Yesterday, (March 29, 2013) I walked into IBM as an employee
for the last time. It was a strange
feeling – all the different emotions – happy, sad, relieved, stress free,
etc. as I turned in my laptop, badge and
credit card. This made it so final and
real. It was hard saying good-bye to
individuals, co-workers I have worked with over the years. It wasn’t a “good-bye” in the sense I will
never see them again. I know I will, I’m
not leaving the area, well not yet anyway.
I think the first month will feel like vacation before I realize I no
longer need to drive south on congested Route 27.
I made my decision to retire last October while on vacation at Myrtle
Beach. The beach and the mountains have
always been a place where I could truly relax and not think about work and what
was waiting for me when I returned. I
always knew when I would know it was time.
Time to retire. During that 10 day
vacation at the beach, we relaxed, walked the beach twice a day, got up early
to watch the sun rise, enjoyed the pool and basically did nothing. I brought
jewelry projects to work, but I never took them out of the bag. During one of our walks I turned to my husband
and said “ if this is what retirement is like. I can do this”. No stress, no final deadlines, no presentations
to make, just being free and doing whatever I like. I decided yes this feels right and hence my
decision. I had until the middle of
March when I signed my retirement papers to change my mind – I never once
thought about changing my mind. Many close friends and co-workers (not
everyone knew of my decision) still did not believe I was going to retire until
I officially announced. I did not make
any formal announcement as many others before me have done, I just wanted to
slide under the radar. I did not want a
lot of attention or focus on me. I knew
it would be too emotional. I was fine in
group settings, but the one-on-ones were very difficult.
IBM does provide a
retirement dinner where I can invite a small number of people to
celebrate. Well, I could not cut my
invite list down to the required number so I said I would pay for the extras
and on top of that I went out in style, a limo was rented for all of us to
eliminate driving and more time for partying.
It was a wonderful, memorable fun night – lots of stories and lots of laughter. The champagne started flowing at 5PM and the
evening did not end for me until 1AM.
Some pictures were taken, but most did not turn out. I also
had a wonderful luncheon sponsored by many co-workers – it was unexpected and a
surprise. All in all it was a very nice
send off to the next chapter of my life.
I can honestly say I will miss all the IBMers I have known and worked
with over the years. I have some very close friends I will miss seeing on a daily basis.
In total I have worked as a professional for 43 years, 13+
at Wisconsin Telephone Company in Milwaukee and 30 at IBM in Gaithersburg,
Maryland. I have had successful careers
at both companies and never regretted my move to Maryland to work for IBM. I have a lot of fond memories from both
companies. I will say I am happy I left
both companies on my terms. A lot can be
said for that.
The last two nights I slept soundly and felt totally rested
by morning. In fact I woke up earlier
than normal. I had not felt that good in
a long time. I think all built up stress
has left my body. I mentioned this to my
husband and he replied “Welcome to retirement!”
I received a card and letter for a retired co-worker – he said “if it
takes longer than a nanosecond to adjust – see a doctor”. I can admit, I do not need to see a
doctor. I can and will adjust.
I am looking forward to the next chapter – more time for art
and jewelry making, exercising at a normal hour and doing absolutely
nothing. My calendar is already filling
up with art classes and retreats.
Woohoo – happy days ahead! No regrets.
