Not Supposed To Be Here
I was supposed to graduate with the Class of 2011, but got held back. Since early 2010, I'd been working on a program at a giant defense megacorp that was completely disorganized, assigned to a job in which I found absolutely no fulfillment. I turned 55 in late 2010 and was eligible to retire early with a DB pension after 33 years with the same megacorp. I planned my exit for 7/1/11.However, 3 months before my planned departure, I had an opportunity to move off program into a purely technical position where I would have no assigned responsibilties. Instead, I was to provide technical expertise, mentoring, help, and oversight within my engineering speciality to whomever/wherever it was needed. In effect, I became a 'greybeard'. The new assignment also allowed me to go part-time. I enjoyed the new position and hours, and decided to delay my retirement.Last Friday, out of the blue, the megacorp announced that effective immediately, it would be soliciting applications for voluntary layoff at our division. Applications would be accepted for the next 30 days, but only senior managers or equivalent could apply, and it was anticipated only the first 75 applicants would be accepted. Notification of acceptance would be 11/2. Termination of employment would be 12/31/12. No sweeteners other than standard severance package of 2 weeks, plus 1 week/year up to 26 weeks.For me, it was a no brainer. I had been considering retiring on 7/5/13 (35 and out), but now had opportunity to exit 6 months earlier with a wad'o cash. I had my application submitted on the same day.So now I'm waiting to find out if my retirement starts 1/1/13, or 7/5/13. Either way, I'm now a member of the Class of 2013!
