You Never Know

Still working feverishly to meet an important project deadline,  I got my seventh layoff package in 20 years. I waited for a taxi to take me home with my personal belongings, but I left the responsibilities and decisions with my manager.

Once again, it was time for me to move on.

Little did I know then that I would be out of work for almost a year. Nothing prepared me for the day I exhausted my 26 week unemployment benefit, or a hand injury that led me to collect eight more weeks of disability benefits.

I was prepared somewhat for the job search by updating my resume and applying for jobs that I believed suited me. I was not prepared for the 40 rejection notices that focused on my "lack of skills"  or "relevant experience" (but I suspected may have been influenced by my age).

Accepting what seemed inevitable, I finally admitted that I was done.

Then, a funny thing happened. I felt a load was taken off my shoulders since I no longer wanted to jump back into the rat race of the long hours (and long commutes) working in Silicon Valley, I explored the possibility of retiring early and moving to a more leisurely (and affordable) lifestyle in the San Joaquin Valley near Sacramento. After consulting with realtors and financial advisors, my wife and I made plans to sell our home in the Bay Area.

As these plans were being put in place, I got a call to interview for a job where they actually wanted someone with my background and experience that was quickly followed by an offer that I couldn't refuse.

So, I guess I can put off early retirement.

But you never know...