Last Days at Work: The times they are a changing

I am sitting at my desk in my office at the job I have held for 11 years, and I am attempting to organize the collection of books and other papers that I have accumulated.  It's cause for reflection.  I realize I am trading the security of this teaching position for the uncertainty of a foreign city and unknown prospects.  WHAT AM I THINKING?  Do people who have mortgages and children do this kind of thing?  I can't help but think about this from a psychological perspective.  This seems like a cry for help or some clear evidence of mental/emotional instability due to mid-life crisis.  Is it?  Or is this just taking advantage of the luxury of actually having options?  At this point, with the stress levels approaching Alpha, I am leaning towards the former.

Regardless, I have filled out the required paperwork for separation from my job and in two days I will be officially (and voluntarily) unemployed.  I haven't been unemployed since I was in my very early 20's and it's very weird.  All this consistent employment has been a blessing that many people in the U.S. (and around the world) wish for.  Well, hopefully I will find something soon in Thailand, and even more important, when I return to the U.S.

Now back to work recycling paper and returning well-used textbooks before I leave here for greener pastures (literally).  
 

Brilliant Ideas and Sketchy Job Situations

It's June 15th, and that means we have less than one month left before we leave for this epic adventure.  We - the parents - are certainly nervous (more on than in a minute) but our oldest child is not at all looking forward to moving away from his friends and his two favorite activities: skiing and lacrosse.  Unfortunately, these are two things that Thailand lacks.
But wait a minute here.  Just when we thought we would be dragging this kid kicking and screaming across the world, Jess came up with a brilliant idea.  Here it is:  we gather up a bunch of used lacrosse equipment, ship it to Thailand, and start a lacrosse club at Jess' school.  In one fell swoop, we could bring lacrosse with us for Radd, but also give him a purpose.  He can be a coach, and expert on the thing he loves to do most.  And in the process, the kids at the school will learn an exciting sport that they've most likely never heard of.  Who knows where this all could lead?  But since we've started planning this lacrosse club, a number of generous Bozemanites have donated equipment that we added to the used stuff we purchased.  And now Radd's apprehension towards moving has been reduces significantly.  I love it when a plan comes together!

Now, about those nervous parents...the two interviews I had for a job at an international school in Chiang Rai did not pan out, which leaves me with no job going into Thailand.  I know that there may be opportunities available when I get there, but that does not assuage my nervousness about not having a job lined up.  What will I do for money when I get there?  I don't know.  I would like to work mostly online and find some kind of part time teaching or tutoring job that would get me out of the house.  We shall see.  In the mean time, the house is being packed up, storage unit is rented, cars is (still) for sale, and lacrosse equipment is being gathered....