My Introduction

[jazzielady]

Hi all,

Jus thought I'd post a "hello" message, and introduce myself. I'm sure over the upcoming days/months/years I will have many questions and concerns to ask.

I am retiring after 23+ years of teaching because of disability. Primarily because of severe depressive disorder which renders me incapable of managing my job the way it should be. While I'm not happy being disabled, it is nice not having the stress of that job weighing on me.

I also have physical issues due to my back. A couple of years ago, I had spinal fusion surgery L3-5, which while it helped, did not completely get rid of all the pain.

I was recently diagnosed with gastric and esophageal ulcers with metaplasia, whcih can lead to cancer if not treated.

I have to have surgery on my cervical spine due to arthrictic growths inpinging on my spinal column, causing severe pain, numbness, and tingling down my right arm. Don't have a date for that yet as I have to jump through insurance hoops :P.

In spite of all this, I'm working to stay positive. I am currently doing some online writing to supplement my income.

Dh is planning to retire at the end of the year, due to his age and years of service. We will be able to go to Disney now any time of the year!

So my first questions is, are any of you collecting ssdi, and if so, if you don't mind sharing, for what disability and how long did it take to get?

Thanks to all, and I look forward to getting to know everyone.

[rie'smom]

Just wanted to share that I have suffered major depression in the past, so I can identify. Things do get better. Ask your doctor to check your free T3 and T4 as your thyroid can affect depression too. I take thyroid meds every day as well as an anti depressant. My quality of life is so much better.
Take care.

[Schmeck]

Originally Posted by jazzielady

I am retiring after 23+ years of teaching

You don't have a retirement package/pension with your school union?

[jazzielady]

Originally Posted by Schmeck

You don't have a retirement package/pension with your school union?

Yes I do, but I don't meet the requirements. You have to be over 55 yo. wi/ 30 years experience or more to get the package. Fortunately, my husband meets them and will retire at the end of the year with the full package, including health insurance.

[Schmeck]

That's too bad! Do you get a percentage back of what you have put in at least?

[bookwormde]

Figure out what you really enjoy, if you loved teaching just because you cannot mange the classroom setting anymore does no mean that you cannot teach, there are lots of needy student who will come to you. If you passion lies elsewhere then follow it.

bookwormde

[jazzielady]

Originally Posted by Schmeck

That's too bad! Do you get a percentage back of what you have put in at least?

My disability retirement payment will come out of my contributions and interest. So in addition to this payments which I will get from my retirement system, I'm looking to apply for ssdi, for which I am eligible and have also paid into for over 23 years.

[jazzielady]

Originally Posted by bookwormde

Figure out what you really enjoy, if you loved teaching just because you cannot mange the classroom setting anymore does no mean that you cannot teach, there are lots of needy student who will come to you. If you passion lies elsewhere then follow it.

bookwormde

That's why I'm doing online writing. Writing has always been my dream and passion, and while I love the kids at school, I'm far happier now than I was in the classroom.

They say follow the dream and the money will follow.