The Die is cast

I've been a teacher for a long time, about 31 years as a professional teacher, after 20+ years as a volunteer teacher, Sunday School/Religious Ed teacher, Girl Scout leader, swim teacher. As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a teacher. I've been a preschool teacher, elementary school teacher and principal, college English as a Second Language teacher.

But, as of today, I believe the die is cast for the end of this phase of my teaching career. Our college is suffering from a big downturn in enrollment, and my program has shrunk to a non-viable level. As of the end of this semester, I will be retiring from my job as college ESL teacher. My little program will probably retire with me.

It has been a great career, even though there have been trying moments. But every fall, I've always gotten that energy in my soul to plan anew, greet new students, try new things. I am finding that feeling is missing this fall. I have been praying for a sign from God that I need to take this step away from the classroom, and I think He's given me that "ton of bricks on my head" sign, no students means no job!

I have quilting to occupy my time, and I'm hoping that I can continue to teach by doing some teaching of quilting classes. I still have lots to learn, but I can get beginners started on the craft. I think I can introduce the love of quilting to students, and continue my own learning experience while I teach what I've learned.

It's sort of a difficult thing to say goodbye to a career that I've loved. But life goes on, and when one door closes, another one opens, so they say. We'll see.

As long as you are happy with this, I am happy for you. Yes, you will have more time for quilting, and with time freed up you can work on little things to sell at craft shows or even on consignment. One door has already opened, your quilting class. You can also teach how to make pillow cases and tons of other things. You amaze me with your energy and gumption. God must have better plans for you :).

I agree totally with Marilyn.....as long as you are comfortable with this

Well Jean now that you have that long arm maybe you can continue to teach quilting and in-between times quilt others quilts... If not you can always come to little podunk California and teach ESL classes to elem school kids and adults too in nearby communities....(jeff city) ..... we would love to have you!!!!! I realize that would involve a move or a very long commute...

Kellie, I think the relatives of the Hispanic population in Cuba, Mo.(where I taught before the college gig) Live in California, Mo. From what I hear! Hope to turn that longarm into a money maker some day. But, (repeat after me), NO KING SIZE QUILTS!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by auntiemern

As long as you are happy with this, I am happy for you. Yes, you will have more time for quilting, and with time freed up you can work on little things to sell at craft shows or even on consignment. One door has already opened, your quilting class. You can also teach how to make pillow cases and tons of other things. You amaze me with your energy and gumption. God must have better plans for you :).

---

I hope it will be a good decision for me.

Jean, I know you will love teaching quilting! You have taught me so much already. If I lived close, I would be in that class.

And, sometimes you need a gentle push-guess you got it. Would you have retired on your own? Prob not. Now you get to start the next phase of teaching. I am so excited for you.

So, bone up on the answers: Why do we cut it this way? Does it have to be 2.5 inches? Do the strips really have to be even? Sew the edges on a slant or straight? Do I really have to cut that little white edge off? Is oiling an old machine all that important? Do I really have to buy the fabric here, after all, I have some polyester that my mom has in her garage? Where's the bathroom? Can my daughter come with me to watch, oh, and if she helps me, can she make a top for free? What colors go together? Will you make me one for $10 cause I really like how you do it? Do you mind if we drink and sew here at the shop? Oohhhh this list goes on and on!

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. If it were possible, I sure would like to take one of your quilting classes.

Jean, whatever you do I know it will be great - and I wish you all the luck in the world!!!!

Jean good luck with what ever you do. I know like others if possible I would take a quilting class from you. When you get ready to start making a little money with that long arm let me know I may have a top that needs to be done.

Jean, retiring from a career earlier than planned or than you would hope is a tough thing. I believe you are one of the worlds teachers, wherever you go or whatever you do you will end up teaching someone something.

The quilting class will i hope fulfill your need to teach, at least until you have the space to breath and think. Whatever lies in your future I am sure it will be fab.

I think you've been preparing for this for a while, whether you knew it or not. You'll do fine, as you are already headed toward the next step in your life with your longarm and quilting classes.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RiverMomm

Jean, I know you will love teaching quilting! You have taught me so much already. If I lived close, I would be in that class.

And, sometimes you need a gentle push-guess you got it. Would you have retired on your own? Prob not. Now you get to start the next phase of teaching. I am so excited for you.

So, bone up on the answers: Why do we cut it this way? Does it have to be 2.5 inches? Do the strips really have to be even? Sew the edges on a slant or straight? Do I really have to cut that little white edge off? Is oiling an old machine all that important? Do I really have to buy the fabric here, after all, I have some polyester that my mom has in her garage? Where's the bathroom? Can my daughter come with me to watch, oh, and if she helps me, can she make a top for free? What colors go together? Will you make me one for $10 cause I really like how you do it? Do you mind if we drink and sew here at the shop? Oohhhh this list goes on and on!

---

You have either taught a class or been to one where there were a bunch of sillies. Love, love, love your questions.

Jean, I thought several days ago that I sensed a bit hesitation in your posts when you mentioned returning to work. However, there are so many other ways to teach out there - maybe not ESL at the college level, but tutoring (which would fit your schedule with your quilting duties), or staying on at the Univ. and doing another English program . . . there are other places for you, I'm certain.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sandy Navas

Jean, I thought several days ago that I sensed a bit hesitation in your posts when you mentioned returning to work. However, there are so many other ways to teach out there - maybe not ESL at the college level, but tutoring (which would fit your schedule with your quilting duties), or staying on at the Univ. and doing another English program . . . there are other places for you, I'm certain.

---

Sandy, you are so intuitive. My dean has to straddle the line between being the administrator and a good friend and caring person. She's going to bat for me to have one more semester. She has suggested those options also. We'll see, I sure did enjoy my summer of travel and quiltmaking! If I could financially sustain that lifestyle, it would be great! But, no more daily deals for this chick once the paychecks stop. Haven't I said that before? Wel no more DAILY Daily Deals, at least!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RiverMomm

Jean, I know you will love teaching quilting! You have taught me so much already. If I lived close, I would be in that class.

And, sometimes you need a gentle push-guess you got it. Would you have retired on your own? Prob not. Now you get to start the next phase of teaching. I am so excited for you.

So, bone up on the answers: Why do we cut it this way? Does it have to be 2.5 inches? Do the strips really have to be even? Sew the edges on a slant or straight? Do I really have to cut that little white edge off? Is oiling an old machine all that important? Do I really have to buy the fabric here, after all, I have some polyester that my mom has in her garage? Where's the bathroom? Can my daughter come with me to watch, oh, and if she helps me, can she make a top for free? What colors go together? Will you make me one for $10 cause I really like how you do it? Do you mind if we drink and sew here at the shop? Oohhhh this list goes on and on!

---

. I will have to file those questions in my memory bank. Sounds completely plausible if you work with people!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Divine Daisy

Jean, retiring from a career earlier than planned or than you would hope is a tough thing. I believe you are one of the worlds teachers, wherever you go or whatever you do you will end up teaching someone something.

The quilting class will i hope fulfill your need to teach, at least until you have the space to breath and think. Whatever lies in your future I am sure it will be fab.

---

Daisy, I retired from my principal job because of my husband's illness, which took me out of the classroom 2-3 times a week. You know how that goes! I definitely was not ready then. This job was sent down from heaven and fell into my lap. It has sustained me for 7-1/2 years. Now, I am ready, I think. I don't want to keep working until I drop dead. It's time, hope it is a good semester, some endings are made in hell,(the last one was,) hope this one is different!

Let's hope there's one more semester to round out the year. It's never fun when the decision isn't yours.

I'm sure you are preparing with your quilt classes and learning all you can with your long arm, but that's not the income and benefits that you're currently making nor will it be near in comparison. Planning will be in order with retirement, tutoring and quilt income - you're such an organized person, you'll be fine. :)

The QUEEN OF JELLY ROLLS needs more time to quilt.. Good luck in what ever lies in store for you.

Jean,
Retiring is a difficult decision. I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do. My sister had a similar situation where her job taking ultrasounds was eliminated from her hospital. She thought, "Oh well, it must be time to retire." She wasn't even looking for another job when she came across a job where she could teach ultrasound. It all worked out for her. She doesn't have to commute anymore and she even gets health benefits. So even though you can't see around the next corner, I believe God has something very special for you to do. You're in my prayers. Keep your eyes and heart open to a new adventure.
hugs, cellomom

Jean good luck and all will be well. I know it is a challenge to live on less,(that is part for me at least, is hardest part to adjust to, and it is still an adjustment 8 months later). But you will be fine as you have opportunities going for you with the quilting classes you have in the works.

You will find your way to what God is leading you to, and you have all of us here to cheer you on, or be your sounding board. :)

Hugs, and Blessings,
Jan G.

who knows jean maybe a professional costumer for college/regional plays too

Good luck with your new career, at least teaching quilting you are doing something that you love... I cant imagine retiring, though sometimes I look forward to it and all the time I can spend sewing, more time for those Jelly roll race quilts that you are a master of.

Jean, I wish you the best...whatever the future holds. Deciding if/when to retire is tough, it's been on my mind a lot lately too. Maybe having it decided for you will make it easier. You're a wonderful, smart lady and a teacher at heart. There are many ways you can continue teach others and I'm sure you'll find the way that makes you the happiest.

You have a great attitude, Jean. The academic world will have a big hole in it when you do retire. But you certainly will have left your mark and done your share of making this a better place. Now it is time for YOU!!!
Cynthia

You are all so kind, and make my heart full! It will be an adjustment. However, I've stocked up on enough jelly rolls to last me quite a while, so I should be good with that! And I love Joyce's saying, "She who dies with the most fabric, wins!" My aunt and mother had that race, (auntie won, they both died the same year, I was the judge!), but really, I have enough fabric to last me for quite a while! What else do I need? A package of hot dogs every once in a while and cartons of Diet Dr. Pepper, and I'm good to go.

"The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." Proverbs 16:3

I think the Lord will guide you into whatever he has for you next. It is always excited to go in new directions when you're following his lead!

When one door closes, another one opens. That door may have the most wonderful plans for you!

Jean, I keep telling Joyce that her quote is wrong. It should be: "She who dies with the most fabric just didn't sew fast enough."

Honestly, I don't think that's your problem.

Inquiring minds . . . here kicks in my ADHD - I just noticed you are 3,000 posts EVEN. Anyway, inquiring minds want to know if you got both your Mom's and your Aunt's stashes. So, didya?

If this is good for you, it's good for us to have you around all day every day!!! Knowing you, you will keep yourself super busy and be super creative doing it! Enjoy this new phase of your life! :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sandy Navas

Jean, I keep telling Joyce that her quote is wrong. It should be: "She who dies with the most fabric just didn't sew fast enough."

Honestly, I don't think that's your problem.

Inquiring minds . . . here kicks in my ADHD - I just noticed you are 3,000 posts EVEN. Anyway, inquiring minds want to know if you got both your Mom's and your Aunt's stashes. So, didya?

---

Just Moms, my cousin got her mother's stash AND her Featherweight! The cousins actually didn't get much of their mom's stuff, because their father was slow to disperse her things, and a woman wooed him into marriage within a year of my aunt's death, then took possession of all my aunt's lovely things. Then when my uncle died, the things were dispersed to the new wife's money-grubbing offspring. It was ugly.