Class of 2015

[rodi]

I think it's great that so many of you are easing into retirement by cutting back your days at work. That's a nice way to approach the retirement.

[iac1003]

4 months from today, exactly. I told them 2 months ago. It may be time to remind them


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[pinejake]

I was a member of class of 2014, but decided to stay a little longer. Not sure that was a good idea as I wade through our ridiculous annual employee review process...

Now officially a member of class of 2015, I gave my notice that March 5, 2015 is it! (age56). DW already pulled the plug in June 2014.

can't wait

[LoneAspen]

My original intent was to give notice last month in November, but there's been some turmoil at work, so I'm holding off for now.

One of my coworkers, who works on the same systems I do, is on a temporary leave of absence to tend to some family matters, leaving me as the only person working on the systems we support.

Also, one of the key people in Support also just left for another company.

My new manager, who came on board a couple weeks ago, had his first one-on-one with me the other day, where I clearly let it be known my 4-year vesting completes in February, and that means the "golden handcuffs are falling off" (I used that exact wording). He's already starting talking about trying to justify moving me to a higher pay band, increasing salary, etc - all the typical BS that managers and HR use to discuss salary. Except I'm not waiting for all that crap.

My new plan is to take advantage of this turmoil while I wait for my lease to run out on the house I rent, and I move back to Colorado. I'm going to wait until my 4-year vesting date in February (which occurs on a Saturday, and is only about 8 weeks from now), and turn in a resignation with a 2 week notice the following Monday.

This is going to make them panic and scramble, I just know it. Especially if anybody else decides to quit before then, as there are rumors others are looking to leave.

I'm going to tell them I have a much better job offer from a competitor. That's not true, as I'm not looking, but I'm going to use it as a ploy. If they want to keep me, they're going to have to give me their "best and final" offer, and it better be a good one.

I can use this ploy to get about a 30% salary increase in my last few months there, before I pull the plug for good a few months later when my lease runs out, and I quit for good and move back to Colorado. I should be able to bank several more thousands of dollars by holding their feet to the fire and forcing them to give me a counter.

It's the first time in my 30+ year career I've had true financial leverage, and I'm going to use it. I know for a fact I'm already underpaid compared to people who have come on board lately. My new manager practically confirmed that at our one-on-one, so I know I can squeeze them for a lot more.

I can't wait to see the look on their faces in February when I turn in my notice.

[Spudd]

1. Ikubak - April/May 2015- age 52
2. LoneAspen - Feb 2015- age 48
3. Neihn - Dec 2015-
4. Fourchristians - June 2015
5. ABQ2015 - March 2015- 59
6. Live and Learn - March 2015- 52
7. Utrecht - Jan 2015 - Age 50
8. haloFIRE - August 14, 2015 - age 47
9. Phil1ben - June 1, 2015 - age 55
10. SonnyJim - January 1. 2015 - age 48
11. Theseus - July 2015 - age 59 (moved up to 2014 - congrats )
12. biker4life - July 2015 - age 45
13. Options - January 2015 - 59.5
14. Al - June 2015 - age 52
15. Siamond - July 2015 - age 53
16. Shabby - January 2015 - age 48
17. jcretire77 - April 2015 - age 55
18. Fermion - Oct 2015 - age 45
19. BrianB - January 2015 - age 56
20. RobLJ - May thru August - age
21. FreqFlyer - Feb 2015 - age 43
22. Hiker88 - August 2015 - age 55
23. Enjoylife133 - December 2015 - age 60
24. Jpearl - July 2915 - age 43
25. iac1003 - April 2015 age 63.5
26. kern44 - June 2015
27. Fedup - Dec 2015 age 55
28. Mo Money - April 2015 age 53
29. Aus_E_Expat- April 2015, age 56
30. rodi - April 2015, age 53
30. vireo- June 30, 2015. Age 60
31. Travelwanted - June 2015, Age 43
32. Rdub - May 2015, age 45
33. johnnyfuego - Jan-March 2015, age 52
34. Islandtraveler - July 2015 age 56
35. kimcdougc - Feb. 1, 2015 age 57
36. 3800Fiero - Feb 2015 age 57
38. cbo111- Sep 2015 age 57
39. Planner - April 30, 2015 age 53
40. FatCyclist - January 2, 2015 age 57
41. Oreogn - Feb 2015 age 58
42. 2B - Jan 2015 age 63
43. tuffshed - January 2015 age 60
44. trirod - December 2015 age 48
45. jabbahop - Feb 2015 age 54/55 (depending whether I go before Feb birthday)
46. nuke_diver
47. Travel4Fun - Jan 2015, age 50
48. robnplunder - July 2015, age 53
49. Bryan Barnfellow - July 17, 2015
50. Taxman59 - July 1, 2015
51. nuisance - Q2 2015
52. texcurtis - January 31, 2015, age 54
53. OBXretire - July 1, 2015
54. Punxsyboy
55. Philliefan33
56. pinejake - March 5, 2015, age 56
57. Spudd - January 30, 2015, age 42

I added updates to the above since the last time it was updated in this thread. And added myself to the end - the layoff package sadly did not come through, but I submitted my resignation and will be done by the end of January. I don't plan to never earn any money ever again, but I don't plan to work full time for the man ever again either.

[BBQ-Nut]

I'm pulling the trigger on Jan 5, 2015 so add me to the Class of 2015!


I want to collect the holiday pay that Megacorp gives between Xmas and New Years, then give my notice on Jan 5.

[Fermion]

Need to change our date to April 2015 from October. Realized we wanted the summer and also realized that after maxing 401k, HSA and IRA there wasn't a lot to be gained from working May to October and missing the summer.

[Sanstar]

Today marks 100 days till retirement!


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[bingybear]

March 1, 2015... at the fricking latest!

Then I'll be a dryer sheet!

[phil1ben]

I was #9 on the list. Have been FI for a while just have not got the RE side of the equation worked out. Own my own business with about 30 employees and thought I could have a transition plan in effect by June 2015. I will be 55 in February. Did have initial discussions with senior employees but have not worked out the plan (my fault) and I am afraid I need to take my name off the list. Current goal is to put a transition plan in place in 2015 and exit in 2016.

It appears that many of the members of this Board work/worked for large companies and the FI may have been the difficult part and the RE (in some cases) as simple as providing notice. Unfortunately not the case for me. Good luck to all who pull the trigger in 2015.

[Travelwanted]

I am in somewhat similar situation. Walking off into the sunset isn't as easy as a 2 week notice for me either. Based on advice I have decided to transition to part-time starting in July. I will be FI also, but with young children around, the part-time will help offset costs I have not expected. I will likely do this 1-2 years.

[kitesurfer2]

April 30, 2015 is my date as I will turn 62 April 16. I'm off work now for the next 3 weeks and returning to work will working Mondays and Tuesdays only, burning up 35 years of use or lose sick leave. I'm currently in retirement training.

[Niuatoputapu]

I started my exit more than two weeks ago, giving my boss a six month notice. We've kept it under wraps since then, but today I start informing my staff and co-workers.

[Bryan Barnfellow]

As of today, Friday, December 19th, I have exactly 7.5 months until freedom. The search process for my replacement is underway. My wife is ecstatic, as am I of course.

BB

[LoneAspen]

I'm still not sure of my exact strategy once I do this, but I'm definitely planning on having a "1 on 1" with my manager on Monday February 9, and turning in my resignation letter.

I probably won't decide until the night before, or the last minute, if I'm going to ignore any counters and just leave a month later for good, or pretend I'm leaving for more money so I can squeeze them for as much as I can for a few months until I quit for good and move back to Colorado.

As much as the extra money might be nice, I don't want the heightened level of expectation and responsibility that they'd throw on top of it for the next four months or so. I'd almost rather just give them one month, forget a counter, and be a lame duck for four weeks.

[texcurtis]

My replacement was selected yesterday, as I prepare to leave 1.31.15. It's odd being part of the process to pick my successor. As they say, it's getting real up in here.


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[jabbahop]

Congrats Texcurtis. 1.31.15 is my resignation date.


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[ikubak]

So, based on the list, we have the following 12 possibly strutting through that door of early retirement in January:

7. Utrecht - Jan 2015 - Age 50
10. SonnyJim - January 1. 2015 - age 48
13. Options - January 2015 - 59.5
16. Shabby - January 2015 - age 48
19. BrianB - January 2015 - age 56
33. johnnyfuego - Jan-March 2015, age 52
40. FatCyclist - January 2, 2015 age 57
42. 2B - Jan 2015 age 63
43. tuffshed - January 2015 age 60
47. Travel4Fun - Jan 2015, age 50
52. texcurtis - January 31, 2015, age 54
57. Spudd - January 30, 2015, age 42

Some may have changed their minds or changed their dates, but it would be nice to hear from each about their plans.

[Sanstar]

Regarding plans: last job day March 27, 2015 and not later than 3 PM. Prep: all financial review and planning; and thanks in large part to this forum, DH and I feel confident/comfortable we have achieved FI and will be OK. We bought our retirement home in August and Airstream last year, taking weekend runs to local lakes in prep for longer excursions in our future. Started two lists last year and continue to add to them: what I will miss about leaving company after 25 years; what I won't. Another list: what I do now that I enjoy, and how to expand those things without time constraints of getting ready for work, driving to work, working, driving home from work, thinking about next workday, repeat. Am working on final edit of music playlist for last day's drive; taking retirement "practice" days and weeks as much as work activities allow and testing lists. Other lists: post retirement projects, healthy habits to keep and enlarge, daily blessings. By now you will have surmised I am a list maker and planner but the truth is I can be a worrier and somewhat frugal/cheap. I read a productivity book years ago by David Allen and one concept stuck with me: on the list, off the mind. Lists are practically free, meds not so much, and peace of mind keeps me off the B/P meds. This forum is on my blessings list so thank you to all who contribute.


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[Mo Money]

I am four w*rking days away from entering what I call the "notice zone" -- sometime in January I tell them I am ERing, and that we have to have a talk about a smooth exit somewhere around April. But since I am FI, and there are now options for healthcare via ACA, I am in the driver's seat. I know for sure I will be called selfish (when I go, about 5-8% of revenue is potentially evaporating) but I am willing to aim to transition that business. But boy will I get the guilt treatment -- that doesn't mean it will be effective, however.

Has anyone else who has ER'ed faced the "you are selfish" argument?