Thank you for your kind words and I wish you were correct.
Some of the top athletes will continue to do great things in the sport but the program will definitely not continue. That is what is most difficult for me.
To thine own self be true! It is completely up to you how you want to spend the remaining years of your life. If you still enjoy coaching now, and your wife/family are ok with you continuing to work, then why retire now? I work in corporate America and am in a similar situation. We hit our critical mass several years ago financially, so I could have retired then. Problem is that I still enjoy my work (corporate America) and am only 57 years old. Had I retired several years ago, I know I would have gotten bored quickly and likely consulted-which would have been stupid as I have it really good where I am at. My plan now is to work 2.5 more years until I turn 60, then I'm going to step away for good. I'm not going to live forever, and I'd like to travel and do other things with my wife before we die. If I get bored in retirement, I can always work part time at a local book or hardware store, or do volunteer work.
Was in the sport as an athlete, coach, program director and official for 48 years when I stepped away. Had plenty of people that counted on my, but it was time. The last thing you want to do is to leave when its past your time. I probably could have stepped away earlier but ego and wanting to still be "a part of the game" kept me in a few years longer. When you go, resist the temptation to keep a toe in the water. Make a clean break and devote time to other areas of your life you may have neglected while being absorbed in the sport. You won't regret it.
Thank you for your kind words and I wish you were correct.
Some of the top athletes will continue to do great things in the sport but the program will definitely not continue. That is what is most difficult for me.
Some more details would be really useful here. Why will the program not continue if you retire? How are you keeping it from ending? If you literally mean you're the only thing keeping it from being discontinued it's a very odd situation, one I have never heard of. If you mean it won't continue as it exists now once you're gone that's very different and just the nature of things and that time will come. You aren't going to last forever so if you really feel the need to retire I'd suggest reminding yourself that eventually you'll be gone one way or another and start thinking about what you want to do with your remaining time with the program to prepare the people in it for your departure.
Thank you for your kind words and I wish you were correct.
Some of the top athletes will continue to do great things in the sport but the program will definitely not continue. That is what is most difficult for me.
Some more details would be really useful here. Why will the program not continue if you retire? How are you keeping it from ending? If you literally mean you're the only thing keeping it from being discontinued it's a very odd situation, one I have never heard of. If you mean it won't continue as it exists now once you're gone that's very different and just the nature of things and that time will come. You aren't going to last forever so if you really feel the need to retire I'd suggest reminding yourself that eventually you'll be gone one way or another and start thinking about what you want to do with your remaining time with the program to prepare the people in it for your departure.
It's Jerry S. and Shelby is still counting on him... :-)
Best thing you can do for your athletes is hire a coach that is knowledgeable and aligns with the training your athletes prefer. I’ve had a few coaches who do their job half heartedly and that’s worse than a crappy coach who loves the sport and their job.
Five years before I retired, I made my timeline clear. Two years later, I looked for a replacement and approached that experienced coach about taking over the program. At that time we had over 100 boys and girls in our XC program and over 200 in Track and Field. He spent two years as an assistant and was promised a teaching position at the school by our administrator. My suggestion is to communicate your timeline and assist in making it a smooth transition for the person that steps in your shoes.
Thank you for your kind words and I wish you were correct.
Some of the top athletes will continue to do great things in the sport but the program will definitely not continue. That is what is most difficult for me.
If true, then it's not really a program; it's just you doing a thing. Turn it into a program that will survive your absence. That's the best legacy you can strive for...