Haven't blogged about this or much else lately. However..........
I was offered another buyout. Signed my paperwork for that over a week ago. Now I'm on the hook to have all my retirement paperwork submitted by Dec. 5th. To take the buyout I must be gone on or before Jan. 3, 2009.
Looks like this might really happen.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The Plot Thickens.
Just got back from my yearly performance review with my Associate Branch Head. The short version: "You're doing a great job, keep up the good work". We talk about work, family, travel, and then during the conversation he hits me with "I think they're going to offer another buyout this fall which will affect you". Now a Government buyout isn't so much a buyout as much as it is a bonus. $25k nominally, but I'd be lucky to see $16k after taxes. Still, for someone already planning on leaving, this amounts to a nice departure bonus on the way out the door. Of course after being presented with this I'm again reminded that I'm doing a good job, and I REALLY don't have to leave...... (we REALLY don't want you to leave).
On my way out of the branch suite I encounter my Branch Head. "Hey young man"! Uh..... I'm not so young. " Well you're too young to be thinking about retirement". And so.......... I get the speech again about doing a good job, we don't want you to leave, etc. I openly discuss the pros and cons of me leaving, or staying. In response I'm presented with "Well, no reason to leave a job you like" (agreed) , and even though you have a very flexible schedule, maybe we can work something out so you'll be off during the summers so you can be with your kids. Knowing these guys .... well....... let me say this is NO empty promise. It's something that will happen if there's ANY way they can possibly arrange it.
Man, this decision just doesn't get easier.........
On my way out of the branch suite I encounter my Branch Head. "Hey young man"! Uh..... I'm not so young. " Well you're too young to be thinking about retirement". And so.......... I get the speech again about doing a good job, we don't want you to leave, etc. I openly discuss the pros and cons of me leaving, or staying. In response I'm presented with "Well, no reason to leave a job you like" (agreed) , and even though you have a very flexible schedule, maybe we can work something out so you'll be off during the summers so you can be with your kids. Knowing these guys .... well....... let me say this is NO empty promise. It's something that will happen if there's ANY way they can possibly arrange it.
Man, this decision just doesn't get easier.........
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
The Dilemma
Looking for feedback here. I have a decision to make, and fairly soon. I'll outline the situation ......
I'm in my mid 50's. Married to a woman who expects to spend another 10-13 years in the workplace. Have 4 kids ages 13, 11, 7, and 3. I've been working pretty much continuously since 1971, and will have logged 30 years with my current U.S. Government employer as of Sept. 2008. (which officially makes me eligible to retire) The house should be paid off in about 6 years. My income, after making adjustments that I won't fully go into here, shouldn't change much if I retire. (This is all based on official agency estimates, and the fact that I'm not really working full time, my wife went full time about a year ago, and I was fortunate enough to drop back to part time employment.) I enjoy the place I'm working, and the people I work with. I have a very flexible schedule. I hate the commute.
I could stay, and my employer makes no secret that they want me to stay. I could go.
Pros of staying: Increased income once I do finally retire at a later date. No loss of routine. Security.
Pros of leaving: Increased time with my kids while they're still young. (a rather unique opportunity) Time to pursue other interests that I never seem to have time for now.
Freedom.
A very difficult decision. Anyway, perhaps some of you who read this might have some insight they'd like to offer? Maybe you've already crossed this bridge. I'd like to hear from you. I know the decision is ultimately mine, but I like trying to amass all the information I can before making decisions.
I'm in my mid 50's. Married to a woman who expects to spend another 10-13 years in the workplace. Have 4 kids ages 13, 11, 7, and 3. I've been working pretty much continuously since 1971, and will have logged 30 years with my current U.S. Government employer as of Sept. 2008. (which officially makes me eligible to retire) The house should be paid off in about 6 years. My income, after making adjustments that I won't fully go into here, shouldn't change much if I retire. (This is all based on official agency estimates, and the fact that I'm not really working full time, my wife went full time about a year ago, and I was fortunate enough to drop back to part time employment.) I enjoy the place I'm working, and the people I work with. I have a very flexible schedule. I hate the commute.
I could stay, and my employer makes no secret that they want me to stay. I could go.
Pros of staying: Increased income once I do finally retire at a later date. No loss of routine. Security.
Pros of leaving: Increased time with my kids while they're still young. (a rather unique opportunity) Time to pursue other interests that I never seem to have time for now.
Freedom.
A very difficult decision. Anyway, perhaps some of you who read this might have some insight they'd like to offer? Maybe you've already crossed this bridge. I'd like to hear from you. I know the decision is ultimately mine, but I like trying to amass all the information I can before making decisions.
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