I don't feel like I ever win when it comes to the little things in life, but my mom had managed to land in a very sweet spot. Through the teacher retirement system, one could work something like twenty years, retire, start receiving a monthly check, then go back to work doing the same thing and receive a 2nd check. They do something with the "retirement check", like the people only get 9 of 12 monthly checks, but they are also getting a full check for working.
My Mom had retired when Javalina was born, thirteen years ago. She would come help watch him during the week the first year he was born. This was great for us as we saved on the costs of daycare and getting mixed with other sick kids. After this, she decided she was a bit bored and she went back to work, this time in Cotulla, a small city about 30-40 miles from Crystal City. She was there four or five years, then retired again, I believe my sister had her 2nd kid and my mom loves a baby, specially if it's one of hers as she calls all her grandchildren. She watched him for awhile, then my sister was able to get him into the school daycare, I believe.
At this point, she could have stayed retired and just chilled, but she went back to work, again. She was supposed to be part time, but the other counselor was off after having a baby. My mom's boss a newish Principal really liked and leaned on my Mom and convinced her to work full time. My Mom liked the idea of a big ole check on top of her retirement check, so she agreed. The next year that principal was reassigned to another school, the high school, I think. My Mom then spent the last year and a half working under a principal she felt didn't like her and did not value her opinion. Although my mom has loved working with the kids, her discomfort with the adults is what made her decision that much easier.
That being said, she did leave it open to come back yet again, but it would have to be in the capacity of part time. I worry she would agree to this, yet because of always carrying more than her share, she would end up working a full time scale. But this is an argument for another time. At present, she says she feels relaxed and at ease with her decision. I had told her work if it makes you happy, don't do it if it is miserable. I am hoping they come visit more often, works perfect with the empty room in the house right now.
I told her she will need to find something to keep her socializing, my dad has those illegal casinos he can't stay out of, she needs to find her casino. She mentioned the Kiwanis club or something, so maybe she has a game plan. Shoot, maybe my sister is fixing to have another kid, she has only stayed away from work to watch babies, so far. Either way, I am happy she looks happy with her decision in the short term.
No comments:
Post a Comment