Earlier this month, my new desktop calendar was delivered. Yes, I still appreciate a paper calendar on my desk at work. There’s a wonderful ritual, to me, in tearing off the sullied top page and enjoying a fresh start each month. Disposing of the doodles, notes and reminders to reveal a clean slate, always leaves me feeling optimistic about what might come in this new month of living.
After I unwrapped the protective cellophane, I realized that the calendar which had been purchased was the 18 month version, as opposed to the more typical 12 month kind I generally buy.
Hmmm…that’s interesting. This shiny new calendar is, in fact, likely to be the very last desk calendar of my career with its end date of June 30th, 2026.
Wow.
No matter how many times I assert that I have a great job in a building filled with people I respect, I’m afraid there are those who think that my focus on my retirement date is a statement about my displeasure with working. That’s not it at all. I intend to continue working in some fashion after I complete my 30+ years as a school librarian.
I just want to do something else, something which I can fit into my desire to reside in another country or two or three. I’m interested in visiting family and friends in distant places for extended periods of time. I’d like to more deeply experience areas which I’ve only superficially explored because of time and schedule limitations.
I don’t want work to dictate when or how long I can travel anymore.
The idea of wrapping up my career is exciting, but it’s also pretty damn scary. I’m fortunate to have a pension to provide me with income, but worry if it’ll be enough to support myself. What if the market drops and takes a big chunk of my 403b with it? Health insurance and related medical expenses can be incredibly taxing on one’s budget. How do I deal with my property and possessions? Do I sell or try to find someone to rent my home? Will I be able to live happily thousands of miles away from my sons and friends?
I don’t know the answer to any of those questions, but I believe those sorts of queries will eventually be settled by circumstances and fate. Since I can’t really wrap my head around those questions at the moment, I prefer instead to reflect upon what I’ve come to know after nearly three decades in my chosen profession.
Libraries are safe spaces where every student should find books that provide them with either a window, a mirror or a door.
Working with children is one of the greatest privileges afforded to anyone.
Books aren’t going anywhere. Young people still get excited by the latest book in a series and are willing to wait weeks to get their hands on a title which they’ve heard about during a library book talk.
The students I currently work with are the most open and accepting group of kids I’ve ever known – and they’re middle school aged! All pronouns and genders welcome.
Screens are crushing fine motor and social skills. The majority of students I work with fist their writing utensils and frequently struggle with casual, verbal interactions.
Libraries have changed a lot since the 90s, but remain important and relevant places. My hope is that the one I leave behind will continue to inspire, comfort and inform for many years after my new calendar reaches its last page.
DelSo 