My countdown clock is getting closer and it's all looking on track (touch wood).
I'm completing the handover to my replacement and feel pretty good about their ability to get things done after I've gone. Work is getting pretty slow, with just 1 or 2 little projects to complete but nothing too onerous at all. And Megacorp HR processes are now in full swing. The house movers did the survey yesterday and we've booked the date we wanted to pack the house. Megacorp approved having the container sent to where we want it - to our base in USA - rather than back to the official base country.
Air tickets are imminent, and my chosen route was also approved, so we get a 1 week stopover on the way, which means we can spend some time with family and use up some remaining leave.
Also got the official letter confirming I'll be made redundant with the nice 'free' OMY severance package. I'll be back on base payroll as an employee for just 1 day, and will only have to come into the office to sign paperwork. The statutory 3 months notice in base country will be paid out in lieu. Yet megacorp policy for returning expats still applies, which means we get provided a month's free accommodation and hire car, plus about $200 a day for misc expenses. So a nice paid vacation to boot!
Megacorp are being super nice on the whole, as it's all covered by pretty rigid procedures and they feel a bit responsible for kicking me out 'involuntarily'. There are a few details to be worked out, and you need to do your research so you know your way around the policies and what to ask for, but not surprisingly I'm feeling good about the company. After 28 years of great work in various locations overseas as an expat for Megacorp, I have no complaints. It's thanks to them that I've been able to 'stache enough to FIRE comfortably while living a pretty nice life and travelling the world.
Megacorp have even asked me if I could please come back to do a week's consultancy in November. I can't say no [the retirement police can go screw themselves, as that deal will entail business class flights to a lovely location, 4 star hotel & expenses, plus about $10k]. This will helpfully force me to set up the framework of a little consultancy business, and thus enable the opportunity to pick up occasional short term work (that I enjoy) every once in a while next year, maybe 4 weeks a year, with all the small business tax optimisation benefits that brings with it.
As a result, I'll be moving my FIRE date up to 17th July @54 years old. 55 days to go. Still hard to believe this is actually happening. I keep having to pinch myself.
I think I must have been a very good boy in a previous life.