Somewhat over a year ago I told my employees that I would be retiring on my birthday in 2009.  I owed them that heads-up because I feel that each one of them is part of my extended family.  I did not want to dump a goodbye on them only weeks before my exit.

I have been looking forward to abandoning the daily grind for quite some time now.  My father stuck it out in the family business well into his eighties and never gave up.  He died with his boots on, as the saying goes.  I am made of different stuff.  I always felt that "when it is time to go, it is time to go". 

So a planned transition is going on in full swing right now in my business.  I have given my notice - the day is set. All will go as planned.

But...

As the time draws ever closer I'm having second thoughts. This is really hard to do - give up my life's work and pretend that I'm not interested anymore. Nevertheless I'm committed to following through with my plan. I have plenty of hobbies that are not getting proper attention and stacks of magazines and books that are collecting dust.

And so, my brain is pulling me in two different directions. It is very difficult to stick with my announced plans and not look back. Probably I and a few others who are at this juncture in life are the only ones who fully understand the craziness that Bret Favre has leashed on the community.   I wish him happy retirement in New York.