Class of 2012

[Ksols]

This is my last school year and track & field season coming up. I asked to have my replacement (in house) in place before the beginning of this season (2 year scheduling...)and was told..."you must put in writing that you will resign/retire after this year"
That was fun crafting and sending that email!

[BellBarbara]

My mom died a few weeks ago, and left me enough money that I can stop now. I want to, by my hub wants me to stay on plan for April next year and think of the money as extra. It is so tough. My manager is sucking my soul dry.

So I am taking it day by day.

[amfox1]

I plan on retiring some time in the first quarter of 2012 (between the end of January and the end of March), so put me down as Class of 2012.

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellBarbara My mom died a few weeks ago, and left me enough money that I can stop now. I want to, by my hub wants me to stay on plan for April next year and think of the money as extra. It is so tough. My manager is sucking my soul dry. So I am taking it day by day.

So sorry to hear about your mother. Good idea to take it one day at a time. I hope you were able to take some bereavement vacation. It is a necessity, IMO. Take care of yourself, and take care.

[ohyes]

Bell,

I am so sorry you just lost your mother. Make sure you take things slowly and are extra good to yourself. Keep us posted.

[BellBarbara]

Quote:

Originally Posted by W2R So sorry to hear about your mother. Good idea to take it one day at a time. I hope you were able to take some bereavement vacation. It is a necessity, IMO. Take care of yourself, and take care.

Thanks for your thoughts. My mom has suffered from end stage dementia and her quality of life was taking a very bad dip, so in some ways it was relief that we felt. And then guilt of course over feeling this way. She was not very much like my mom during this past year, so I have been grieving all along at the loss.

I did take a week off, but work feels worse now, like the nonsense level is so much higher. It is plenty of money, there really is no reason for me to continue to work, it essentially replaces 10 years of my net salary amt. I think my husband wants me to work as he has to keep working due to child support and private college costs for his youngest.

I will think about it more.

[Helen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellBarbara I did take a week off, but work feels worse now, like the nonsense level is so much higher. It is plenty of money, there really is no reason for me to continue to work, it essentially replaces 10 years of my net salary amt. I think my husband wants me to work as he has to keep working due to child support and private college costs for his youngest. I will think about it more.

I personally wouldn't need long to think about it. It doesn't sound like there is any good reason for you to stay employed. Meanwhile, the stress is not healthy.

I too am very sorry for the loss of your Mom.

[BellBarbara]

If I stay until April there are 3 money issues: my bonus is paid in April (about 8K net), a referral fee I would get for getting someone hired (2K net), and more stock options vest (difficult to judge what this would be but maybe 5K net). So hub feels for that amount of money over and above my salary, I should stick it out.

It would make a nice travel fund for a long trip to Australia/New Zealand we want to take. I am trying to think of it that way for now.

[eytonxav]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellBarbara If I stay until April there are 3 money issues: my bonus is paid in April (about 8K net), a referral fee I would get for getting someone hired (2K net), and more stock options vest (difficult to judge what this would be but maybe 5K net). So hub feels for that amount of money over and above my salary, I should stick it out. It would make a nice travel fund for a long trip to Australia/New Zealand we want to take. I am trying to think of it that way for now.

What about if you left effective Jan 1; provided your bonus is based on calendar year 2011, I believe they would have to pay you your bonus. The only issue I see with that is once your gone, they may undercut what they award you, but I guess that depends on how your company adminsters the bonus and how fair they are.

PS - you may also be able to accrue your full 2012 vacation time and take that off for some additional $s, but again, that may depend on your company's policy.

[BellBarbara]

No, I wish it was that way. Our fiscal year ends Jan 31, and you have to be employed to get your bonus for the year, in mid April. It's terrible. I used up all my vacation time. Frustrating.

I will think hard about it. It's very stressful and not a hint of changing.

Thanks everyone!

[palomalou]

Sadly, Pal and spouse are now looking at 2014. It's not that bad, and perhaps the housing market will also boost what we are able to get for the house.

[Aviator]

Quote:

Originally Posted by palomalou Sadly, Pal and spouse are now looking at 2014. It's not that bad, and perhaps the housing market will also boost what we are able to get for the house.

Sorry to hear that. Just hang in there; only a couple of more years.

I just submitted my retirement papers. All is in order to retire Sep 1, 2012. DW and I are in the process of having our dream home built in Northern MI. Should be ready to move in by next Sept.

[harley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellBarbara Thanks for your thoughts. My mom has suffered from end stage dementia and her quality of life was taking a very bad dip, so in some ways it was relief that we felt. And then guilt of course over feeling this way. She was not very much like my mom during this past year, so I have been grieving all along at the loss. I did take a week off, but work feels worse now, like the nonsense level is so much higher. It is plenty of money, there really is no reason for me to continue to work, it essentially replaces 10 years of my net salary amt. I think my husband wants me to work as he has to keep working due to child support and private college costs for his youngest. I will think about it more.

BellBarbara, I'm very sorry for your loss. And far be it from me to tell anyone to keep working, but it's been good advice for me when I was told not to make any major changes in my life while still suffering from the shock of a major loss. If you are ready to go and now financially set, well and good. But taking your time and letting things settle a little might not hurt either. The nice thing about the FI part of FIRE is the change in attitude about your job tends to make the little annoyances just become laughable instead of unbearable.

[Ksols]

Met with the director of human resources today. I was given my "so you're considering retirement" packet with timelines, info and schedule of monetary perks. Very fun. All your help on this site plus a financial advisor that understands teachers has me feeling 3 steps ahead of the game. Armed with those tools is making this the enjoyable experience it should be. Smiling everyday.

[Da Nag]

Thought for sure, DW and I were slated for the class of 2011. But, best laid plans were dealt a blow by the realities of realty. Had everything lined up, then put the house on the market in May...thinking it would sell by end of summer, and we'd be on our way.

The good news - escrow just closed. The bad news - we got beat up on price worse than expected.

So, we're in a rental now on a 6 month lease, working a while longer to fill the piggy bank back up. Certainly not the end of the world, and on the bright side - the last major unknown has been removed from our plans, and we'll be joining the Class of 2012 on May 1.

[mexico]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Da Nag Thought for sure, DW and I were slated for the class of 2011. But, best laid plans were dealt a blow by the realities of realty. Had everything lined up, then put the house on the market in May...thinking it would sell by end of summer, and we'd be on our way. The good news - escrow just closed. The bad news - we got beat up on price worse than expected. So, we're in a rental now on a 6 month lease, working a while longer to fill the piggy bank back up. Certainly not the end of the world, and on the bright side - the last major unknown has been removed from our plans, and we'll be joining the Class of 2012 on May 1.

The peace of mind is definitely worth it and it's amazing on what you can save in 7 months when you put your mind to it. Also, we all know how fast Nov and Dec go by with the holidays and May will be here very quickly.

[mexico]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellBarbara No, I wish it was that way. Our fiscal year ends Jan 31, and you have to be employed to get your bonus for the year, in mid April. It's terrible. I used up all my vacation time. Frustrating. I will think hard about it. It's very stressful and not a hint of changing. Thanks everyone!

Probably worth it for 15k, depending on what you have. Just be sure Aapril doesn't turn into, well how about Aug, etc.. I am preparing for that myself and being on a bonus system, it's easy to get caught up in another 6 months.

[ohyes]

May 2012 will be here soon.

Although, one groggy Monday morning I made the mistake of counting how many w*rking Mondays I have between now and the last day of school. It was 26. Wish I hadn't checked.

[BellBarbara]

I am still working, I seem to be able to make my peace right now. I like the money coming in. But I continue to take it day by day.

I have been working on scheduling lots of fun things to make myself feel better about this decision.

[Ksols]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohyes May 2012 will be here soon. Although, one groggy Monday morning I made the mistake of counting how many w*rking Mondays I have between now and the last day of school. It was 26. Wish I hadn't checked.

That is SO manageable and worth smiling about. The other day I saw my assistant coach dressed up and remembered they were interviewing for my position. Weird, cool feeling.