Originally Published 3/19/25.
Yep, that’s me! I retired in September 2024, and less than six months later, I was back at work. Whoops?
Like many, I had long imagined stepping away from the daily grind, the stress, the deadlines, and that little voice in my head always asking, Am I doing enough? I was fortunate to have a career I loved; one I had set my sights on early. Leading the workers’ compensation program for The University of Texas System was a dream come true, and I’m incredibly grateful. But I was also really looking forward to a new chapter, a chapter with a much slower pace.
I had talked about retirement for several years, so as my last day approached, I had a few opportunities available to me. But I was determined to take a real break. My plan was simple: the rest of 2024 would be dedicated to my husband, family, friends, and hobbies. No work, no commitments, just time to enjoy life.
And for a little while, I did just that. Retirement was peaceful, relaxing, and filled with open-ended days for the first time in ages. And you know what? I really enjoyed it, but as January 2025 approached that arbitrary timeline I had set for myself turned into a challenge—one that demanded resolution.
So, I took a step back and asked myself: What do I truly love? What excites me? Where can I still make a difference?
The answer came quickly. I love teaching. I love sharing experiences and lessons learned through mentorship and public speaking. I love giving back to the industry that shaped my career. And most importantly, I love being a part of something that makes a difference.
That’s what led me back to WorkCompCollege.com. I was already involved as a trustee, a dean for the School of Humanity, and a faculty member, but I wanted to do more. Their mission speaks to me. Injecting a humanitarian approach into the workers’ compensation system? It’s such a simple concept, yet so often overlooked. WorkCompCollege.com promotes the idea that everyone in the system, yes, including the injured employee, should work together to promote recovering from the injury. No unnecessary obstacles. No unnecessary adversity. Just integrity and collaboration. It’s work that matters, and that gets me fired up.
Oh, and because I never seem to do just one thing at a time… I have another project in the works! It’s still under wraps, but I promise it’ll be worth the wait. Stay tuned!
And in the meantime, keep an eye on WorkCompCollege.com because there’s a lot happening. Reach out to me if you, too, would like to participate in the positive metamorphosis in the workers’ compensation space.
