Cowboy Caleb the liberal arts, grown-up stuff & random mischief

My Mother Wants To Retire

Today, my mother asked me if she could retire (she has been a kindergarten teacher for 30 years, since she was 19 years old).

Her health is on the decline. Stress, she (and I agree) suspects is the culprit. When you’re in your fifties and have to herd a classroom full of overactive, whiny and noisy 5 year olds, it is extremely draining.

She asked me this before I drove her to the doctors to get some painkillers (the pain in her stomach just won’t go away).

I said “Yes, you may retire and I’ll give you a monthly allowance”.

Tomorrow, she is going to see a specialist at a government-run hospital. If the queue for her tests to be done is too long, I’ve asked her to go directly to a private hospital.

I think the main thing now is for me to maintain the status quo. Don’t take risks at work. No more gambling. Just focus on maintaining whatever works right now that pays the bills. Plan for a future that may involve emotional strength and massive costs from a sick aged parent.

Both of you made a great decision that you won’t regret for life.

doesn’t she get an allowance from the government, too? Just curious.

Hope your mom gets well soon… :)

I am so happy to hear that you are helping your mother…sometimes I feel like I’m the only one who feels such an obligation. It is nice to know there are others out there! LOVE your blog! Keep it up!

steady

the stress levei in kindergartens is not that high as compared to that in secondary schools.Defiant and rude students, demanding heads and competitive colleagues (thanks to the ranking system).

My mom retired a year ago because she was getting too tired at her job, which involved standing for long hours. At first, it was quite sobering for me financially.. but it was really great to see her waking up at her own time, doing her own leisure things, not stressing etc. She was happier, and it felt like I was being a good son for once..

My mum’s not working… but I am still spending too little time with her.