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School’s Out For Summer! School’s Out Forever!

School testToday marks my last day as a teacher. It’s the end of an era for me. I’ve spent the past eleven years as a public school teacher, the first two of those at a middle school and the remaining nine at the same high school. Before that I taught college freshmen as part of my graduate program, so overall I’ve been teaching thirteen years.

I’d like to say the decision to leave the classroom was a hard one. But truthfully? I’m glad to go. The education system in this country is in shambles, and I am beyond frustrated watching it and being part of it, yet being powerless to do anything about it.

**Please note that I’m not saying anything negative about the teachers. Despite what some media say, the teachers are not the problem. I’ve worked with some of the most dedicated, passionate, skilled, and intelligent teachers one could ever hope for. The poor teachers are also victims of the system.**

So will I miss teaching? Not really. I’ve been teaching the same content for nine years straight. For instance, I’ve taught Macbeth close to forty times. Yikes. I can do it with my eyes closed. Literally. I actually did that after I had eye surgery.

I never intended to become a teacher. I fell into it by accident. As part of my grad program, I taught college freshmen and liked it, so when I graduated with a shiny new M.A. in English, what was I to do? I hadn’t a clue, so I continued teaching. It was challenging, and I love a good challenge. It was also really fun in the beginning.

As the years went on and it became less fun and challenging in a different way, one thing never changed: my love of the students. I love my students. Spending time with them is what made this job worth it for the last decade. I also had the privilege of being the yearbook adviser for the last nine years, and through that position, I worked with some fantastic young people. I still keep in touch with quite a few of them. Every year the yearbook staff slowly turned into a family as we battled to meet deadlines and produce an award-winning book. They were and always will be “my girls.” (Okay, and boys–I had a total of three over the years.) I will miss them and the possibility that comes with each new staff.

The bottom line is I love my students. I wish I could take that part of the job with me, but it doesn’t work that way.

So what does tomorrow bring?

As the proverbial teaching door closes, another one opens as my venture into being a full-time writer begins.

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I’m following my dream and throwing caution to the wind for the first time in my life and it feels…scary? exhilerating? stressful? freeing? Check back with me in September. I, like just about every other teacher, am burned out from finishing up another school year and can’t think about anything but getting to the end. And since I’ll be home with my kids this summer, it won’t fully sink in until they go back to school and I don’t. Gulp.

So instead I’ll tell you what I’m looking forward to.

Having a flexible schedule so I can be more involved with my kids’ school. I hope to never have to say, “Sorry, son, I can’t come to such-and-such because I have to work.”

Actually getting to see my family in the evenings instead of being closeted away in my office, hammering away on my keyboard.

Spending my work day with my puppies and in my PJs if I want. (I have already stocked up on yoga pants, the uniform of writers everywhere.)

Being able to grocery shop during the day to avoid the Saturday Wal-Mart crowd. (If you’ve ever experienced it, then you know why this made the list.)

Having time to exercise. (Okay, I’ll be honest here–I’m dreading this. I hate exercise.)

Not having to scramble to make sub plans when my kids are sick.

Being my own boss.

The big one? Finally pursuing my dream of being an author. Really going after it in a full-out sprint rather than the meager meander I’ve been resigned to in my spare time. (Okay, perhaps this metaphor isn’t the best choice for me. See above re: exercise.)

With a traditional job, there is a guaranteed paycheck. There are no guarantees in publishing. I could be the next Nora Roberts, Suzanne Collins, Richelle Mead, Gayle Forman, Jennifer L. Armentrout, the list goes on and on. We’d be here all day if I listed all my favorite authors. Or I could be the next nobody. I could never sell another book. You just never know.

But you know what? One day, I could be on someone else’s favorite author list. I could be the first and only Jessica Ruddick.

And to me, that’s worth the risk.

21 Comments on “School’s Out For Summer! School’s Out Forever!

Jen Valencia
June 11, 2015 at 7:57 am

Your blog post was inspiring and hopeful! I read Letting Go and loved it and I’m sure I’m one of many who can’t wait to read whatever you’ve got for us next. 🙂

A new journey may be risky but it can also be rewarding. When I chose to quit teaching (twice!), I knew starting my own editing business may not be as secure as a regular paycheck and yes, there are still struggles, but I’m sticking to it because this is me living out my life, a part of my dream, my way. 🙂

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Jessica Ruddick
June 11, 2015 at 9:23 am

Thanks for your words of encouragement, Jen. Something just clicked earlier this school year, and I knew I needed to make this change, even if it is a huge risk. You only live once, and I don’t want to get to the end of my life and look back, wondering what could have been. I’m also going to try to freelance edit, but I haven’t had time to promote my services and recruit clients, so that’s something else I plan to work on in the coming year.

And thanks so much for your kind words about Letting Go! I hope I can deliver another book soon. 🙂

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lenorabell
June 11, 2015 at 10:09 am

How exciting, Jessica! So awesome that you are following your heart and your dreams. You’re an inspiration!

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Jessica Ruddick
June 11, 2015 at 10:11 am

Thank you, Lenora!

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Nan Dixon
June 11, 2015 at 10:44 am

Congratulations! Writing full time was the best career move I ever made. It may never pay what I was previously making– but the benefit in reduced stress and more sleep was well worth it.

And if you haven’t seen all the reviews – I loved Letting go!

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Jessica Ruddick
June 11, 2015 at 4:58 pm

Thank you, Nan! I’m so excited to take this next step.

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Asa Maria Bradley
June 11, 2015 at 10:45 am

Words can not express how jealous I am of you, but also so very happy for you! And that happiness is because of purely selfish reasons, because now you’ll have more time to write and I’ll get to read more of your books. 😉

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Jessica Ruddick
June 11, 2015 at 4:59 pm

Win-win, then, right Asa? I hope I can deliver!

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Laura Trentham
June 11, 2015 at 10:59 am

Yay for following dreams!! You’re going to love the yoga pants. And, I totally get the Saturday morning Walmart ban.

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Jessica Ruddick
June 11, 2015 at 4:59 pm

Wal-Mart on Saturday mornings is the gateway to hell. Wait a tick…that could really work for a paranormal! LOL!

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McCall Hoyle
June 11, 2015 at 11:55 am

Jessica, congrats! I’m so happy for you. I can’t wait to hear all the details about your life as a full-time writer! Hugs!

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Jessica Ruddick
June 11, 2015 at 5:00 pm

Thanks, McCall! Ask me in September. Right now it just feels like a normal summer. (Not that I’m complaining about that either. 🙂 )

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Sharon Wray
June 11, 2015 at 12:03 pm

I am so happy for you, Jessica. Hard decisions are scary but they are often the decisions that end up being the most life-changing for the better. Congratulations on your new beginning!

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Jessica Ruddick
June 11, 2015 at 5:01 pm

Thank you, Sharon! I’m both scared and excited! I’m not a risk taker, but it was time for a change.

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abbieroads1
June 11, 2015 at 12:04 pm

Congratulations! I’m glad you’re going for what makes you happy! That’s always what’s most important.

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Jessica Ruddick
June 11, 2015 at 5:02 pm

Thanks, Abbie! I’m glad I have the mental health professional’s stamp of approval. 🙂

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S.C. Chalmers
June 11, 2015 at 5:20 pm

Jessica, do you have the “School’s out” song blaring, or just in your head? 😉 Congratulations on a new phase in your life, and for grabbing your dreams and ambitions with two hands. All the best to you!!

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Jessica Ruddick
June 11, 2015 at 5:25 pm

Definitely running through my head! As I was leaving school after turning in my keys for the last time though, the song “Happy” came on the radio. And yes, yes I was happy. It was very fitting. 🙂

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Marnee Blake
June 11, 2015 at 7:15 pm

You know how happy I am for you! Way to go! You made it!!

Big hugs, girl!!

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Barbara Gerry
June 12, 2015 at 12:44 am

Congratulations, Jessica! It’s so wonderful to be able to follow your heart and your dreams. I wish you mounds of luck and success!! and HAVE FUN! 🙂

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Carrie Padgett
June 12, 2015 at 3:03 pm

Congratulations, Jessica! You’ll never regret taking this leap. Welcome to writing in sweats/PJs/yogapants club.
(I tried to comment yesterday on my phone, but it didn’t work. :-p My congrats are late but no less excited for you!!)

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