Williams Family: Transitions

 

I'm transitioning today from full time working gal to retired individual, not just summer vacation.  The plan to make this transition has been in the works for a while, several months.   Therefore, I have had a lot of time to process.  There have been some surprises along the way.

I was surprised by how comforting it felt to be replaced.  As soon as there was an announcement of who would be taking the position as our school principal, I felt pleased and relieved.  

I was surprised by parent reactions.  There were congratulations, cards, and one extremely touching email.  There were also social media posts calling me "useless" or was it "worthless" and the parent who said to me, "I'm so glad you aren't going to be here next year."  I kept the touching email and forwarded it to my personal email. 

I was surprised by our students and staff on the last day of school.  Yep, they got me. I was speechless and emotional as the signs appeared when it was time for the Pledge of Allegiance and circle of love and well wishes on the playground.  Do you hear that?  You got me!

I was surprised by how quiet I was in meetings and in general as the school year progressed.  I remember standing in a school office several years ago proclaiming about not being able to wait until the year I retired as I was going to tell it like it was.  One staff person inquired a bit puzzled, "How much are you holding back now?"  My response, "A lot!" which surprised them.  As the school year progressed, I grew quiet, and I was told by a superior, who has moved on from the district, that my questions at meetings were seen as "gotcha questions."  Interestingly, when I told that to a teacher colleague they said, "When you ask a question, I say to myself 'finally' because you are asking what the rest of us are thinking." 

I was surprised by how hard it has been to say good-bye to so many quality educators.  I know those folks will carry the torch!

Change, Change, Change!

A great Good-bye Party!

Eleven days after we returned home from our summer 2015 vacation, I was informed that I was changing jobs.  Not exactly changing jobs, per say, but changing positions.  I would be performing the same or similar functions of my position at another location.  Why?  Federal Legislation.

So, I packed up my stuff—17 boxes, 3 lamps, 2 bookshelves, and a tree—and steadied myself for another chapter in my career.  This wasn’t the first time I had moved, it’s just that the last time was eight years ago. 

After shedding a few tears, many drops of sweat (packing), and saying good-bye, I was ready to take on this new adventure just a few miles down the road.  There are mostly pros to this change.  Here are some of them:

• My commute to work is 9 blocks and includes one stop sign.  If I get more ambitious I could walk or bike to work.
• I get to work with great people—some of whom I’ve worked with before and many who are new.
• The people I worked with previously are a phone call, text message, email, or short jaunt away.
• I have widened my circle of relationships and can change some from colleague to friend.
• I get to learn new things.

In a few days, I get to add about 300 more relationships to manage in my new position.  The learning curve has been steep the last few days and I imagine that I’m not yet at the peak of the curve. 

I’m grateful that I am up to the task both physically and mentally.  I’m grateful that there are many people who are willing to help and support as I make the adjustment.  I’m grateful for my family’s patience and understanding during this transition.  The husband brought me sustenance when I was packing and unpacking and understood the long hours.  And, I'm grateful for my incredible work experiences leading up to this change.

So, if you’re wondering “where I’ve been” that’s where.  Using my time, energy, and concentration to make a change.