My Next Mountain

For the past 23 years in the academic world, I was fortunate enough to experience a lot of inspiring and incredible work ethic and professionalism in my entire career. No matter what the situation was, I would always choose to be a total pro, in the real sense of the word. Thanks to the people whom I had encountered along the way, they have shown me a wider view of life, and let me understand what am I made of. The many ways of how I tested and proved myself and how I measured up to what extent I can grow.

Leaving the life I used to live with was difficult. It's hard to figure out waking up the next morning without a plan or a routine that I used to have. I knew I would miss having a supportive team to work with. I also knew I would miss the students. Being with different kinds of kids over two decades and seeing them grow and develop was one of the most satisfying parts of the job. It was also a difficult decision financially. The first time that "retirement" came to my mind, I felt somehow empty, afraid, and lost for a while. But with God's grace, I have a very supportive and significant support system that comes from my family who is helping me with me this transition.

Furthermore, I realized that I still want to "keep the ball rolling", besides, I haven't explored my other potentials yet. At a certain point, it came to me that it's not retirement that I truly want. I figured out that it doesn't have to mean the end of a productive life but as a transition point for beginning a new phase of my life.

For a while, I am developing a strategy to work fewer hours, trying and learning new skills, and further my education as I pursue a not so busy-schedule-compacted life to give time and enjoy the more valuable things in this world with my loved ones to the fullest.

And so, in whatever I might choose for my next journey, I'll still be pushing, I'll still be growing, and keep on climbing-- my next mountain.