Checking Out

Well, I've done it now. I gave notice at work that I'm retiring at the end of January.

Halloween in the Beforetimes

The main reason is that working two full-time jobs has pushed me to the limit. I'm no superwoman. By the end of every day, I'm worn down to the nubbin. I get cranky with Mr., and I'm not proud of it. But after a day of juggling work and managing his needs as well as household chores, bills, shopping, doctor appointments, and everything else, there's just not enough gas in the tank to do anything but flop into bed and crash into unconsciousness.

Do I have misgivings? Of course. Shifting from full-steam ahead to cruise control will be quite the adjustment. I hope to get my sea legs by spring. 

I've been employed one way or another for 50 years, starting with the Normandy High School print shop, moving on to USF&G Insurance for two months, then A.M. Higley Construction for three years. 

We won't get into why the next job only lasted eight days.

Then came my big break at J.B. Robinson Jewelers, where I started out as a secretary, moved into advertising, and followed the company through two takeovers until Signet downsized me and 400+ fellow employees in 2019. 

Thanks to random freelance work and Axel (a true lifesaver), I was able to hang on for two years of semi-employment until OuterBox was kind enough to take me on. I celebrated five years there last July, and I'm grateful for the opportunity they gave me to transition to retirement. 

The next few months will be challenging (as if we haven't been challenged enough during the last year). Mr. will have his seventh surgery sometime after Thanksgiving, complete with two stents for six weeks following the procedure. 

Thanks to all who've been supporting us through visits, well-wishes, virtual hugs, and prayers. All are appreciated.

Mr. has lined up potential projects for me post-retirement, and I have several things to get caught up on around here. After that, I'd like to do something different part-time. Just a few hours a week. Maybe volunteering. I'd like to work with animals.

But first, I have to run through the tape and get to the end of January.

Wish me luck!