Back in July, the job situation was getting pretty unbearable. We had a sales manager who was parachuted in to "show us what we're doing wrong". He was a “my way only” kind of guy and was fond of calling meetings and saying "someone’s going to get fired". I’m a senior engineer with 30 years experience, but I had coworkers (not much more than clerks) who talked down to me and liked to bully me in emails sent to everyone (and their dogs). 
It came to a head when one of my coworkers sent an email to everyone saying he was going to delete my work files in 30 minutes as it hadn’t been placed in the official file structure on the network. He was responsible for placing the file structure, but didn't have it in place when I was doing my work. At the time I was in an all afternoon meeting with a customer, so was unable to respond to the bully. So a file that took me 3 hours work was just deleted, because . . . he could.
The next day already upset about losing my work, the engineering manager came to me to complain that I wasn’t cooperative enough with the customer in the meeting the previous afternoon.
I’d laid out the ground work before, but had never acted upon it. This was the right opportunity to spring it. I told him I needed a 4 month leave of absence starting in August.
Those 4 months have been a blessing. In this forum I can call it what it really has been… trial retirement.
The first month (August) was all about getting those negative words and thoughts out of my head. I went on long walks in the woods (animal trails really) and prayed a lot. I found devotionals and sermons from Joel Osteen to place on my MP3 player to surround myself with positive thoughts and images.
The second month (September) was all about getting things done that I hadn't the time or energy to do. A lot of house repairs and maintenance. Small things really, but what a sense of accomplishment when they were complete.
The third month (October) was all about the physical self. I joined a gym (a rather expensive but beautiful facility) and through October attended 5 days a week.
November has been a relaxing month. I continue to go to the gym regularly (more like 3 times a week now). I feel great, my mind is clear and at peace. The leave was unpaid, so I’ve been able to determine that I can live of my savings. From my financial advisor I know I do have financial independence to retire.
Most noteable I take a medication for a cronic condition. Before I took the leave I needed it once every 5 days. Since the leave I take it once ever 30 days.
I received a telephone call yesterday, about my assignment when I return in mid December. They have a new exciting position for me (special project) where I shouldn’t need to interact with all those bullies in the company. That sales manager who would say in meetings “someone’s going to get fired”, was fired himself. I guess he was right (lol).
What I have learned is that I can give them 2 weeks notice anytime and be FIRE. I just hope I can guard my mind going back so I don’t sink that low again.
It came to a head when one of my coworkers sent an email to everyone saying he was going to delete my work files in 30 minutes as it hadn’t been placed in the official file structure on the network. He was responsible for placing the file structure, but didn't have it in place when I was doing my work. At the time I was in an all afternoon meeting with a customer, so was unable to respond to the bully. So a file that took me 3 hours work was just deleted, because . . . he could.
The next day already upset about losing my work, the engineering manager came to me to complain that I wasn’t cooperative enough with the customer in the meeting the previous afternoon.
I’d laid out the ground work before, but had never acted upon it. This was the right opportunity to spring it. I told him I needed a 4 month leave of absence starting in August.
Those 4 months have been a blessing. In this forum I can call it what it really has been… trial retirement.
The first month (August) was all about getting those negative words and thoughts out of my head. I went on long walks in the woods (animal trails really) and prayed a lot. I found devotionals and sermons from Joel Osteen to place on my MP3 player to surround myself with positive thoughts and images.
The second month (September) was all about getting things done that I hadn't the time or energy to do. A lot of house repairs and maintenance. Small things really, but what a sense of accomplishment when they were complete.
The third month (October) was all about the physical self. I joined a gym (a rather expensive but beautiful facility) and through October attended 5 days a week.
November has been a relaxing month. I continue to go to the gym regularly (more like 3 times a week now). I feel great, my mind is clear and at peace. The leave was unpaid, so I’ve been able to determine that I can live of my savings. From my financial advisor I know I do have financial independence to retire.
Most noteable I take a medication for a cronic condition. Before I took the leave I needed it once every 5 days. Since the leave I take it once ever 30 days.
I received a telephone call yesterday, about my assignment when I return in mid December. They have a new exciting position for me (special project) where I shouldn’t need to interact with all those bullies in the company. That sales manager who would say in meetings “someone’s going to get fired”, was fired himself.
I guess he was right (lol).What I have learned is that I can give them 2 weeks notice anytime and be FIRE. I just hope I can guard my mind going back so I don’t sink that low again.
I gladly accepted the money, but was still eager to present my paper in LasVegas, where I was to be a featured speaker. Unfortunately, my employer refused to let me present. I was willing to do it for free, and even the conference organizer was begging them to let me, but they refused. 
