I just talked to the owners about finding my replacement so I can fully retire. I've been here nearly 40 years, and it's definitely been more good than bad, but it's time to step aside and let someone else pull my share of the load going forward.
I considered FIRE about 5 years ago at age 52 but chose instead to downsize my position by stepping back from the management and planning aspects of my job, and limiting my responsibilities to accounting, software system maintenance, etc. I really enjoy my work and many of my co-workers and wanted to ease the transfer and see if I might come accross the right person to groom to take my place. Well, I haven't! One of the owners assured me he would take over the HR and Controller duties, but unfortunately he didn't follow through. Many fellow employees have expressed concerns over this, and it pains me to see those things being handled haphazardly (if at all). That is a factor in deciding to FIRE completely.
So now I am searching for my replacement. I hope to have someone in place within a couple of months, and trained within 3-6 months. I may have to return some early next year to help with the year end processes, but we'll see how it goes.
Perhaps this sounds strange, but I will feel a lot better once I have found someone who I can trust to handle things. That is important to me mainly out of respect and concern for my co-workers. They deserve a person who is capable and good to work with, as I hope I have been. If it weren't for that, I could more easily just give a decent notice be on my way.
While I am fully aware that I, or anyone, is not irreplaceable at work, I never anticipated that I might struggle to make as sure as I can that I leave things well looked after "back at the store".
As far the financial and personal planning parts of FIRE are concerned, I'm feeling very good about all of that. My DW and I have planned and discussed things a lot, and are looking forward to all things FIRE. 5 years of ESR have allowed us to adjust to being together more. We have a lot of interests together and individually and are both looking forward to FIRE immensly.
I am not a prolific poster to put it mildy. But this ERF community has been so helpful in answering questions, sharing insights and financial, social, and personal aspects of FIRE, that I just can't thank everyone enough.
Just wanted to share this with you all, and welcome any thoughts you might have. Thanks!
I considered FIRE about 5 years ago at age 52 but chose instead to downsize my position by stepping back from the management and planning aspects of my job, and limiting my responsibilities to accounting, software system maintenance, etc. I really enjoy my work and many of my co-workers and wanted to ease the transfer and see if I might come accross the right person to groom to take my place. Well, I haven't! One of the owners assured me he would take over the HR and Controller duties, but unfortunately he didn't follow through. Many fellow employees have expressed concerns over this, and it pains me to see those things being handled haphazardly (if at all). That is a factor in deciding to FIRE completely.
So now I am searching for my replacement. I hope to have someone in place within a couple of months, and trained within 3-6 months. I may have to return some early next year to help with the year end processes, but we'll see how it goes.
Perhaps this sounds strange, but I will feel a lot better once I have found someone who I can trust to handle things. That is important to me mainly out of respect and concern for my co-workers. They deserve a person who is capable and good to work with, as I hope I have been. If it weren't for that, I could more easily just give a decent notice be on my way.
While I am fully aware that I, or anyone, is not irreplaceable at work, I never anticipated that I might struggle to make as sure as I can that I leave things well looked after "back at the store".
As far the financial and personal planning parts of FIRE are concerned, I'm feeling very good about all of that. My DW and I have planned and discussed things a lot, and are looking forward to all things FIRE. 5 years of ESR have allowed us to adjust to being together more. We have a lot of interests together and individually and are both looking forward to FIRE immensly.
I am not a prolific poster to put it mildy. But this ERF community has been so helpful in answering questions, sharing insights and financial, social, and personal aspects of FIRE, that I just can't thank everyone enough.
Just wanted to share this with you all, and welcome any thoughts you might have. Thanks!