Moving On

[rosieteddy]

Hi just had to post this.After closing two years ago because of health issues(heart attack) finally got rid of most supplies.I have been really sad about closing family childcare,missed the kids,didn't really feel ready to let go.Every day I would see the 5 seat stroller in the front hall.I had tried to sell it but no one was interested.Ihad the full basement full of daycare stuff.Little kitchen,highcairs for dolls washer and dryer ect.Every day I had to pass through the daycare space to do our laundry. Then the other day I saw a post on our neighbor site asking about outdoor toys for a new Daycare .Isent an email and a young mother called she had recently opened and was interested in what I had. She came by and we agreed on a price for everything.I loaded up my daughters truck and dropped a lot of things off.I feel like a weight has lifted from me.Now I can start the next chapter of my life.I hope there will still be children in it but at least now I can stop wishing I was still running my business. The women who took the things was very excited to start her career.Istill will check in on this site but as a retired childcare provider.Thanks for all the help-Nan

[Josiegirl]

lovethis
Your next chapter will be great too! There comes a time when you need to make yourself the priority in your life, do things for YOU. Plus you must have made that mom/new provider's year, having all that stuff!!
Do pop in sometimes, you can move on, just not away.

[Blackcat31]

Hi just had to post this.After closing two years ago because of health issues(heart attack) finally got rid of most supplies.I have been really sad about closing family childcare,missed the kids,didn't really feel ready to let go.Every day I would see the 5 seat stroller in the front hall.I had tried to sell it but no one was interested.Ihad the full basement full of daycare stuff.Little kitchen,highcairs for dolls washer and dryer ect.Every day I had to pass through the daycare space to do our laundry. Then the other day I saw a post on our neighbor site asking about outdoor toys for a new Daycare .Isent an email and a young mother called she had recently opened and was interested in what I had. She came by and we agreed on a price for everything.I loaded up my daughters truck and dropped a lot of things off.I feel like a weight has lifted from me.Now I can start the next chapter of my life.I hope there will still be children in it but at least now I can stop wishing I was still running my business. The women who took the things was very excited to start her career.Istill will check in on this site but as a retired childcare provider.Thanks for all the help-Nan

Sad to hear of a good provider leaving the business but in your shoes I totally understand! You have to watch out for your health for sure! I wish you the best and hope your next adventure is fun and rewarding too!

....and definitely don't be a stranger...just because you may not be currently providing care does not mean you don't have a wealth of knowledge to share with others!!


:hug: :hug:

[rosieteddy]

Thanks Josiegirl and Blackcat it was tough.The new provider was very happy and that helped. I surely will still visit here I feel like we are all friends.After 30 yrs it was hard to let go.

[Leigh]

Hi just had to post this.After closing two years ago because of health issues(heart attack) finally got rid of most supplies.I have been really sad about closing family childcare,missed the kids,didn't really feel ready to let go.Every day I would see the 5 seat stroller in the front hall.I had tried to sell it but no one was interested.Ihad the full basement full of daycare stuff.Little kitchen,highcairs for dolls washer and dryer ect.Every day I had to pass through the daycare space to do our laundry. Then the other day I saw a post on our neighbor site asking about outdoor toys for a new Daycare .Isent an email and a young mother called she had recently opened and was interested in what I had. She came by and we agreed on a price for everything.I loaded up my daughters truck and dropped a lot of things off.I feel like a weight has lifted from me.Now I can start the next chapter of my life.I hope there will still be children in it but at least now I can stop wishing I was still running my business. The women who took the things was very excited to start her career.Istill will check in on this site but as a retired childcare provider.Thanks for all the help-Nan

Are you working at all now? You might consider being a floating substitute provider if your health is up to it. You would still get your kid fix, but not have the stress of running a business. I know there's demand for it in my city!

[Josiegirl]

Thanks Josiegirl and Blackcat it was tough.The new provider was very happy and that helped. I surely will still visit here I feel like we are all friends.After 30 yrs it was hard to let go.

Rosie, I think I can understand your feelings a little bit. I've been in it for 30+ as well and every single day I breathe the word retirement but I think if I had to retire I would definitely have bittersweet feelings and an emptiness. I like the PP's poster's suggestion about floating sub. Also, there are many many ways you could volunteer with children...ask providers if you could read stories or help at lunchtime. Volunteer in the children's room at libraries. Heck, you could even contact the mom you sold all your things to and volunteer to come in for a story time. You could be her mentor. I know it wouldn't be the same but there would be so many options out there. Ask your local hospital about their children's needs and see if you could help somewhere.
I wish you much luck, happiness and good health!

[daycarediva]

Are you working at all now? You might consider being a floating substitute provider if your health is up to it. You would still get your kid fix, but not have the stress of running a business. I know there's demand for it in my city!

I was just going to suggest this. I would LOVE to have a great sub. Mine is so-so, and the best I've found that doesn't want to be my employee so I don't use a sub as often as I would.

[rosieteddy]

I do not think I could get approved as a sub.I am on disability because of the health problems.I take a number of drugs to regulate my heart and do not have the stamina this job takes.However I may ask about volunteering in the local schools or something. It really has been a huge weight lifted to know the stroller abd supplies are used.My suggestion for anyone thinking about retireing would be to start downsizing now. I couldn't know I would have a heart attack,but there was things I used less. Look at what you have before purchasing anything. The new providers husband came and took all the bikes and outside toys sat. They are thrilled to have them.Thanks for the support everyone.Nan

[CityGarden]

Best of wishes on your new journey!!!

[e.j.]

My suggestion for anyone thinking about retireing would be to start downsizing now. I couldn't know I would have a heart attack,but there was things I used less. Look at what you have before purchasing anything.

Good advice! Retirement is still a little ways off for me but it'll be here before I know it if the years continue to pass as quickly as they have been! I'm sorry the heart attack forced you into retirement before you were ready but I hope you get the chance to rest, relax and take care of your health at this point. I hope the next chapter of your life is a happy one.