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Leave of Absence (Trial Retirement) over, getting ready to go back
11-25-2010, 11:37 AM
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#1
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Dryer sheet aficionado
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 36
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Leave of Absence (Trial Retirement) over, getting ready to go back
Back in July, the job situation was getting pretty unbearable. We had a sales manager who was parachuted in to "show us what we're doing wrong". He was a “my way only” kind of guy and was fond of calling meetings and saying "someone’s going to get fired". I’m a senior engineer with 30 years experience, but I had coworkers (not much more than clerks) who talked down to me and liked to bully me in emails sent to everyone (and their dogs).
It came to a head when one of my coworkers sent an email to everyone saying he was going to delete my work files in 30 minutes as it hadn’t been placed in the official file structure on the network. He was responsible for placing the file structure, but didn't have it in place when I was doing my work. At the time I was in an all afternoon meeting with a customer, so was unable to respond to the bully. So a file that took me 3 hours work was just deleted, because . . . he could.
The next day already upset about losing my work, the engineering manager came to me to complain that I wasn’t cooperative enough with the customer in the meeting the previous afternoon.
I’d laid out the ground work before, but had never acted upon it. This was the right opportunity to spring it. I told him I needed a 4 month leave of absence starting in August.
Those 4 months have been a blessing. In this forum I can call it what it really has been… trial retirement.
The first month (August) was all about getting those negative words and thoughts out of my head. I went on long walks in the woods (animal trails really) and prayed a lot. I found devotionals and sermons from Joel Osteen to place on my MP3 player to surround myself with positive thoughts and images.
The second month (September) was all about getting things done that I hadn't the time or energy to do. A lot of house repairs and maintenance. Small things really, but what a sense of accomplishment when they were complete.
The third month (October) was all about the physical self. I joined a gym (a rather expensive but beautiful facility) and through October attended 5 days a week.
November has been a relaxing month. I continue to go to the gym regularly (more like 3 times a week now). I feel great, my mind is clear and at peace. The leave was unpaid, so I’ve been able to determine that I can live of my savings. From my financial advisor I know I do have financial independence to retire.
Most noteable I take a medication for a cronic condition. Before I took the leave I needed it once every 5 days. Since the leave I take it once ever 30 days.
I received a telephone call yesterday, about my assignment when I return in mid December. They have a new exciting position for me (special project) where I shouldn’t need to interact with all those bullies in the company. That sales manager who would say in meetings “someone’s going to get fired”, was fired himself. I guess he was right (lol).
What I have learned is that I can give them 2 weeks notice anytime and be FIRE. I just hope I can guard my mind going back so I don’t sink that low again.
__________________
Gettin old, getting grey, gettin ripped off, underpaid, gettin had, gettin took . . . let me tell you people, it's harder than it looks (Long Way to the Top - AC/DC)
Divin Dave
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11-25-2010, 11:41 AM
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#2
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Texas: No Country for Old Men
Posts: 50,004
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DivinDave
What I have learned is that I can give them 2 weeks notice anytime and be FIRE. I just hope I can guard my mind going back so I don’t sink that low again.
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The obvious question is why in heck are you going back to work at all?
__________________
Numbers is hard
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11-25-2010, 12:01 PM
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#3
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,089
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Dave,
Interesting trial retirement. Do you need doctor's note in order to request a leave of absence?
fh2000
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11-25-2010, 12:14 PM
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#4
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Dryer sheet aficionado
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 36
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Our office actually had a policy on LOA which no one had ever heard of.
I only became aware of it because a coworkers wife was heading to Europe for 4 months to teach. He wanted to tag along so he broke the ice and took the first LOA (possibly in company history).
I actually had about a month of vacation time to use up so was able to use that and continue health and benifit coverage through that period.
__________________
Gettin old, getting grey, gettin ripped off, underpaid, gettin had, gettin took . . . let me tell you people, it's harder than it looks (Long Way to the Top - AC/DC)
Divin Dave
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11-25-2010, 12:28 PM
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#5
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 17,773
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That is a wonderful story, Divin. And the guy got fired while you were gone--aren't you glad you missed the continuing drama that led to that! The deleting your work files incident is just classic.
The special projects slot sounds wonderful. Keep us posted about what you decide to do.
__________________
“Would you like an adventure now, or would you like to have your tea first?” J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
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11-25-2010, 12:37 PM
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#6
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 12,894
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DivinDave
That sales manager who would say in meetings “someone’s going to get fired”, was fired himself.
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Karma.
Sounds like retirement agrees with your spiritual and physical health. You may want to consider going full time...
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11-25-2010, 03:23 PM
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#7
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Dryer sheet aficionado
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 36
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I should have expected that the sales manager would implode. I didn't get many one-ups on him but this one was terrific.
A group of 4 of us were sharing a cab going to the New Orleans airport. He was spouting off about this and that as we travelled and as we went past an above ground cemetary. He said "When I die I want to be cremated and have my ashes blown in the faces of my enemies." I said to him "will there be enough ashes for that?"
__________________
Gettin old, getting grey, gettin ripped off, underpaid, gettin had, gettin took . . . let me tell you people, it's harder than it looks (Long Way to the Top - AC/DC)
Divin Dave
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11-26-2010, 04:55 AM
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#8
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Denver, Colorado
Posts: 6,256
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__________________
"It's tough to make predictions, especially when it involves the future." ~Attributed to many
"In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is." ~(perhaps by) Yogi Berra
"Those who have knowledge, don't predict. Those who predict, don't have knowledge."~ Lau tzu
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11-26-2010, 06:59 AM
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#9
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NC
Posts: 21,206
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That is a great story. I only wish an extended LOA was an option for me.
It sounds likes you're in a far better place, and you recognize you have more real options now. I'm sure I speak for most here when I say sincerely, good for you!
__________________
No one agrees with other people's opinions; they merely agree with their own opinions -- expressed by somebody else. Sydney Tremayne
Retired Jun 2011 at age 57
Target AA: 50% equity funds / 45% bonds / 5% cash
Target WR: Approx 1.5% Approx 20% SI (secure income, SS only)
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11-27-2010, 07:13 PM
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#10
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,733
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Midpack
That is a great story. I only wish an extended LOA was an option for me.
It sounds likes you're in a far better place, and you recognize you have more real options now. I'm sure I speak for most here when I say sincerely, good for you!
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I really like the idea of trial 2+ month early retirements and I think the OP shows the benefits. Not only did my second sabbatical serve as the catalyst for my ER, but I even arranged for 1 year LOA when I did retire.
The Family Medical Leave Act provides many people with an opportunity to take unpaid leave. Now obviously there should be a medical reason but I don't think there is a requirement that you spend the entire 3 months taking care of the sick parent or whatever. Imagine a fairly typically situation where mom needs to be moved into a nursing home and the stress of her situation plus work is making you crazy. I see no reason why spending several weeks arranging Mom's affairs followed by a couple of months of decompressing isn't an option for many people.
Also many states have expanded the scope of the FMLOA,
So I think it is at least worth exploring your options before you write of an extended LOA.
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12-16-2011, 09:29 PM
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#11
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Dryer sheet aficionado
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 36
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Hi Gang,
Well it's been one year now since I returned to work. It's also the day I was to vacate the office I've been sitting in for that last year and return to be a cubicle dweller. In some offices they say that is one step closer to the door. I brought a bunch of good stuff home and decided to keep only minimal stuff at the office. All of my certificates have come home and will be put up on the walls here in my computer room.
I realise I only give a little hoot any more. I've decide to stay through 2012 and give them retirement notice in January 2013. By setting foot in the place in January I get my full vacation entitlement and that's worth 5 weeks pay.
I've got my days numbered now and it's under 400!
__________________
Gettin old, getting grey, gettin ripped off, underpaid, gettin had, gettin took . . . let me tell you people, it's harder than it looks (Long Way to the Top - AC/DC)
Divin Dave
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12-16-2011, 10:36 PM
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#12
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1,525
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Great update. Thanks for posting.
I saw an article with a title like "10 things a good boss won't say" earlier this week.
A variation of "Somebody's gonna get fired" was on the list.
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12-17-2011, 08:17 AM
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#13
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NC
Posts: 21,206
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Thanks for coming back for an update. It's only important what path works for you, so you're on track by definition. Wish I could have phased out like you're doing. Excellent for you...
__________________
No one agrees with other people's opinions; they merely agree with their own opinions -- expressed by somebody else. Sydney Tremayne
Retired Jun 2011 at age 57
Target AA: 50% equity funds / 45% bonds / 5% cash
Target WR: Approx 1.5% Approx 20% SI (secure income, SS only)
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02-08-2013, 03:14 PM
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#14
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Dryer sheet aficionado
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 36
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Hi again Gang,
Sorry I’ve been slow to post, but I’ve been spending some time decompressing.
I already had my plans in place to FIRE. I was to present a paper in LasVegas last October. I had it in mind that this would be my last business trip (a little business and a little vacation with my Sweetie). Once the expense claims were settled, I was going to let a few weeks go by, and then announce my retirement (end November). My retirement was going to be spent, following up on my “Get a Life Tree” (from Zelinski’s The Joy of Not Working) and starting a home based technical consulting business.
One week before I was to go to Vegas, I was called in (among 11 others that day) and made an offer I couldn’t refuse. Sixty weeks severance pay and some outplacement training to leave immediately. I gladly accepted the money, but was still eager to present my paper in LasVegas, where I was to be a featured speaker. Unfortunately, my employer refused to let me present. I was willing to do it for free, and even the conference organizer was begging them to let me, but they refused.
I still went to Vegas as a vacation. I had a great time seeing the shows including my favorite, Jimmy Buffett.
Now into February, I’ve worked through the outplacement training, and due to my dismissal, will be eligible to be “on the dole” and obtain training and assistance to start my business. In the meantime, I’m studying guitar (one of my Get a Life Tree projects) and planning some articles for trade magazines.
Sometimes the good guys win.
Divin Dave
FIRED October 2012
__________________
Gettin old, getting grey, gettin ripped off, underpaid, gettin had, gettin took . . . let me tell you people, it's harder than it looks (Long Way to the Top - AC/DC)
Divin Dave
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02-08-2013, 03:28 PM
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#15
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,038
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DivinDave
I should have expected that the sales manager would implode. I didn't get many one-ups on him but this one was terrific.
A group of 4 of us were sharing a cab going to the New Orleans airport. He was spouting off about this and that as we travelled and as we went past an above ground cemetary. He said "When I die I want to be cremated and have my ashes blown in the faces of my enemies." I said to him "will there be enough ashes for that?"
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That was great!
__________________
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not.
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02-08-2013, 04:13 PM
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#16
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Sacramento area
Posts: 467
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Quote:
Originally Posted by clifp
The Family Medical Leave Act provides many people with an opportunity to take unpaid leave. Now obviously there should be a medical reason but I don't think there is a requirement that you spend the entire 3 months taking care of the sick parent or whatever.
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My primary care MD is a great guy. ANYTIME I wanted it, he would give me a 2 week Rx for time off. Stress. Under HIPPA the employer really cannot do much. It was a life saver the last couple of years.
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02-08-2013, 08:00 PM
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#17
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Madeira Beach Fl
Posts: 1,403
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I hope you find happiness and success in going back to work. Do yourself a favor this time though - back up your work. Save harassing emails. You may wind up with some grounds for a work harassment suit. Don't go looking for one, just protect yourself and file a suit if you are truly harassed into retirement. Best, Joe.
__________________
_______________________________________________
"A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do" --Bob Dylan.
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02-08-2013, 08:22 PM
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#18
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,733
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Reading your story Dave put a smile on my face. Another advantage of being FI is being able to jump on opportunities like this one. Congratulation and don't be a stranger on the boards.
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02-08-2013, 09:13 PM
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#19
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sarasota, FL & Vermont
Posts: 36,266
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AWeinel
My primary care MD is a great guy. ANYTIME I wanted it, he would give me a 2 week Rx for time off. Stress. Under HIPPA the employer really cannot do much. It was a life saver the last couple of years.
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Not something to be proud of IMO.
__________________
If something cannot endure laughter.... it cannot endure.
Patience is the art of concealing your impatience.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Retired Jan 2012 at age 56
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02-08-2013, 09:45 PM
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#20
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,796
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AWeinel
My primary care MD is a great guy. ANYTIME I wanted it, he would give me a 2 week Rx for time off. Stress. Under HIPPA the employer really cannot do much. It was a life saver the last couple of years.
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Agree with pb4uski. Both you & your doc could get in trouble if independent investigator audited matters & found less than convincing evidence. And keep in mind that this "stress" diagnosis could possibly be used as evidence of "mental" issues in the future. Not sure about CA, but in most areas such medical leave is deducted from your accrued vacation time. Not a free lunch to be sure.
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