Two Minutes Du Jour

Final exams feel so final, but none so much as the one my students at Metro State took last night.

For students, the final exam was the culmination of a class, a stepping stone in their major en route to graduation. Most will continue taking courses for a few more semesters, each a new opportunity for growth and learning—and yes, more finals in their futures.

But for me and my co-teacher, it marked our last final exam—our final final. After 20 years for me, and 10 for him, we’re retiring from Metro State. We’ve taught our last class, created our last PowerPoint, recruited our last guest speaker, and graded our last project… I didn’t need to post a recap or upload a video or materials this morning. I won’t spend my weekends reading papers anymore.

Of all the jobs I have had throughout my career, teaching at Metro is the one I’ve held the longest, second only to running my agency, Pineapple RM, for the past 13 years—and counting. And while I’m retiring from teaching, my professional career is far from over as I continue to lead and grow my business.

This transition from teaching leaves a significant gap in my routine. What will fill my Tuesday and Thursday evenings? My weekly Friday morning huddles with my co-teacher? My weekends no longer filled with grading? I could write volumes about the diverse, nontraditional students I’ve had the privilege to teach, but I’m thinking about new routines today.

Unlike leaving one job for a new one, retiring from teaching feels like the end of an era. With spring in full swing and summer on the horizon, I see this as an opportunity to balance spontaneity with intentionality. Maybe some of those evenings will be spent with family and friends, or perhaps they’ll allow me to dive deeper into current interests.

The TMDJ Survey Says We’re All Going Through Changes

Last week, I posted a survey about content interests for Two Minutes Du Jour. 76 percent of respondents have recently experienced a significant change, and 100 percent anticipate more changes in the next three to five years.

It’s no wonder that 82 percent say you’re interested in joy, meaning and purpose, and other top topics include self-discovery and relationships. (I will share more findings in future posts after the survey closes.)

Steps to Embrace Change and Explore New Opportunities

It got me thinking about steps to take when you experience and embrace change:

1. Give Yourself Permission to Explore: Without set parameters, allow yourself to think about what truly excites and motivates you. Maybe we’ll finally write the textbook we’ve talked about.
2. Stay Connected: Maintain relationships that have enriched you. For example, although I won’t be teaching, I look forward to continuing to nurture our alum network and maybe even being a guest speaker.
3. Anticipate the Unexpected: The unplanned often usurps time. Balance your newfound time with commitments and curiosities that fill your life with joy.

As I exit teaching and fill my time with new endeavors – or perhaps more social life! – I am curious and awed by the future. How about you? What transitions are you preparing for, and how are you embracing the possibilities? I hope Two Minutes Du Jour will be your resource and companion in what lies ahead.

Two Links Du Jour:

Explore a new hobby or sign up for a course with Future Learn

You Don’t Have to Follow the Same Routines Forever – Psychology Today