M Arch March 23, 2015

Last week’s email brought some exciting news: I was accepted into the Masters of Architecture program at CCA (California College of the Arts). It also brought a bit of “unwelcome” news from UC Berkeley: I was not accepted. I am relieved to not have to make a choice, as decision-making is not my strong suit. Moreover, since CCA is located right in San Francisco, wedged between the south-of-market design district and the UCSF Mission Bay campus, studying there eliminates big issues with commuting or moving across the Bay. CCA has a vibe I really like, with design of all sorts – graphic, industrial, furniture, fashion, textile – located together with architecture under one big roof of an old bus hangar.

With the acceptance by CCA, I am starting to realize that I might actually be able to do this crazy thing: study architecture, immerse myself in a foreign culture, learn by leaps and bounds. Already I am starting to gain a little confidence, look at my surroundings in new ways, take myself perhaps a bit more seriously.

Yesterday came another email from CCA: an invitation to take one of their summer courses in Europe. What an opportunity I had not even imagined!  Now, I will. But for the moment, I’m just savoring the future that has opened up for me.

Talking about Retirement February 15, 2015

Last night I went to a lovely dinner reception for a faculty member new to UCSF.  Among the guests were a number of faculty who were of “retirement age”, and naturally the conversation turned to the pluses and minuses of taking the leap.  At UCSF that leap can have a very gentle landing, both because of its generous pension program and because one can retain an office and a connection, even continuing to work part time. I, for example, occupy a small cubby and am delighted to pop in occasionally to work on a writing project, to review a few grant applications or manuscripts, and to check in with old friends and colleagues in the process.

A few of us present have made the leap to the other side.  One colleague is taking literature classes and hopes to get a Masters Degree and teach literary criticism.  Another is now singing in a chorus, taking classes in watercolor, and skiing.  Another, a Nobel Laureate, opted for retirement but still comes to lab every day.  I asked her whether having a Nobel Prize made it more difficult for her to let go completely, because after winning it, one’s life is no longer one’s own.  She said that she felt her greatest obligation was to speak at events for girls and young woman.  Others talked about friends who had been uneasy to make the change, but once it happened they enjoyed themselves so much they never looked back.  One woman described not wanting to leave the career she loved so much, especially her interaction with patients, but acknowledge her longing to work in her garden.  And yet another said she too loved her job but was so fed up with the complications brought on by the new hospital that she was ready to pack it in.

It is a big leap. It is hard to willingly end a career one has nurtured for so many years, a career that has given such satisfaction, a career that one that has loved.  But sooner or later, it is a very reasonable choice. The next stage in one’s life can be just as satisfying as the last!