A little more than a month ago, I sat down and wrote a letter to my boss. It is one I’d been thinking about for awhile, and as I said in the letter, I wrote it with mixed emotions.
I have been an educator most of my adult life.
My school picture in middle school.
I didn’t really set out to be one, it just kind of happened. When I graduated from Lawrence University with majors in Spanish and anthropology, I had taken no classes in education and swore up until graduation I would never be a teacher. That was all well and good, except I had no job.
Then, I heard that the state of Mississippi offered a unique opportunity for anyone willing to move there to teach. So, much to the relief of my parents, I agreed to teach for two years in Mississippi in exchange for a salary, health insurance, and a free masters’ degree from Ole’ Miss. With the exception of one semester off when I learned to fly airplanes, those two years turned into six with Greenville, Miss., public schools and my career in education was born.
I’ve had lots of “first day of school” pictures over the past 37 years like this one with a couple of the neighbor kids.
Eventually, I decided it was time to move back to the Midwest to be closer to family. Crete Public Schools in southeast Nebraska offered me a position teaching Spanish, and I accepted, quickly integrating myself into the community. I took more classes in educational administration at the University of Nebraska and gained more responsibility.
One of my fondest memories as a principal will be the Crete Middle School Color Run.
Soon, I was the activities director and then the assistant principal of the high school. Before I knew it, I was named principal of Crete Middle School and for the last seven years have been working with 400-500 pre-teens, tweens, and teens as well as their teachers every day. I found great fulfillment in that role.
One of the rare moments my desk was clean (during the summer months). As you can imagine, a middle school principal’s office is typically a busy place.
But time moves on. Over the past year or so, I’ve grown restless in my field and the more Ann and I talked and prayed together, the more evident it became that it was time for a change. We made lists of pros and cons and taped them to the bathroom mirror. We reviewed our finances, and considered health insurance options. We met with our parents, and our pastors. We prayed. And we prayed some more. A lot more. Eventually, we both felt like the time was right to make a career change. And so, about a month ago, I sat down and wrote a letter resigning my position as middle school principal.
I don’t have another job. I’m not exactly sure what’s next. And as crazy as it sounds, I’m OK with that.
I’m looking forward to traveling to new places, and new times of the year.
So here we are, in our 40s, on the verge of starting something new. Ann and I have lots of ideas for things we can do that will hopefully allow us more flexibility, give us less stress, and help us have an even greater opportunity to impact the world. The fact that Ann’s former company was sold and they’re allowing her to take her pension early provides some financial security for us, as well.
We’re not sure exactly which avenues we’ll pursue just yet. We are confident, however, that God has a plan for us, and we’re just excited to see what it is.
For now, I’m going to finish out the school year (13 days, 7 hours, and 32 minutes, but who’s counting?), take a family vacation, and thank God for the opportunities I’ve had and continue to have to pursue my dreams. I hope you’ll stick around and see where life’s journey takes us next.
I have left many jobs and reinvented myself and it’s all worked out (mostly). Change is good! You and Ann are welcome in Maine anytime, the snow has finally melted.
Thanks, Jennifer, for the thoughts and well-wishes! We can’t wait to see what this change will bring to us. And Maine is definitely on our list of places to go sooner rather than later!
Ministers are in short supply. Ask God.
Thanks, Barb. We’re open to whatever God has for us …
Steve and Ann: what a journey you will be on! You both have been successful in your first careers and the best is yet to come. Steve you know I totally understand the stress an Administrative job can place on you. I have a great deal of respect for you both as people and for your talents. Best of luck in your future journeys. God will see you through the good and the not so good times. Miss everyone in Crete but love New Mexico. Keep in touch! Steve, will always love our time in Europe with the kids! Hugs to you both.
Thanks, so much!
I wish for you and Ann nothing but the best… You are fabulous people and role models and your new mission is life is yet to be determined… May God continue to grant you wisdom and peace as the next stage of your life begins …. Godspeed on your journey… Gary and Denise Lothrop
Thanks, Gary and Denise! As you know, our trust is in God to make all things work for His good. We are so appreciative all of the support and encouragement from wonderful people like you. Thanks for coming along on our journey.
Congratulations on new adventures! How exciting to visit new place in October or February. Excited to hearing about what life has in store for you! Enjoy!
Thanks, Anne. One of the first things we did after Steve resigned was cancel our summer vacation that we’d planned for July. It was a cross-country road trip and a 5-night cruise, but July is the most expensive time to travel. Having the flexibility to travel closer to the beginning or end of a travel season will save us money and hopefully reduce the tourist traffic! We’re so excited to be able to do things like see the Aspens in the fall or visit a warm place in the winter months. Grateful and blessed! Thanks for coming along on our journey.
Steve, I am sure you’ve done an amazing job as a principal over the last 7 years–and I know from personal experience that you’re a wonderful teacher and colleague. And it all began with 2-3 years of watching bad TV and grading, prepping and complaining every evening. I’m pretty sure you are why I made it through–and past–my first year of teaching.
Good luck on whatever comes next! We’re up here near Rochester, NY should you ever travel east!
Thanks, Julie! I remember fondly those evenings of bad TV and the support you gave me in those first years of teaching. I appreciate the well wishes. I’m pretty sure we’ll be headed east at some point–it would be great to catch up!
You are the best
A new journey in life-sounds very exciting!
Thanks, Pam! More flexibility to travel will definitely be a plus!
I’m so happy for you both! You’re such wonderful people. Steve, it’s been fun working with you during Legion baseball. I’ll always remember your great announcing the games. I will see you around, probably at Walmart! Isn’t that where everyone seems to see each other! Good luck my friends!
Thanks, Tim! I appreciate the good thoughts. I remember those Legion baseball games and how much fun we had. We aren’t planning to go too far for now–so Wal-Mart it is!
Awesome!!! Trust that this is all part of His plan! I did the same thing in January, and literally watched in amazement as God opened doors and provided my every need before putting a job in my lap that I love. Congratulations on your new and rewarding future!
Thanks, Kim! We are trusting in Him.