or presenting Special Education workshops to teachers and parents. I love doing this, in my smartassy, sassy way that seems to sink in and hold my audience's attention.:)
    :beer:

    Well, I got up my nerve, and met with our amazing superintendent yesterday, to present my proposition to him. I have NEVER done anything like this, and just expected him to say...Well, you know the district is broke, etc.

    INSTEAD, he listened raptly, asked several questions, and asked me to set up another meeting for when school starts back in January! He said " There is no law in TRS that says we can't TALK for thirty days, we just can't sign a contract for 30 days!" Let's get together to talk about a plan to put this in motion!

    I really don't want to jinx myself, but had to share!

    I have an amazing husband, and we have other savings, thank God, but I was really stressing thinking I would not be able to contribute my part....and also, worried about fewer, or no Vegas trips, of course.

    So, there it is. Probably overshare, but I have a feeling some of you can relate.

    Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to those who celebrate differently.
    Peace and Love

    Tammy
    :beer:
     
  2. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    Congrats on your retirement!! I took an early one almost 8 years ago and never looked back.
    Good luck on your part time endeavor. Like you, I'm shocked the Texas school district has money for anything.
     
  3. queuetee

    queuetee VIP Whale

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    Good luck. I went out 11 years ago at 80% and have not missed the other 20% at all. It is amazing how much money you spend when work. A a teacher, there was a ton of money spent on supplies and clothes and transportation. Glad this looks promising for you. There are so few dynamic presenters in education so you are filling a badly needed position.
     
  4. bubbakitty

    bubbakitty Doing retirement again and happily so....

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    Yeah, you don't have to upgrade the wardrobe nor dry-cleaning as a regular process and no TRS deductions monthly either.

    Special education funds for districts in Texas used to be required to budget 25 % (I retired 10 years ago so it may have changed) for the contingency should a student within the district need placement in a private facility at some point. The district would then have to exhaust this fund prior to seeking assistance from the state. If no placement the money (federal) had to be spent prior to the end of the budget year or lost back to the government. We always used it for a bus (a pending order) or other year end expenses for the start of next year when no one had anything nor $'s to expend until September 1. A little research for your particular district's set-up would be beneficial to you I am sure. In my experience most superintendents choose to let special education lie due to its complexity and liability so anyone wanting / able to make it easier and less threatening is a plus.

    Cutting to the chase, if it is special education related there is more than local money to fund you and there is still the regional service center(s) which could benefit from your presentations for districts in your ESC area. Good luck and win big this trip!!
     
  5. Suekel

    Suekel VIP Whale

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    Congratulations on your impending retirement. I really hope the part time thing works out for you, sounds like a great next step!
     
  6. STPFan

    STPFan VIP Whale

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    Congrats on the retirement and hoping your new venture will be fulfilling as well.
     
  7. Elf70

    Elf70 High-Roller

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    I am so glad you got up the nerve to propose your idea to the superintendent. I left my full time job several years ago and was so fortunate to find the perfect part time job. It's wonderful to be able to remain in the profession but not have the full time grind. Congrats on your retirement!
     
  8. Hobofrank

    Hobofrank Prime Minister of Idiocracy

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    that's awesome
    I used to present those Spec Ed workshops 15 yrs ago...before I retired
    being freelance rocks, enjoy
     
  9. KellyLovesVegas

    KellyLovesVegas Earthling/retired space nerd

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    Congrats on your retirement and potential part time gig!
     
  10. Count de Monet

    Count de Monet High-Roller

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    Congratulations on your upcoming retirement! I retired early this year and love every minute of the freedom from work stress, I am sure that you will too as well. Some things are priceless.
     
  11. Casinoqueen

    Casinoqueen Low-Roller

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    Congrats on the upcoming Retirement. I retired this past May and love it. Work part time for my husbands business now but my work is from home so I can take longer coffee and lunch breaks and not have to spend money on office attire.

    Retirment has been very good for my health. When I retired my blood pressure was sky high and was not feeling well at all from it. Almost 7 month after retirement my blood pressure has dropped down to normal without any help from prescriptions. And I'm finally after 30 years of habit learning to sleep past 5:30am.
     
  12. retiree52

    retiree52 Tourist

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    All the best to you! I come from a family of teachers including my Mom who taught 5 grade math at the end. She taught for 36 years. She retired on her 62nd birthday and loved every moment. I am certain you will also.
     
  13. Julie888

    Julie888 VIP Whale

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    Congratulations on your early retirement. I did that ten years ago and am thankful for all the things I've been able to do.

    Good luck with your new project.
     
  14. Chuck2009x

    Chuck2009x VIP Whale

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    Congrats and good luck. If you're going to be a 1099 contractor in the new situation, make sure you don't underprice yourself, the tax bite can really get you.
     
  15. DRPinVA

    DRPinVA Low-Roller

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    Congratulations!!!!! This must be a wonderful feeling - one that the rest of us who aren't quite there yet, are dying to experience. Continuing to be able to do what you love, but on your own terms is definately icing on the cake....Way to go!!!!
     
  16. hotreds

    hotreds Illegitimi non carborundum!

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    Tammy: May 2016 bring you nothing but health, happiness, and dreams come true!
     
  17. bluesdude

    bluesdude VIP Whale

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    Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for teaching our children and any other contributions you may have made throughout your career. To many times I hear educators being vilified for "taking the taxpayers money". I really hate hearing that generalization. You really are appreciated. Good luck on your project!
     
    Dead & Co with my son! June 4 or 5th - June 8th
  18. makikiboy

    makikiboy VIP Whale

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    Congrats on your retirement Tammy! I am looking at retirement in 2 years and I will be making about 62% of my salary but by then my mortgage will be paid off so I will have one less big expense to worry about. I will also be taking a little out of my deferred comp (like a 401k) to tide me over until I can start to collect social security.

    Still, it would be nice to make some money so like you I am considering finding a job that I can work part time, maybe 15 to 20 hours a week to pay for my vegas trips. I will be retiring at age 60 so I have a few more years before I collect social security but at least I will be healthy enough to travel and do things. :wave:
     
  19. VegasGroove

    VegasGroove VIP Whale

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    Tammy,

    Your post is wonderful, congrats on the positive feedback you received and I wish you much success for the upcoming meetings next year! What a blessing to continue to do the work you love and be "retired" with enough time (and relaxation) to do it.

    I am fueled by this as I am praying for a 62 year-old retirement age, this is my desire.
     
  20. queentata

    queentata VIP Whale

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    Thanks for the positive replies, guys. I really appreciate it. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year to All.
     
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