The end of this chapter

This is the last day.
As effect of 4.30pm, I will no longer go by a 'certain title'.
It comes with a lot of mixed feelings.

I had anticipated that I would be asked this question:
"Why?"
Mentally I had earlier prepared myself to meet a superior who, through the course of the years, know me through our professional dealings.  But she too, has left...for a new post.  I had to speak to a different person, one who recently rose up to the higher rung.

It would have been easy to simply say that I stepped down for personal reasons.
That has been, and still is, the main factor in my decision.
But I know that I needed to come up with something that will carry more weight, professionally.  One cannot simply cite personal reasons.

The other day, a minister toyed with the idea of raising up the retirement age to 68.
....so from 45 (for some services like the army)...to 55 (old minimum withdrawal age)...to 60...and then the current 62.
But given the current financial situation, and longevity of the average Singaporeans, we are inching up.
Bottom line...you work till you have one foot in the grave?

I have been in the teaching service for 21 years already.
If I get my Maths right,...I need to serve another 24 years.
That...at the moment, is just too mind-boggling!
Can I envision myself doing then, what I am doing right now?
Gosh...it is not something that I think I would have the capacity to do.

Without a doubt, as one ages, priorities change.
I have reached a stage in my life where I think family, religion, happiness, good health overide the need for recognition.
This is the reality of life...
I still know that I need to go on earning a living...I love my profession, and will want to contribute as much as I can.

So now, circumstances has pushed myself in this direction.
As hard as it is to let go, I feel that with God's grace, I am ready.

Dear God,
I thank you for the experience of the last 7 years in that chapter of my life.  It has both its good and bad times, and its share of challenges.  But I have grown from what I have learnt, and my life has been enriched by it.  As I close this page, and move on to another, I seek for Your guidance and blessings still.  Show me the way, and make me serve You in the way I can.
Ameen