With so many people unemployed and desperate for a job, a part of me feels guilty for thinking this way; but I do, so here it is:
In March 2012 I was 65. I had planned to retire at 65 but didn’t because the thought of sitting in my study, fiddling with computers and being paid to do so seemed like too good a thing to cavalierly toss away.
I had hoped that the company I work for – AT&T and, indirectly IBM – would pay to put me out to pasture. In fact, I have been working diligently to make my betters see the virtue of this by being a little more odious at every passing year; alas, to no avail.
It is like a game of chicken: who will capitulate first? Since I have accumulated 38 years of what is laughably known as “service”, my employer would have to pay me to depart – unless I do so of my own volition. Thus, as my 65th birthday approached, I imagined numerous VP’s rubbed their hands in delirious glee at the prospect of ridding themselves of a 38 year irritant. Anticipating that, I gritted my teeth, stayed the course, grasped the nettle and – here I remain.
So, dear management, in the unlikely event that any of you are reading this: I am holding fast until you bribe me to go. Call me and we will discuss terms.
I love capitalism.
Never mind the unemployed, David you have to stop giving the average working stiff who has no job security, no buyout and no pension more reasons to dislike you.
Based on the number of people your blog irritates when you are available only on a part time basis,Atheists would wish there was a God. Then they could pray that you’d never retire preventing you from becoming an even greater pain in their collective butts than you already are.
If envy is a sin I’m guilty. As one who enjoys your blog I hope your buyout comes soon.
Dear A.S.: I hope you are not writing your blogs on company time.
What a curious mind and heart you have — you are so intelligent, and gifted with a pungent prose style. Yet you are so lacking in any genuine empathy. That is your tragedy — one you ironically lack the capacity to appreciate. I have a feeling that Saint Peter will be able to verbalize it for you, however.
Sincerely,
Sandy Campbell
Sandy Campbell,
I’m quite content with David’s empathy. I don’t require that he meet your standard for “genuine empathy” nor do I find him lacking in self reflection.
However, I’m sure that Saint Peter will be sure to appreciate your pronouncement.
Amazing how some folks feel free to pronounce judgement on people without really getting to know them….
Kate, Kate — And David doesn’t do that????? Sincerely, Sandy
Ah, I see you subscribe to the kindergartner’s creed — ‘But miss, he hit me first!’
Kate, Kate, not clever: you just guilted your guy thereby. At least your subconscious agrees with me … Condoleances, Sandy
Since I do know David personally I can assure Sandy that he is one of the most empathetic people I know.
Good luck on your “game”, but you might need to be ready to work for a while. The last guy I knew who waited for them to pay him off waited for 4 years….Maybe on your 70th? ‘Course I also know an 83 year old small engine repairman who can’t spare the time to fix my mother’s garden equipment because he’s too busy taking jobs from the Bakken oil field 400+ miles away. Such is life for the talented. 🙂
My stepfather was a working pediatrician at 85, I’m 69 and expanding our stores into a chain, my dad wrote a math text book at 70. Ease up you have a few years before you can get back to work.
My husband was one of the public servants who got a pink slip yesterday. I wish he could retire!
Sandy Campbell
If you want to play games on-line, I suggest SCRABBLE.
No kidding, eh Jim? Life’s too short for people like that!
Why do I have the feeling neither of you are good Scrabble players??? But, on second thought, “sanctimony” would be your ideal tile combination.
Hail and farewell, big hearts,
Sandy
Rest well Sandra Campbell your pronouncements are superfluous.