Made a decision My very last family is starting on Monday

[mickey2]

I made a decision this week and decided that I am going to phase out over the next few years and retire. After over 25 years of loving and caring for so many wonderful children and creating lasting friendships with many amazing parents it is time for me to start looking ahead to retirement!

I would have never thought when I was 20 or 25 that I would EVER be saying the R word.

This is going to be about a 3-4 year process as I am going to only be accepting existing families, no new ones.

Has anyone else who has been doing this for years and years thought of retiring?

I am not doing this because I want to but because I know that in 5 years I will no longer be able to physically do this!

I love children so much and know I am going to miss it! Thank God for grandchildren!

[Cat Herder]

I am doing the same.

I have about 6 more years to fulfill my contracts and then I am most likely going back out into the field.

My kids will all have their own cars and part-time jobs by then....

[mickey2]

I am doing the same.

I have about 6 more years to fulfill my contracts and then I am most likely going back out into the field.

My kids will all have their own cars and part-time jobs by then....

How do you feel about this! I am looking forward to it but also feel sad. I don't want to retire from this however as I get older I find that I am just so tired at the end of the day.

My days are great and I love them! I honestly start looking forward to Monday on Saturday :: Its just that I am so tired. I'm in bed and sleeping every night as soon as my own baby is in bed so I really have no life with my husband.

Four of my children are all successfully on their own, married and starting families. My baby is 8.

[Cat Herder]

I am excited about it and sad about it at the same time.

I miss my old career and have been picking up side work on and off the whole time..but...it is never really the same.

When I had my kids I put "Me" to the side. Soon they will be needing me less and less. I am told I need to find me again so I don't get tempted to do the helicopter thing and can allow them to become young adults.

It seems that is why they always "kill off" the parents in those "coming of age" films.... (bambi, blue lagoon, etc)

Either way, I reserve the right to reevaluate my families needs and plan accordingly. Nothing is permanent except death and taxes, right???