“When something is right for you, it will give you energy. That’s how you know.” ~ Unknown
tres amigas
Today was the day we all dream about at UK Libraries. The day our name appears in the obits. At least that’s what some of us call the Friday e-blast from Libraries HR. It announces what jobs remain open, who has been hired, and who is leaving, AKA the obits. This hilarious moniker took hold several years ago, when it seemed like we were resigning or retiring in droves every week. I mean, really, there was a period when it was almost ridiculous the number of people leaving, and they left for a variety of reasons; it just happened that many were leaving at the same time. In any case, today was my turn in the obit e-blast.
Pending and Upcoming Searches:
____________ position posted: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/xxxxxx. Applicant review began 2/7/2026.
____________ position posted: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/xxxxxx. Applicant review began on 3/26/2026.
____________ position posted: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/xxxxxx Applicant review will begin on 4/15/2026.
____________ position posted: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/xxxxxx. On campus interviews April 17 & 22.
Filled:
____________ has been hired for the __________position. She will begin May 18, 2026.
Resignations/Retirements:
Kopana Terry will begin phased retirement on May 1st, 2026
My tenure as a full-time UK employee on May 31, 2027. Phased retirement means I will work 20 hours per week instead of 40, or 60 as I have been known to do a little too often, and that’s part of the reason why retirement is at hand. I can’t tell you how excited I am at the prospect of a future without boundaries, the creative ways I can behave again, regain my freedom, and be able to rest, and I mean really rest, without imposed panic that could wait until the next day. The thrill of a future far outweighs any fear I initially had. My time at UK has been filled with highs and lows, but after 25 years, and especially after the kind of year 2026 started to be, it’s time to shake things up a bit. As happy as I am about retirement, there are two things that make me sad about it. The first is that I am only able to do this now because Shero left this world. I’d work until I died with my skeletal hands on the keyboard if it meant she was still here, healthy and pain-free. That’s not possible, so I’m trying to take solace in the fact that retirement is what she wanted me to do years ago when I was first eligible. I just couldn’t afford to do it (I was still a bit too young). I know she and Hero are happy about this decision, and I take comfort in that. The other thing that makes me sad is that I won’t get to hang out with my wonderful co-workers as much. However, phased retirement will give me the opportunity to intentionally spend more time with each of them, soaking up as much of their good humor and kindness as I can. I have been incredibly blessed with colleagues at UK, and I will always be grateful for them and for my parents, who taught me how to work hard. Today’s quote hits the nail on the head, too. I’ve had so much energy this week, it’s been a little scary, and boy, have I gotten things done. Color me ready.
2 Responses
KT
Congrats on a wonderful milestone. The prospect of retirement for someone who perpetually lives in my memories at the age of 18 is hard for me to imagine but then my beard was black back then and not the shade of gray that it has taken on at this stage in life. I wish you many years of fun, happiness and pursuit of whatever ever comes next for you. While I have a concept of retirement in my head, I cannot quite see what it may be like. I will enjoy reading about it through your blog. Parental loss is hard but I think your mom and dad would be thrilled to give you the opportunity for freedom from a 9-5 or 6 or 7 to pursue your happiness. Enjoy!
Likewise, friend! May retirement, in whatever form it takes for you, bring you joy and happiness when it comes for you. You’ll always be that sweet man who put his foot through the corroded floorboard of the old ’66 Mustang I had, who played a great game of football, and never had an unkind word about a soul.