Disability retirement

[kitkatz]

I have made the decision to stop working as a special education teacher at the end of this year.  I plan to take the 50% of my present paycheck for the next ten years through STRS: State teacher's Retirement.
I have an appointment with the school district to go over possible accommodations for my work but there are none they could do for me.  I already changed jobs 14 and a half years ago and my aide is six hours instead of five hours most years.  I have had to argue over that several times over these past years.  Starting all of the paperwork for STRS and for the school district.  I signed notice I was leaving.

I am sore everywhere now.  My body aches all of the time  It hurts to walk up to the office from my classroom.  I am tired all of the time.  The kids are not getting me at my best anymore. Besides best year of kids I have had yet.  Time go out on top.  I am already cleaning the classroom out.  Not bringing anything home except some cubby furniture I bought.  Teachers around school are surprised but know there was going to come a time when I had to go.

I emailed my internal medicine doctor for a diagnosis prognosis letter to take into my school district.  It will be an adventure.

[Jean]

Katherine, I think you have made a wise decision. You will probably feel a whole lot better too. Or, at least, I hope you do.

[willowtreewren]

I know this is a bittersweet decision, full of both positive and negative emotion. Even though I'm not struggling with disability, each year gets a bit harder. I can't even begin to imagine how difficult it has been for you, but I have watched from afar and admired your fortitude and humor.

Many hugs to you as you start this new adventure. I think that it is wise of you to step away while your memories of this last year are good, and not wait until it just gets too emotionally draining.

    I wish this were not a cyber hug, but a real one. You have been a hero to me and you will continue to be one!

Aleta

[Rerun]

Kit you hung on for a LONG time and I commend you for that.  You will feel so much better.  I know it is sad and the money won't be as much but you will feel so much better.  You will feel like "oh, I can work..." but don't fall for it.  You only have so much energy and use that energy for your family your self and your home and furbabies.

Best of luck girlfriend.   

[kitkatz]

I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow to get prognosis/diagnosis information.

[boswife]

Good for you Kitkatz!  I know it's hard to leave a job such as yours.  Its a job with a lot of heart.  You'll be fine and adjust and hopefully love it

[okarol]

I hope you'll have more time to play - we still need to get together. Sorry I have been busy with Jenna and also Johnny is in his last year of high school.
You did a great job as a teacher and I agree, leave while you're on top! 

[Darthvadar]

I'm delighted, Kitz....

You've done your bit!... Time to live a little, now!... It'll be nice to come in from D, go to bed and sleep for as long as you need to, not for as long as the alarm clock lets you!...

May I wish you a long, happy, healthy, and wealthy retirement!...

Goodbye tension, Hello pension!....

Love...

Darth.....

[kitkatz]

My tax person reminded me I have two years of salary insurance I put in for a few years ago.  SO no retirement talk, just disability cannot do my job talk when i go to the district

[Rerun]

My tax person reminded me I have two years of salary insurance I put in for a few years ago.  SO no retirement talk, just disability cannot do my job talk when i go to the district

What?  I don't get it?      

[kitkatz]

I have an appointment with the district.  Tax person says do not talk retirement with them, only disability so I can use the insurance for two years that I bought into a few years ago.

[Sunny]

I have watched your posts over the years and have been amazed at your abilities to last this long as a teacher. You have done your very best for your students, and now it's time to take care of yourself. Good luck.