Embracing the FIRE Experience

[coveredbridge]

With 8 working days to go the formal retirement notice was issued to the staff today. I've tried to do things the "right" way in this process, but I am having an issue dealing with the rank hypocrisy emanating from the executive office. When I gave my two weeks' notice I told the boss that I couldn't find a section in the employee handbook for how to do this (retire), so I wanted to know what his desires would be for a smooth transition, and I offered to consider extending my notice if they would consider providing certain accommodations. While I was under no obligation to make such an offer, I felt that it was the responsible thing to do given that there is no plan for replacing me and this is undoubtedly the worst time of the year for me to be leaving.

I don't have any illusions about being indispensable, but I was surprised when my offer was given a cursory brush-off. "That's ok, we'll just take the two weeks' notice." Fine with me, but I am concerned that my staff and other department heads know that I offered to smooth the transition and if things blow up after I'm gone, it's not because I didn't offer to help out. At the same time, I want to embrace the last few days of work before FIRE and celebrate the culmination of a lifelong dream with my co-workers, but I'm concerned that there will be some resentment that I'm leaving people in the lurch when I specifically tried not to do that.

Of course, they are already planning the dinner, which I always said I wanted the biggest party the company would pay for, but now I worry that I'll just be frustrated because I'll have to sit there and listen to the execs tell everyone what a great loss it will be to the company when I know that their true perception is that I am valued so little they would rather have everyone wing it than negotiate a smooth transition.

I will be so happy when this is over.

 

[Live And Learn]

Don't be bitter. Sometimes they would rather you left quickly since they know the BS bucket can fill quite fast when the end is in sight. Be thankful they only wanted 2 weeks ---- it means you get to start your new life that much quicker ! Come on in , the water is PERFECT !!

 

[Dash man]

They won't miss you a bit and you won't miss them, except for the few real friends you may have and continue to keep in touch with. In six months you'll lose track of what day it is and have to refer to your phone or computer calendar for the date. Half the folks that promised to keep in touch will not return emails or calls. You'll find yourself so busy you'll wonder how you had time to work. Waking up at 7:00 will seem so early. Errands will be based on avoiding rush hour traffic. Projects can wait until tomorrow...or next week. You'll lose some weight and be in better shape. Blood pressure will be the lowest since your 20s. Life will be good!

 

[street]

I wish you the best in transition and things like that are hard to go through. Look ahead to the great future you have in your new journey in life. Have fun in retirement and don't look back.

 

[pb4uski]

I always found the truth helpful.

Your colleague: "Oh coveredbridge, I'm not sure how we're going to get along without you!"

You: "You'll be fine... I know it is a bad time of year to be leaving... I offered some flexibility with respect to a transition but there wasn't much interest on their part.. not sure why... doesn't make sense but at least I offered...I hope it all works out for you guys but I did what I could."

 

[Live And Learn]

They won't miss you a bit and you won't miss them, except for the few real friends you may have and continue to keep in touch with. In six months you'll lose track of what day it is and have to refer to your phone or computer calendar for the date. Half the folks that promised to keep in touch will not return emails or calls. You'll find yourself so busy you'll wonder how you had time to work. Waking up at 7:00 will seem so early. Errands will be based on avoiding rush hour traffic. Projects can wait until tomorrow...or next week. You'll lose some weight and be in better shape. Blood pressure will be the lowest since your 20s. Life will be good!

Perfectly said ! Explains what happened in my situation 100% !! Life is very good

 

[marko]

Our company had a certain "no martyrs, no dead men walking around" policy. Having someone who's given notice and then hanging around for several weeks was thought to bring everyone down.

In some cases the response was "two weeks notice?? two hours should be enough to clean out your desk".

But here's the thing: You're still worried about your co-workers. Understandable, but you're still looking at it from a work mindset. In a few months you'll be wondering what you were worried about.

 

[brucethebroker]

Don't be bitter. Sometimes they would rather you left quickly since they know the BS bucket can fill quite fast when the end is in sight. Be thankful they only wanted 2 weeks ---- it means you get to start your new life that much quicker ! Come on in , the water is PERFECT !!

+1. Good!

 

[brucethebroker]

Good luck...is what I meant....

 

[Bryan Barnfellow]

With respect to fellow staff members, I have generally found that they know the score and are secretly, if not openly, cheering you for your good sense and good luck.