“What are you doing next?” It’s the question everyone has been asking me since the news broke that I am quitting. I know the answers they expect me to give.

“Oh, I accepted a position at our rival school,” or “We’re relocating for my husband’s job,” I wish I could give them one of these acceptable answers, but then I would be lying. Instead I blush and answer honestly.

“I don’t know but I am definitely not teaching!” I smile and shrug like it is a no brainer. I love teaching, but this job is no longer fulfilling for me. Still the reaction to my answer is shocked and confused.

Despite the fact that our current work climate is so toxic that the union filed a grievance, my coworkers expect me to stay. If there is one thing I know to be true it is that teachers love abnegation. I’ve seen teachers stay in terrible positions for years simply because they feel like it is their duty. Although that sentiment is noble, I gotta put me first.

I understand the shocked reactions my decisions garner. Teachers are supposed to be organized and methodical and I just made a life altering decision with no back up plan. In other words I am acting irresponsibly.

It took a huge leap of faith to resign. It was a decision that I made with the full support of my family and only after I did some intense soul searching. It’s a choice I made knowing that I have a summer of pay checks that will be rolling in.

So what will I do next? I will enjoy my last summer vacation with my children. I will complete my summer bucket list and I will walk into a new career refreshed. I will thrive.