I calculated I was safe to retire a couple of years ago, but I wasn't mentally ready yet to select an exit date. Too much was swirling around in my head: excitement, fear, hopes, doubts, questions with conflicting answers... same as just about everybody else on this thread.
So I clung to what was familiar and figured that The Truth would emerge and I'd know exactly what to do. After a stretched OMY, I now have the answer. My last day on the j*b will be 31 December 2019.
You, the reader of this post, are probably saying, "Frabjous, Mdlerth! Pray, what was the key to penetrating the fog, unraveling the enigma and unlocking Revelation?" (I've heard you people really do talk that way. It's a little weird, but cool!
)
My first hint was when the boss came furtively into my office, closed the door behind him, and in a hushed voice said "Management completed another downsizing study. You were selected." He then handed me the Holy Grail of Retirement: a savory severance package.
With trembling hands, I opened the precious folder and examined its contents. It's the real thing, baby. Two months of turnover (mostly cleaning out my cr*p), followed by a year's pay plus vacation buyout plus pension plus company-subsidized health insurance up til Medicare plus a Supplement allowance for life plus few more minor goodies. (pauses to wipe drool off chin)
***
My Megacorp has been merging and divesting for a long time, which often precipitates RIFs. To be honest, while I was busy dithering over my RE timetable, my fondest hope the past two years was that some company executive would make the decision for me. In the end, that's what happened.
It feels surreal, and I'm half-expecting to wake up and find I dreamed the whole thing. I saw Washington win the World Series; maybe that also was a dream? It's the explanation that makes the most sense. [emoji23]
