"When you come to the fork in the road, take it." Yogi Berra
Well, I planned to retire. I really did.
But the closer I got to "out to pasture" date the less it seemed like a good idea.
I've talked with many of you about the subject and appreciate all the advice you've given. But I differ from many of you in that I LOVE MY JOB. If I could just continue doing the job, I'd continue doing it as long as I can pass a Flight Physical.
But staying qualified and current to be able to do the job means having to do lots of things that now seem like a waste of time... computer-driven training, OSHA training, etc.. On top of that you can add stuff I know has to be done-
Annual checkrides. Semi-annual refresher checks. Surprise drug checks.
And then there's the worst of it from my perspective-
Some of my managers care more about the bottom line than they care about our patients and the crews that are transporting them. Whatever happened to working as a TEAM?!!
I was approaching the date I had originally set to retire... 4 April, and it just didn't feel right. During my last few flights I had watched as I approached the city at night... lights of the city laid out before me for miles like a crystal carpet, and thought, "Wow. I will miss this flying LIKE CRAZY!"
And then my immediate boss called:
"I don't know how committed you are to this retirement date, but know that we appreciate your experience and know we cannot replace you. We're now ten pilots short and the guys at your base are gonna have to take up your slack for several months during Spring and Summer. Is there any chance you'd reconsider?"
I have to admit that just being asked was good for my ego. I also felt immediate relief of stress when I realized I really didn't want to retire right now.
"We've scheduled our stay in Destin starting the first day of November. I can stay until then, but we'll be headed South on 1 November, no matter what!"
So my retirement is delayed seven months. With my one-week-on, one-week-off schedule the first of November will be here soon enough.
Then, it's 12-ounce curl time, for sure.
To those of you who have asked after us, thank you.
We love you all.
We'll be fine.
8 comments:
Someone told me once "when in doubt . . . don't" I wish I had listened earlier but then again the what if's and yes buts will drive you crazy. When it's right in your gut, then it's right. I guess I will retire sometime, but don't knopw when or how, so I will just keep moving and try and keep the dust off of me. Best of luck to you GB and enjoy the summer and fall!
dj
Pkease ignore spelling (above)
dj
Hello, it's FRODAY, where are all of you?
GB at your age you have the rigth to change your mind at any time. It is nice to feel you are need. I would ask about part time work. Maybe you could set your own hours. Next January I think you can make all you want and still draw your SS. You will know when it is time to go to the house. I am with you I like to work. I know TC wants to work on. Just save time to write on Vandy's kids H of H&C
GB just keep on a truckin as long as your having fun. I will be done April 30th. Get my first pension check May 1st. Did 42 yrs and 3 months with Inland. Did 2 1/2 months with International Paper. Looking to be with another company by the second week in May. With hunting, fishing, golf taking care of rental houses and the farm, grandkids, kids and a new job just don't have time to retire yet. Probably work until I'm 75 maybe 80. As long as I'm having fun and healthy. Sharon's dad turns ninety this next week he keeps telling me to stay active and play hard as long as you can he said it all quits to darn quick. Everyone take care.
GOOD MORNING VK'ers
IT'S OPEN FRIDAY . . . .ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SAY HI!!!
d
j
Hi!
Ferdy
Sorry, DJ, I couldn't help myself! HAHA
Actually, I have news! My youngest daughter is expecting her first baby, a girl, next month. My other daughter is expecting her second baby in November. I love babies especially my grandbabies!! I've been staying busy babysitting and will be even busier babysitting.
If anyone wants to visit the Amish country in southern IN this spring or summer, let me know. I'm always ready to go there and EAT! They really know how to cook.
What's new with everyone else?
Ferdy
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