I just had my 34 year anniversary at my high stress job. It gets worse and worse every year, yet they increase my pay just enough to keep me trapped in this cycle. I know it’s killing me physically. I wish I were as brave as you.
That was part of what made mine “easier”, they were not paying enough. They’ve gone multiple years (more often than not, actually) that I got basically no raise at all and two years I took home less a previous year because of such a tiny raise in pay but a huge increase in the cost of the benefits. Those golden handcuffs are tough to break out of and the longer you are somewhere the scarier it is to leave. You’ll be able to find the courage to leave or the strength to endure. 🤍
I retired 2.5 years ago, after 41 years, from a company that also lost its soul. It was a wonderful place to work for about 25-30 years and then it nosedived because of people brought in to run it. The mental mistreatment that goes on is huge. I also had a feeling of pure joy as the date I chose for my retirement approached. The day I submitted my retirement was so freeing.
Congrats on making it through and retiring to happier times! One of my favorite people at my old company is close to retirement himself and he’s the second longest serving employee in company history. He was the first person to call me after I quit and show his support. He’s planning on retiring in a few months and I can hear in his voice the relief. I’m so happy for everyone who can get out of a bad place one way or another.
This is something to be so proud of! Good luck to you, and your brave new life! ❤ I'm in this right now myself, it's happy and sometimes scary, (but in all the thoughts, the one I haven't had is regret) you will feel you coming back to you. ✌& ✊& all the best!
