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I'm calling it quits-a bit long

R

redtom

Well-known Member
I'm going to retire. My first job lasted 28.5 years before I was out sourced so I found a closer job that was 3/4 of my old wages and after being there 3 years I'm calling it quits. I'm 59 and my financial guy says I'm okay to make what I make now from my portfolio and I have another half of that available from my pension. The job I have now started out great after being p@@ped on by a fortune 50 company after 28 years. I work for a family owned landscape business as their sole mechanic. At first, I thought, fix a few mowers, lube a few Bobcats, good to go. No, Its morphed into 90 some pieces of equipment from mowers to semi's to Komatsu loaders, with me and a helper kid-whose pretty good. They never had any type of actual mechanic until me. I was hired to be the Fleet Manager. For someone my boss likes to call awesome he sure doesn't show it. I've never had a raise in 3 years. Never been taken to lunch like the other department heads. Never taken a sick day or rarely a vacation day. They all go on golf outings together but never ask me. He kept telling me I'm going to take over the fleet and the purchasing of trucks and equipment, but he will never tell me of anything he's buying-I don't find out until its delivered. He doesn't want anyone to know how much money he has. I tried. I set up once monthly meetings to get in the loop. He had two and stopped doing them with me. Not tooting my own horn but, he's going to have a hard time finding someone that's from...well,...our generation. No one there knows what a choke is, or an inner tube (seriously), or points or a fuel filter or how to prime a diesel. No one there can use the torch or weld. They don't even have a tool set. You know, the stuff us tractor guys know. I guess this turned into a rant but tonight after a brutal week of 90 degree heat, I'm feeling a bit unappreciated. I was on the fence, but Monday I'm letting them know I'm done and I'll give them 60 days to find someone. The new PC catch phrase is Conscious Capitalism and my boss thinks he invented it. But, I have never heard someone scream at someone like he does if a manager fails to meet his monthly goal. My wife went through breast cancer last year and now her mother died unexpectedly from a heart attack so we are looking at life a little differently now. I come here daily. I think you are like friends in a bar at the end of the day. Thanks for listening
 
I hear what you are saying, and understand your position completely. You do what is right for you and your wife, follow your instincts. I am just a year older than you, and find myself at a cross roads too. I often think of a quote by Yogi Barra. When you come to a fork in the road, take it!! If only I understood what he meant, lol. All the best in your retirement. Bruce
 
It sounds like you needed to blow off some steam!! I don't blame you one bit, it sounds like he's taking you for granted. You'll be fine, I'm sure you can find another job for a better person if you decide you want/need to. Life is too short to work someplace where you are miserable! When our son graduated from high school, I told him he needs to find a job that he enjoys doing. I told him that if he finds a job he loves, he will never work another day in his life. He told me that was the stupidest I had ever told him. I said check back in a few years and let me know how it works out. After he worked a week in a factory, he said that he understood what I had told him. After you've been gone a while, I'll bet he calls and wants you to come back, then you can write your own contract or tell him to go pound sand, your choice. Best of luck in whatever you do!!
 
Stagnant salaries, lying bosses, and shifting responsibilities. Pretty typical for the times and been through it a few times. Reasons even though things are tight here that I am in no hurry to run out and work for someone else. I envy those that have been treated well working for other people.
 
It is rare to stay around after you give notice. You are not taking any crap,and the boss is going to start giving plenty. I do think my boss now, is going to stay till his last day,he used up his vacation and tomorrow is his last day.
 
I turned 62 last November, and retired last December. Joined the military while still in high school and did 20 + years. Went to work building flatbed semi trailers as a welder and maintenance man. After 13 + years the company was moved out of state and I did not move with it. Got a job repairing lawn mowers. Spent 9 1/2 years with them when they closed due to management problems. Spent another year at a different mower dealership doing part time work. Still could be there but had enough of the mower repair business. My wife is also retired and we are enjoying every minute of retirement.

Hope you do also !
 
Two options when looking at a career. As you said find something you love to do, and it wont feel like a job. But you may have to live in its means. Or, find something you can tolerate that affords you to do the things you love.

As for the young folk not knowing anything comment, there are a number of people out there that are capable and willing. They just have jobs already that pay better than those that cant find them.

To the OP, sounds like you can manage just fine. I bet you will have more work than you want looking for you. Also be prepared that they may want to drag out your departure forever, or send you packing immediately. Never can tell these days.
 
Give no more than two weeks notice, remember if he decided he did not need you, you'd be gone at the end of the week or maybe that day. I've been retired for 8+ years and never once have wanted to go find even a part time job. Remember you can never get the years back. Retire and enjoy, you never know whats coming tomorrow. gobble
 
I say go for it!!! If your money pencils out, GREAT!!
With your family and all, it's time to enjoy things.
Travel a bit, go fishing, find a tractor/car/truck to restore,
if you're so inclined. Maybe you and your wife could volenteer
someplace together.
But most of all, find a coffee group that fits you to socialize with.
When I retired in '13, I didn't realize how important the social part
of work was.
 
If your boss is as smart as he thinks he is he will spend the next 60 days trying to figure out how to get you to stay there. Any time that I change jobs and I am given an exit review I am totally honest with them. It may not help you but could help the next guy that comes along. Good luck with retirement it is great
 
My opinion may be a little jaded. If your truely going to put in your notice and retire, why give 2 weeks notice. Is it the right thing to do, yes. But at least in my area old tators like us can find jobs anywhere, people know we will show up and give them a full day. If you can pull of retiring and your company doesn't appreciate you, why give them two more weeks to not appreciate you. I am 57 but am making plans on something after 60.
 
Were you working for a relative? I did for 33 years. Never again went threw the same thing as you. I retired when I was 62. I couldn't go on for another month the way I was treated. Now 13 years later my old employer says the banks might be foreclosing on him. His only son even quite on him this last winter. He had a excellent business going!
 
I thought I was going to retire last fall. Work got real slow, the bosses were in panic mode, thought they were ready to pull the plug.

But then after the 1st of the year it got busy again, really busy!

So I'm still there. I don't mind the work, but I don't like the pressure. Get further and further behind every day.

But being 66, I really don't want to start a new job, but don't want to be a full time recliner potato either!

I feel like we're both in the same boat as far as being the only one there with any wide ranging skill level. If I were to retire, I'm sure they would be calling me daily, which would mean more money should I charge them something in the ball park of what it would cost to bring in someone from the outside. Some of the repairs to the equipment I do would cost them unbelievable amounts of money if they had to call in a factory technician.

That might be something you could consider, do contract labor with them, pick your job, pick you hours, make it worth your while!
 
redtom,

Congratulations on your retirement. I'm a little older than you but unfortunately not in a position to retire yet. Worked 4 1/2 years for my Dad in his liquor store then went to work as an armed security officer at a nuclear power plant for 37 years. Failed my Physical Fitness Test and was unemployed for 4 months. Got a job in a local casino in 2018. Some day I'll join the retired class.

Good Luck to you

Scott
 
I have been considering pretty seriously about going out at 55. I was chatting with my aunt about it just a few days ago then the next day I found that my 58 yo cousin past on his way to work. Not sure of the cause but heard it was medical. My uncle and grandpa went at about 58. My dad at 62. I dont enjoy my job and physically cant really do it so I'm done. I'm not sure how much it will take to retire but I have no wife or kids. Anyway since your not happy and seem to have enough money I would do the same. I'm think of setting up a side business and or doing temporary farm jobs. Time will tell. Best of luck.
 
My SO and I both retired Dec 31, 2018 and moved 1000 miles from the city to a 40 acre country farm. Me with 18 years as a Safe and Vault Tech, (and a lot of lawn and garden equipment and generator repair prior to that) and her after 45 years in military and civil service. Enough retirement income to not have to pinch pennys. Moved to the middle of nowhere. Don't travel much, but we are more relaxed now than then.
As said, if all the monies pencil out properly, take the plunge. We don't regret it. If you do decide to retire, stay busy! Mind and body - Being a couch potato and watching TV all day doesn't do one any good.
I probably work a little more on our 40 acres than before retiring, but I can get up when I want, don't have to punch a clock, and go fishing in the pond at 2PM if I want.
A little disconcerting at first, wondering what you are going to do all day, but you will get over it!
 
Id give him two weeks tops,you owe him nothing,if it was the other way around,he would send you packing with a moments notice,believe me, I know the type.
 
Tom,

I've read all these suggestions, and they all make sense based on the experiences of the person making the suggestion. You are old enough to not have to be greatly concerned about a referral from you inconsiderate employer. However much notice you give him will depend on your concern for the business and the people you worked with for several years. I'd say do what is best for you and your family.

Butch
 
Hi RedTom,
Firstly I wish you the very best with the decision and what is to come.
I hear what you are saying as I too work for those who choose to fail to see their way to appreciate those that do the hard yards and work tirelessly and with conviction.
I see your passion and understand your disappointment with how these people fall short of seeing the reason we work hard and the end game.
We work hard, we give our all. Our work is our brand and our reputation, and we protect that.
So enjoy your change and dont look back!
I hope that I can join the revolution in another 15 years or so!

Greetings and best wishes from Oz.
 
Good luck on your retirement. I'm not too far behind you. It's a shame people don't treat others better in this world.
 


Having been the employer a lot more than the employee I suggest that you talk. From what you posted it doesn't appear that you have. I agree with the two week notice. I also like Steve's suggestion of setting up a contract deal, where you don't continue unless it is strongly to your benefit and giving you plenty of time off. I worked part time for ten years until I developed a heart problem driving dump truck for two brothers. I really enjoyed it and was always treated well and I had a high degree of autonomy. One day one of the brothers was lamenting the difficulty of getting and holding help. I told him that he needed to pony up and pay better. I was making a little better than going rate in our area, and I didn't really need the money, but my next pay check included a $2.00/ hour raise.
 
Your story resembles mine. I semi retired in June and have been doing maintainence type work at the same place part time since then. I don't really need the money but didn't want to leave the owner holding the bag so to speak so agreed to do part time for the summer. I would not do that again, it's been to much for me especially in this summers heat. I will be 65 in December and will call it quits before that.
Many in our age group have had this very thing happen to us.
Good luck in your future.
Dave
 
I retired at 61-1/2 when my employer made me a buyout offer I couldn't refuse. I would have retired at 62 anyway, so it was an easy decision. 59 would have been a bit early for me, but if you're in a comfortable position with your investments, go for it. Don't be too conservative or aggressive with your investment portfolio. You'll probably be around for thirty years or more, which means a stock market crash like we had last year is no big deal. You're more likely to run out of money by being too conservative than too aggressive.

If possible, take your pension as a lump sum distribution rather than an annuity. With interest rates so low, you can almost certainly do better than the annuity payment by investing the lump sum yourself. And don't let your investment advisor convince you to invest your distribution in another annuity! Roll the lump sum distribution into an IRA and invest it in a 60 to 70 percent mix of stocks to bonds.
 
You are being two generous , tell him you gone in two weeks. None of use are even guaranteed tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement.
 
If it were me in your shoes, Id give him 2 weeks notice and be totally done with him. When you start to miss wrenching & fixing things, go by some old tractors and work on them at your pace on your time schedule.
 
I don't blame you for leaving. Just make sure you can afford or have health care until you can get Medicare. It sounds like you probably have done this but some don't realize the cost of this. If they come back desperate you cold offer your services as an advisor for an hourly fee that YOU set, no actual work done by you.
 
I have a friend a bit older than I am who retired 11 years ago due and in a conversation with him he said You'll know when you're ready. Sounds to me like you are ready. If the financial side looks ok (sounds like it does) I see no reason to stay feeling the way you do. I would agree with everyone who says give 2 weeks notice. It is becoming more common now when one gives 2 weeks they are often told just finish the week out, or even just finish the day out. i have been retired nearly a year due to stage 4 cancer. I wish you the best and would encourage you to also consider what you will do for health insurance till you hit 65. Remember , you can always go back to work somewhere else if you get bored. Most of my retired friends havent gotten that bored yet!
 
You need to do what you think is best for yourself for sure.On the other hand about every employee always thinks they could run things better than the boss just the way things go.The owner is the boss and you are an employee with no skin(money) in the game.Personally I'd of had a talk with the boss before now and tell him I was worth more money if I thought that was the case.No matter how much equipment they have added its still an 8 hour day get done what you can and let the boss worry about what isn't getting done.If you want to run things start your own company.
 

Be prepared to be escorted off the premises within an hour of giving notice.

More than once I said nothing more than going to the receptionist and asking for a good sized box.
Packing up my stuff and letting it sit. Sometimes an observant super would notice (or be told by the receptionist).
And a discussion would take place, ending on a good note.

Giving 60 days might result in being tasked with training your replacement. And you might be training many before the boss hires someone that will work out.
 
(quoted from post at 09:44:34 08/27/21) I don't blame you for leaving. Just make sure you can afford or have health care until you can get Medicare.
Click to expand...

No medicare until 65 (I think).
Health insurance via cobra after leaving a job is almost always unaffordable.

But don't overlook health insurance via o bama care.
 
Dont give more than 2 week notice . I set my retirement date
6 weeks out , was most miserable time I had working in my
life. Manager attitude changed toward me. Wish Id waited
and just walked instead of giving notice.
 
First off as many others have said give 2 weeks notice not 2 months.

I have years of experience on both sides of the table.

As an employer, at times things get busy and not every problem or concern gets attention until it becomes a squeaky wheel.

When a concern is brought to attention is when you will see a bosses true colors.

Do the 2 weeks notice and you my be surprised at how much they are willing to accommodate your situation.

I have had many employees that have come to me with problems ranging from marital to health to finance etc and 90 percent of the time I was able to come up with an acceptable solution.

Bosses are not mind readers and although you may be feeling left out your boss may be feeling he doesn't want to be overburdening you with some of the things you mentioned you would like to do.

Not saying it is the case but on the other hand maybe he just plain doesn't like you and will be happy to see you leave.

You won't know until you play your cards and being that you have already decided you can do alright without the wages your in a real good position to come out smiling.

Whatever you decide I wish you the best, I have left several jobs and positions over the years and started fresh, this tends to be out of most peoples comfort zone but it is quite achievable and rewarding regardless of your age.
 
give the two weeks and go if you are comfortable with it. i turn 67 and have yet got the retirement thing down, still working
 
Like most others, I also think that 60 days is excessive. He hasn't exactly treated you like one of the family. Does he deserve any better?

Your biggest concern is medical insurance. One sickness can wipe you out for life.
 
Two weeks notice and be ready to be walked out the door when you give it.

The last couple years I worked everyone who put in a notice got escorted out immediately. I expected the same when I went to HR and filled out my retirement papers. HR manager said they don't hold it against you if you're full retirement age.
 
I follow your thought process in the visiting before needing to go, yes, the employer should show
employees more love, they can't find enough of us, but we as employees need to have some empathy for
the owner's keeping the lights on. I have a co-worker that is 68, been working 25-30 hours on 3 day
of the week schedule. He has his moments, but it does give him a sense of need and job well done, very
much like the original post. I think you are right, go talk, share your thought of slowing down,
set your time schedule ahead of time, ie 20 hr/wk, share that if you are going to be used for teaching the
next mechanic that your pay should be compensated over what you were already at! Have your barrels loaded
with some notes on paper, so that when the questions come up from boss to you, in this meeting, that you have
the level head reply to share good concise appropriate answers back to him/them! Good luck in whichever way the
Lord guides you!
just my outlook from the pasture in West Central Mo. GG
 
Don't know what your benifits plan is but keep it under consideration. Self employed farmer here and Med insurance is over 24,000 a year and If I was starting a new plan I couldn't get it except for external_link care. Yes I know this was mentioned earlier.

Don't know your contract and truthfully other than running a restaurant and part time for the State I really don't have much experience. If your contract reads two months than that is what you have to give. Sounds like things aren't happy at work and if you are gonna follow through I would suggest this. Have your tools ready to load up at the drop of a hat and give two weeks notice. I have a friend who did this at a farm equipment dealer, was a family outfit friend and bosses son work in back boss did sales and parts and boss's wife kept books. Boss was a a nice guy and I think good to work for but in situations like this could have a bit of a temper I guess so friend had over the course of a couple months got his tools in order before giving his two weeks. Boss said to his son so what do you think Son said I think it's time to close shop. At bosses request friend had his tools loaded and out the door that day. He did wind up helping some with the auction But boss was not a happy camper on the day of his quitting.

Don't know your situation but if your boss will listen I would suggest going in with a list of complaints, suggestions, etc and a good attitude, you can always fall back on giving notice if that is the way the conversation goes but I would have my workspace ready to pack up within the day.

sorry for the ramble but that is my 2 cents

jt
 
I guess I should clarify a little. Oh, and thank you all for the friendly replies. I find it interesting how many folks are/were in similar situations. I currently have my own insurance. I sort of Cobra from my previous employer at the retiree rate. I pay it and can manage the cost. My bosses idea of company paid health insurance was to offer me $50 a month! I kind of made my boss out to be a real ah@le, which he is becoming more. He has /was good to me in the past but is truly becoming more fixated on profit. His business is his hobby too, he spends all hours thinking about it. Its not uncommon for my emails to be time stamped at 3AM. He cant understand why everyone that works for him doesn't feel the same way. He is also hooked on Self Help/Management books and has all his managers read them and attend seminars. His idea of an urgent matter is chrome simulator hubcaps on a lawn service truck that may not hardly run. He is the customer from heck, too. He really likes to jack up our vendors and expects me to do the same. His department heads are all young, less than 30. Not an issue, but at a different place in their career than me, so he gets away with treating them bad/differently than me. I know some of my ways cramp his style but he also knows if he ever spoke to me like he does to those young guys, I'd tell to pound sand. I thought I would be the bigger person and offer him time to find someone, if its a week, ok, longer, ok too. I'm hot, tired, and over dealing with irritating people. I have at least six tractors and a Scout to restore, heck, just tidying up will take a year. My mind is made up.
 
Hello, After reading all of the replays I'd give him a notice your leaving, when you see his response and what he says is when you can tell him it's two weeks or sixty days! I'd bet a hundred bucks he'll offer you more to stay! He knows you've been there for a long time and just takes you for granted that your not going anywhere. What ever you do don't ever leave him with a bad taste because he won't want to leave a good recommendation if you want to find another job. Sounds like you are OK with the money, but you might want to find just a part time job. Back in the day when I moved to a different state I started a new business and was told by the boss(Owner)that it wouldn't last maybe two years, Well this past April first we passed forty-four years, and I retired in 1997 and I am 86, took my SS at 62yrs.so I think I've beat the SS system. My Son has the Company now as does quite well.
 
Unless your last name is in big letters on the side of the building, I would not get worked up about how the company will get along without you they will do just fine. Describe your situation to your boss and offer two weeks notice.
 
If you are truly retiring from the work force I would say see you later. No 60 day or 14 day notice. He can figure it out,
I had people give me 2 week notice when I worked as project manager. I said they were good to go right then.

Vito
 
As to giving a long notice, well as I was the only mechanic in my dept. I gave 3 mos. I suggested they get a replacement from one of the other depts. with an established employee so he wouldn't likely to leave in a couple of weeks. I would work with him for a couple of months to show him the machines and how to deal with them. Didn't take my advise and the guy they hired got ------ at the management and left in a month along with all I had showed him. The guy they did get had a long tough learning period. I tried to be helpful and get them to replace me with a known reliable established employee and it came back and bit them that they didn't listen to me. But I am retired (have been for 8 yrs. now) and not worrying.
 
(quoted from post at 13:16:00 08/27/21) .......... I'm hot, tired, and over dealing with irritating people.

I have at least six tractors and a Scout to restore, heck, just tidying up will take a year.

My mind is made up.
Click to expand...
Red Tom, imho, do it if you can afford to, spend the time with your family.
One of the biggest mistakes of my life, ..... No, [i:b60f3e6d6f]the[/i:b60f3e6d6f] Biggest mistake of my life was just always thinking that there would be more time..........

This post was edited by jimtrs on 08/27/2021 at 04:03 pm.
 
i managed a crew of about 30 millwrights/welders, and machinists. i had a guy give me 2 weeks notice. i let him stay. he used those 2 weeks to steal half the shop tools, sabotage some equipment, and try to delete lots of drawings. another employee gave me 2 weeks notice and used the 2 weeks to hurt himself, and go out on state industrial. last i heard he was still being collecting pay 3 years later. if you were to give me 2 weeks notice, i would have 2 people with you while you gathered your personal effects, and escort you off the premises. you need to be prepared for that. byw, i left my job after 37 years for many of the reasons you state. best decision i ever made. good luck to you.
 
60 days is generous. It would be wonderful if you could train someone in that time to do what you are doing. But it really isn't your responsibility to do so. A peons job is to do what he is told to do, and that is where it ends.
 
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