I left teaching in June, 2016, after 25 years, but I don't get to claim retirement. I am now a writer full-time. What should my occupation be for this filing?

[TomYoung]

Based on what you've written I'd say "writer".

[Opus 17 · Accepted solution]

In the personal info section, "occupation" has no affect on your tax return.  It is mainly there in case your return is audited and the auditor wants to know a little more about you.

You will also need a schedule C for your writing self-employment income, there "writer" or "author" would correctly categorize that income.