Tired, but not retired

'What exactly are you calling this job change? Are you retired or did you just resign?’ Those are understandable questions. There is so much unknown in this step we’ve undertaken, and in our American culture, it’s so unusual.

People change jobs all the time. We live in a time of the Great Resignation, after all. But when people ask what we’re doing next and I tell them, the responses are mixed. Some people look at me blankly, letting their own fears about envisioning themselves taking such a step morph into judgment about the stability we’re giving up. Most people get excited and envious. Taking time to travel? Exploring next possible places to live by ‘road testing’ them? Spending months with family by merging school, work, and play while in new and exciting places? Those who ‘get it’ admire our boldness and energy in taking this next ‘pre-tirement’ step.

Back to the questions. I’m not retiring, but I also am doing more than ‘just resigning’. I’m discerning. I’m envisioning. I’m seeking a ‘life/family/work’ balance that is not only sustainable, but allows my best self to emerge. Because my best self is not only good for me; it’s good for Kimberly and Maya; it’s good for the life balance that will lead to new possibilities, wherever we go, whatever I ‘do’. You’ll notice the balance order I named above – life/family/work. So often, we lead off with ‘work’ in that scenario, as if it is the most important, as if it is what defines us primarily or even totally. Naming the balance that way leads to imbalance, because work will take all it can from us. Start with life. Start

with living. Start with what makes you whole. That’s what I am trying to do.

My answer: I’m tired, but I’m not retired. And I’m looking ahead to what’s next with increasing energy, hope, and enthusiasm.