After 30 years with a bank and 10 years as director of a state quality award program, I retired from the work force in 2003 and have never looked back. As I approach being a septuagenarian next year in March, I look back on my work history with fondness, satisfaction, accomplishment, excitement, and maybe a bit of frustration.

There were highs and lows, great bosses and management teams, and of course a smattering of jerks disguised as senior management. Although I’ve had several opportunities to return to the daily grind over the years, I have opted to stay retired. And as I interact with former colleagues, neighbors, and friends who are still employed, I’m firmly convinced that remaining on the sidelines and avoiding the struggles that many are now experiencing is the right choice for me.

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