Tom,
I applaude your decision to step back from the work related stresses. Far to 
often we disregard the warning signs that our body sends us and, then, all 
of a sudden, we're an S K.

Take care of yourself, play on the ham bands, read some good books and enjoy 
that special time with your XYL and whatever family members you can.

Best 73's,
Albert, WA7FXB
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, August 16, 2013 7:59 PM
Subject: Update From KB8TYJ


> Hello, everyone.
>
> For a time, I debated sending this post, but have decided to go ahead with
> it, because I consider the folks on this list to be part of a great family
> that I have come to know over the past 12 years or so.
>
> If this is felt to be too "off topic" for some, please hit the good old
> delete button, and I promise I will not be offended.
>
> As many of you know, about a year and a half ago, I took the Acting
> Department Head position in the Department Of Social Sciences at Ferris
> State University.  When I took the position, I knew going in that it was
> going to be extremely demanding.  Not only would it be a 12-month 
> position,
> and would involve 50 to 60-hour work weeks, but it would involve running 
> all
> administrative functions for a department with approximately 30 faculty
> members, and 5 major University programs.
>
> By all counts from both administration and faculty members, I was a great
> success in the position, and met or exceeded all initial performance
> expectations.
>
> However, beginning in the late Spring of this year, I began experiencing
> some significant stress-related medical symptoms, and those symptoms
> steadily grew worse over the Summer.  Fortunately, the symptoms didn't 
> seem
> to aggravate my already-existing heart condition, but they became 
> important
> warning signs that I simply couldn't ignore.
>
> As a result, I have officially stepped down from the administrative
> position, and, with the authorization of my doctor, have taken a medical
> leave for the Fall 2013 semester.  Fortunately, I have ample accumulated
> sick time, so that this will not create a financial burden for my wife and
> I.  The plan is for me to take the Fall off, work on some other 
> professional
> projects, and then resume my full-time teaching in the Spring of 2014.
>
> I am nearing 60 years old, now, and still need to work a few more years
> before getting serious about retirement, so hopefully, this little hiatus
> will carry me through.
>
> I also am hoping that the time off will allow me to get more back into ham
> radio than I have been lately.  So, look for an increased presence from me
> on the list, and also on our week-end nets over the coming months.
>
> 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ