Just found this board! Funny... Why didn't I think to check for a forum on the subject since I've been counting down years/months/days?

No matter, here I am.

Looks like I have some reading to do.
Anyway, I "volunteered" for a layoff so I could do even better than realizing the long recurring dream of retirement at age 50. Started working at 21, managed to hold on at the same place (big company, who cares, all the same) though spinoffs, mergers, name changes, etc., while keeping a defined benefit pension plan (although it was frozen 3 yrs ago). I'm single (probably the only reason I could consider this), with personal savings, 401k, aforementioned pension, and everything is paid for. How much? Who cares, it's enough for me. Or maybe that will be TBD.

If I were to be honest, I was underworked (from home, no less) and overpaid and could do the job in my sleep... But why? MY reaction to the environment was not healthy. So, since I seemed determined to heap stress upon myself where none should exist, and was unable to change my attitude, I figured I would change the scenery.
I like to think that the last decision of my "career", to jump in front of the swinging axe, saved another person that needed the job since they were making cuts across the board.
But mostly it was a selfish decision to be happy.

I'm looking forward to that most of all.