What’s the best advice about retirement that retired teachers would give to teachers? Here’s a sample from some of the more than 400 e-mails we received in response to the question.
One of the best places to look for satisfying, challenging work is the Charity Village website. It lists a wide range of jobs in the not-for-profit sector. After more than two years of retirement, I found a wonderful position with a terrific organization. I couldn't be happier.
Brian, former superintendent
If scarcity is a measure of value, TIME is your most valuable asset.
John, age 68
Have the mortgage out of the way,
Pay it all before your retiring day.
Have a new, gorgeous car ready to go,
And your wallet fat with dollars to blow.
Have days and months planned ahead,
Replace the books that have been read.
Take time to analyze your goodbye,
Though another job you can still try.
Say a thoughtful speech, cut the cake;
Keep the memories for your own sake.
Be ready to answer your own quest,
Nourish your mind with a perfect zest.
If you opt to heed this free advice,
Your future will be extremely nice.
Terry G. Harris, retired in 1989 on a reduced pension
My recommendation is to keep or get physically active.
Bruce, age 66
Bill, age 54
Do not over-estimate the amount of money you will need for a happy retirement. Teachers have a wonderful pension plan, indexed to inflation. Also, there are many expenses connected with working that do not apply when you leave the job.
Janet, age 60
Helene, age 58
Buy a recent retiree a drink and ask what he or she would do differently in preparing for retirement. Take those workshops and have a checklist.
Keith, age 53
Don't just retire from teaching. Retirement is an opportunity to do something else, so make certain that you are retiring to something.
Bob, age 60
Retire while you are still enjoying teaching—don't wait until it has worn you out.
Marie, age 53
Some quick advice: make sure you can afford retirement. The health benefits payments take a big chunk out of the pension cheque.
Harold, age 54
Who can resist the chance to offer words of wisdom to teachers? I have found retirement to be a somewhat unsettling experience and what has been most unsettling (and amazing to me) is the realization that I like work and miss it unless I have a project on the go. So, my first bit of advice is to keep working if you enjoy it.
Ernie, age 60
John, age 58
I created my own "4H Plan":
HEART — volunteer pet therapy work with my dog at a seniors’ residence once a week, volunteer at an historic site twice a month
HEAD — improving continuously on my computer [skills] and playing Bridge
HEALTH — Tai Chi class once a week, and three times at home, walking my dogs
HANDS — oil painting, especially in the winter months.
Ms. R., age 64
Best Advice? Be prepared. Prepare for a new phase of your life:
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know how you will find that fulfillment of a teacher without teaching
-
count your pennies and be sure that your income will match your needs—if not, then have a strategy
- cultivate friendships.
Doubtless there's a lot more. For me, retirement is better than I'd have ever thought.
Blair, age 63
Ten Commandments for retiring teachers:
- Accept the fact that the reason we retire is that we are getting older. That is reality. Move on.
- Do not expect to ride off into the sunset full of as much energy, vigor and enthusiasm as you had when you began your teaching career.
- Learn to say firmly: "No. Thank you for asking, but I cannot take that on right now." Practice in front of the mirror if necessary.
- Learn to accept that you cannot do everything you are asked.
- Do expect that life will be good and full of opportunities.
- Try something new. Learning is always a great experience and often lots of fun.
- Exercise. It helps with mental ability as well as physical fitness. Walking is good.
- Do not visit your old school. It will not make you feel better. It will not make them feel better either.
- Plan something for the first school day of each term. Rejoice with others at a "To Hell with the Bell celebration" or go abroad if you can and want to.
- Keep saying "No" appropriately. But also be ready to say "Yes" to a few well chosen things! Enjoy yourself - you worked for enough financial security to enjoy these years. Downsize intelligently. Who cares if you are not retiring as a millionaire? Retirement can be the ultimate liberation if you choose to make it that.
Donna, age 64 (teacher, surviving spouse of teacher)
Take a word of advice that you probably wrote on many report cards: Don’t be afraid to take a risk and have a great time doing it.
Lynda, age 55
It may be boring, but from experience I've boiled retirement down to four basic conditions:
- First, don't even think about it until you have cleared yourself of debt (mortgage credit cards, etc.)
- Second, fix your house (roof, furnace, floors, kitchen etc.)
- Third, ask yourself, "can my car last another 5 years?"
- Fourth, and very important, find a hobby.
Any teacher I've known that has retired without having met these conditions, or who has used more than half their retirement gratuity to achieve them, has found themselves on the supply list or looking for a short-term contract.
John, age 58
I took early retirement and have not regretted it. My best advice to those considering retiring would be to keep careful track of your expenses until you can be confident that you can project accurately how much you will need in order to live comfortably.
Bill, age 53
The best advice I had when I first retired was not to try to do too much or take on too much, but to let the first year just evolve.
Carol, age 55
Stay healthy, pursue your hobbies and enjoy every day. Retirement is a most wonderful time.
Hildegard, 72
Remember to be gentle on your partner (spouse, etc.) when you retire. Don't try changing established routines all at once, just because you are not working anymore. Enjoy every day.
Doug, age 58
Start planning for retirement activities at least five years in advance. This will allow for a smooth transition into your new and best career.
Mickey, age 66
You will feel too young to retire. You should be prepared to miss your colleagues and the children. A group of us who retired within a few years of one another, mostly from the same school, "do lunch" once a month. It is our way of keeping in touch.
Sandra, age 59