Retired

I retired from what I call my “real job” in January of 2008. I taught for eight years, was an elementary school principal for fifteen, and spent my last sixteen years as a school superintendent. I’ve had a contract with the Michigan Works system since then. During my tenure with Michigan Works, I’ve worked with dozens of educators and business partners each summer. I’ve shared the summer iChallengeU program with hundreds of students from four Michigan Counties: Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee and Washtenaw. Those students have earned nearly $1,000,000 in college scholarships through the partnerships I developed. Yesterday was the final day of my contract. Now, I’m really retired.

The first, and most important, piece of advice I received from my father was simply this. “I don’t care how you make a living, but whatever you do, be a good one.” He didn’t use the word “best” or “great”. But I knew “average” was not good enough. He wanted me to be happy and successful in my work. If I asked him to define success he would probably say, “You should do something you take pride in and are able to provide for your family”. Providing for your family would be job one.

He didn’t encourage me to go to college but supported my decision to go. When it came to paying for school, I was on my own. I grew up in a time when that was an option. I worked each summer, and part-time jobs during school, earning enough to pay as I moved forward. Dad dropped out of school after eighth grade and wanted more for me. I think most fathers do.

When my own three set off for college, I told them I’d pay for a bachelors degree, but after that they were on their own. That deal worked out well, and they’re all successful in their chosen field. They, in turn, are providing for their families

Families are different than when I was a child. When I was growing up, Mom stayed home with us kids until the youngest, Jackie, was in

school. Ruth worked for most of the years I was employed. We had a caregiver come to the house when David was a baby, and later, Elizabeth and Michael went to day care for a couple of years. We wanted more for our kids and that was the way that worked best for us. I have no regrets for the path we chose.

Since I retired from my “real job”, I’ve had some difficulty remembering what day it was. When you don’t have to be somewhere at a specific time, the days all run together. Every day can feel the same and each one needs a purpose. That’s one of the reasons I started this blog three hundred and eighty-six stories ago. I need to be ready to push the “publish” button every Sunday and Wednesday. That’s my job now.