friends (depending on how I felt), and we had dinner each week with Jennifer and Phil; they’re the ones who live two blocks from us. Weekly meditation was still on the menu. And we regularly saw Stacey and Adam. Naps are an every day occurrence. Life was – and is – good (make that great).
Sometime in 2016, I began to think about when I would like to retire. At that point, I was at Hofstra for 41 years, and wondered how much longer I wanted to stay. My ultimate decision was driven more by how I wish to live life every day, more than by concerns about my health – although the two factors are intertwined.
I am fortunate that Hofstra has an excellent retirement plan and an easy transition to retiring – rather than going cold turkey. In August 2016, I signed a 5-semester (2.5-year) commitment that culminates in my retirement on December 31, 2018. Through this agreement, I have received full salary and fringe benefits, as well as leaves (sabbaticals) during the spring 2017 and spring 2018 semesters. I am a lucky man.
My goal earlier in my career was to be at Hofstra for 50 years. But these days, and given the current instability of many jobs, I am very satisfied to be finishing up with 44 years. Not bad for someone who always used to worry about so many things.
What’s next? Work on social media. Writing other books that are not health-related. Getting myself out of the house more. And giving back. Living life every day – as long as I can and as well as I can.