I wrote my letter of resignation today and I highly recommend the exercise. I didn't hand it in yet, and I'm grappling with OMY syndrome and some other emotional/transitional issues. But, the reason I recommend the exercise is that it forced me to start addressing WHY I want to fire. I was inspired to do it after reading Ernie Zielinski's book, "How to Retire Wild, Happy and Free." When I finally do pull the trigger I'm going to give my employer a brief, but polite, letter. But, this is one that I'm going to share with a few others -- in my social circle and professional circle.
I learned things about myself. For instance:
This decision has been made after a lengthy period of discernment. After careful thought, I have simply concluded that many of my personal and professional goals cannot be pursued while I am employed full time, and all that it entails (commuting 8-10 hours per week, scheduling family and vacation plans around month and year-end deadlines.) In the course of doing this job over the last XXXX years I have logged over 150,000 miles commuting -- enough to circumnavigate the globe almost seven times. I have stressed my body from sitting in the car and at a desk for eleven hours a day. I have put off doing things with friends, aging parents, siblings, and humanitarian causes that I care about. And I wish to circumnavigate the globe for real, while I still have the energy and health to do it.
To those expressing shock at how we might support ourselves without “real” jobs -- rest assured that we have prepared for this second act of our lives through careful saving and investing, paying off our mortgage, and a big “assist” from the Affordable Care Act -- which will enable us to purchase health insurance not tied to employment. I trust that once freed from the daily tyranny of a schedule that as long as we have food, shelter, health insurance, an internet connection, a public library card, and enough “running around” cash to put gas in our car and pay our modest bills that we will feel as if we’re living like royals and that any challenges that may arise will either fall under “first world problems” or “problems that even money can’t fix.” The first category can be dismissed or dealt with in creative ways, and the latter takes time, energy, or a change-of-perspective -- none of which can be drummed up while perched on a desk chair.