When it comes to students and their life choices I ask, “What do you want to do when you grow up? Have you decided on a career? Where do you want to go to school and study?” Last night a friend asked me, “What are you going to do with the last third of your life?” He got me thinking, as if I don’t ponder enough!
I asked myself, what do I want to do? After my China teaching experience is over what will I do? Do I want to keep teaching here, I could, they would keep me as long as I want to stay. I could teach IB in another part of the world. What about a Greek Isle or on a Caribbean beach? Ah, but what are the odds of moving there? I am talented and could do something in the artsy realm. Maybe a studio/gallery, a tourist art business or what about a B&B (Bed and Breakfast)? Should I take the advice of Robert Kiyosaki the author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad and became financially independent through investing and owning businesses? Do I need to partner with another like soul and create this venture? How about my children, would they like to be a partner? Maybe my long time girlfriends, they are on the verge of retirement and are probably thinking the same about their lives? Maybe a venture with them is an option? Or maybe someone else will come into focus and help me find that direction.
Why didn’t I learn about investing years ago, I might have a nest egg I could draw off and travel about? But I didn’t. American education did not teach me to save or how to make money during my college experience. My Chinese friends on the other hand have money in the bank and owe no one. I learn from them. So where do I go from here? I need some suggestions. You the reader are my family and friends, give me advice? Let me know what you think? You see my talents better than I see myself. Talk to me, advise me, help the wandering gypsy find a new direction.
I think u should not worry about it. Check out ur options, look into things deeper, apply elsewhere and whatever should happen next should be easy and fall into place for you. Then you’ll know it’s right.
Susan,
I don’t know if this overseas gig has jaded you or if you loved the experience? I actually love teaching overseas because of all the places I get to travel to on the school’s dime…I’ve been to about 40 or more countries throughout the world and have lived in 4 different countries and have been able to save money and see the world…how many people can say that? You have lived in China(a conservative country)I think you should try the overseas teaching one more place to be able to compare and contrast the experiences….apply to a country that is completely different and pays a lot more and has a better package plan that you will be able to travel and save money with. You are a highly sought after teacher and should be in a really high paying teaching job that exists throughout the world….go to Search or ISS and you will find a really good place with a really good package and you will be able to save and get that nest egg for your future and travel the world(if that is important to you?)
SAMs right. Take your time, let it happen.
So, I am asking myself all of the same questions! Can’t wait for you to come home so we can talk about all of this. When is your return flight?
Somewhere in all those wonderful thoughts is you…who
are so deserving of many beautiful present moments…
enjoy each and every one of them and listen to the
soft whisper inside that guides you.
From a far too practical standpoint, a B&B or tourist-catering art gallery are unlikely to help you build that nest egg. They can be successful, to be sure! But in either case, it requires quite a lot of upfront expense which may or may not be feasible. If it’s something you want to pursue indefinitely for income and enjoyment, and not necessarily to “save for retirement” it could likely work in that way. Make sure to partner with someone really business savvy though. 😉
I definitely think it makes sense to extend the teaching adventure to other parts of the world though! I know you’ve always been drawn to the Eastern cultures, but maybe the adventure could head somewhere European next, potentially with higher pay and/or benefits, depending on the country. Does your globetrotting make you ineligible for a teacher’s retirement pension? We’re counting on military and teaching pensions to carry my in-laws through their retirements since neither have much savings on hand otherwise. I started a retirement account when I was about 12, with obvious influence from my Dad. I’m grateful that it was something my family taught me, even if our society at large doesn’t. You’ll get by one way or another. You strike me as the sort who would be happy as an entrepreneur in your later years, so live out those dreams you might have. 🙂
Taddy, keep teaching. personally, its what you were ment to do. you will always be a student and a teacher…but you can enjoy adventures on the side (like a B&B or a gallery). Go travel some more and stay with IB as much as a free spirit as you are, I wouldn’t really see you doing anything else! 🙂
Follow your intuition and enjoy everyday.I agree with Linda but I couldn’t write so exquisitely as her:)
Well, when you get to this stage in our lives we do worry, because we realize how little time we have left…….and because most of us didn’t save, our options are not as plentiful as we would like. Make a bucket list…..that’s what everyone keeps telling me to do. Right now I wish I had the money to buy a couple of acres with a small house and a big barn and RETIRE, but neither are going to happen. When you figure this out, let me know….
Hi Susan,
Here is the voice of experience. The last time I saw you, your daughter was either about to be married or just married. Either way, your grandchildren (birthed or adopted) will determine your future. Trust me, you will never want to be more than 50 miles away. [We had to assist on a house to get one daughter back from Boston!] So work from there. If she has two years before kids, do your thing! But then restrict your travel to IB’s dime. Workshops as often as possible. Become a site visitor if you are not already. And, if possible, teach Art at the local community college… Or try selling your stuff! Why not? Just do it…. How can 40 be the last third of your life?
Jerry
Susan, As you know you are the one that is going to have to make the decision of what to do with your life. You really need to take into consideration that you did retire early and still have many years ahead of you. Since you have no strings attached (husband, home etc) take advantage of spending a few years exploring the world. I would do that in a minute if I were younger!!!! There are so many opportunities to teach in foreign countries and think of the experiences you could have. Now is not the time to think of starting a business or trying to sell your work. The economy is still in a shambles and although you could invest it will be years before investments will do well. Enjoy your single status and go with the flow! You can make things happen.
Susan, you are indeed talented. And we artsy types have so much in common. First, you should congratulate yourself for your China adventure. That was a big step. I, too, wallow in the quest of what should I do. I cannot give advice because I am in my own quandry. What you need to decide is are you conservative and want to be in a cozy easy place in your life or are you still challenging yourself and want to try harder to make life different? I seem to be a jack of all trades and master of none—which could be sad if I don’t change my course. I, too, have thoughts of starting businesses and being in the real world once again. But alas, I am just a baby sitter in the world of undisciplined kids. Doug says I am an artist entrepreneur that is highly trained and I sell myself short. You know I tried the art world, but I was not equipped for that career at that time. Maybe now is the time for you in that direction and another time for me. The money is in commercial art and reproductions as we all know. What have you learned in China about the business of selling art? Think about your strengths. Maybe the IB direction would be a second step while you are sorting out a career for your love of art. You are not committing for the next 30 years at this moment, just figure out a plan for next year and then keep thinking those good thoughts!
My $0.02 worth: work out *Where* you want to be, *What* you want to do and *Who* you want to do it with, then use that as a framework for decision-making. And take small steps at a rate that is comfortable for you, don’t let yourself be rushed or pressured into anything.
Ms. Tadlock,
I think you should do and go wherever your heart tells you to. I realize that sounds cheesy and cliche, but there’s a reason for it. =] You are the type of person that will succeed and love life and live it to the fullest no matter what you do. Everyone for the rest of their life is going to be a student, we learn from each other, we pull from each other, and we grow together. Doesn’t matter the age, or how long you’ve got left, all that matters is that you keep living, and loving, and doing what makes you happy. Give to the world and it will give back, put your whole heart into what your pursue and you’ll succeed I’ve no doubt. You’re an amazing teacher, an amazing person, and you’ve got so much going for you, so don’t worry about how much time you’ve got left to do everything. Just take each day at a time and love what you do, and if you want something else, feel you need a change than go for it. The best things are the scariest choices we makes sometimes. =]
love you!
Melissa