Written by Graham Turner.
‘Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter’, said Mark Twain. As I approach 70 years of age, I am trying to convince myself that age doesn’t matter, and some days I win, and some days, I clearly lose. Having taught in schools in the UK, USA, Canada and China for over 45 years, and led several of them as a school Principal for over 20 years, I am now retired, or am I? The issue of the ‘mind’ in this complex equation of retirement, is it seems at the core of a rewarding retirement.
We all get absorbed in our jobs don’t we, and when we step off the treadmill there is supposed to be relief and optimism about the newfound freedoms, and the opportunity to steer one’s own path, for once without the daily, weekly, and annual dictation of professional routines. Optimism is a positive construct and an important one for both our physical and mental health, so taking this forward into retirement is essential if our retirement is to be fulfilled and rewarding, which is what I aspire to. Maintaining an optimistic perspective has it challenges though, and pitfalls await the unprepared. It would fair to say that the thought of retirement has always presented me with a whirlwind of emotions, at best feelings of excitement, at worse considerable trepidation and anxiety. As someone who has resisted retirement, and tried it at least 3 times (briefly), returning to new roles and challenges, was always attractive. Even so a good friend remarked recently that I have had more comebacks than Frank Sinatra! At the low points I am reminded of Lao Tzu. ‘If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading’. Am I resisting the inevitable? I can only describe my retirement journey (barely 6 months), as an uncomfortable rollercoaster ride, but one which is shaping up positively, I think.
It is certainly true that I have resisted stepping into retirement. The idea of moving away from a profession that has been a central part of my identity for decades is daunting. The thought of being actively engaged in the day-to-day hustle and bustle of school life leaves me feeling a sense of loss, a void that is not easily filled. Age does matters, but it is least relevant to those who have it. There is the conundrum, on the outside our growing years are visible, it is out of our control, but inside, in the core, you may still be riding your bike down Harthill Road and crashing into a neighbour’s garden. My hypothesis is that by keeping the core strong, we are more likely to have the retirement which will provide the same excitement and giddy anticipation that fills the air as the rollercoaster approaches the first decent. Perhaps I am afraid of the aging process and related retirement, there is an implicit finality to both, or am I conflicted by their evident synergy? ‘Do not go gentle into the good night’.
Letting go of a life which was rich with travel, and staged with an abundance of colourful characters, is not easy. I realised very early on that it would be very important to me to maintain professional connections. The relationships forged over the years with colleagues, mentors and students holds immense value, and nurturing these connections post-retirement will I feel, provide a sense of continuity and purpose. Keeping in touch with the educational community can help to bridge the gap between the past and the present, ensuring that the wealth of experience gained over the years is not lost, but shared with others. Recently an invitation to collaborate with some university colleagues in a consultancy role, has put me back on the horse – sort of. No this is not the 4th come back, I really don’t think so. Who knows where this will lead?
As educators we are used to constantly learning and growing, dealing with complex issues and an abundance of stakeholders, easy it has not been. Despite the challenges presented in my various roles, I always felt that I was making a difference, and the collective effort is what motivated, guided and energised me. This is what I am now seeking.
Reflecting on Mark Twain, ‘come backs’, and rollercoasters, I am reminded that retirement is a very personal journey. Maintaining a positive mindset is I suggest, crucial, and I am, working on it. There is no doubt that retirement is a time which is ripe with opportunities for self-discovery and personal growth. Embracing the unpredictability of retirement, much like the roller-coaster ride can lead to unexpected adventures and newfound passions waiting to be explored. All aboard.
PS. You know what they say about buses. This applies here. No guest blogs for years and then two in a month. Thank you to my friends for their efforts. Keep them coming.