DISCUSSIONS

I am nearing retirement and have been considering leaving my full time job to work part time.

Anonymous Image

Anonymous

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

I am nearing retirement and have been considering leaving my full time job to work part time. My target date is 4 months away. I let me team know I was considering leaving my role after sitting on it for several months, and a week after I shared this with them, one of them decided to use my leaving to ask for more money, under the premise she is already overworked. In truth, she is a pro at looking like she’s working but doesn’t actually do much. She leaves early most days of the week, and I step in and finish our projects so we meet our daily deadlines. It’s one of the reasons the timing felt right to leave to pursue a part time job. Because she went to a higher up and told her I was leaving to frame her demand for more money, this person immediately reached out and asked me to submit my resignation in writing, saying they want to post my position asap. At this point, I had not even had a conversation with her. She also asked if I could be flexible and leave early if they find someone who needs to start right away. I was surprised to be asked for a written resignation 4 months in advance. And expressed that in my response. I also shared that my other teammate has been trying to convince me not to leave and I was conflicted. For perspective, this is an associate role, which I took a year ago because I wanted less responsibility. I have previously held the senior role .

I know that once the role is posted they will be inundated with applications because it is a desired industry, but as it is a junior role, they will not find someone with my experience unless it’s a similar situation where someone is looking for a small income, health benefits and less stress.

I’m wondering if anyone has faced something like this? While I do intend to give formal notice, I was planning to do that 6 weeks from my target date, not 4 months.

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Like

18 comments

Share

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

18 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Elise Pilkington

    I am confused about why you shared your plans (or consideration of plans) to leave in four months. It sounds like you think six weeks notice is adequate for them to fill the position, so why not wait? Your coworker's approach may have been unexpected, but it's not at all unusual for an employer to decide not to let someone work out their full intended notice.

  2. Anonymous

    It was definitely a mis-step. This is a company that announces retirements months in advance and while I’m not retiring from there, I didn’t anticipate they’d rush to fill what is barely above an entry level position. As for why I let the team know early, two weeks after I started, the girl in the senior role was in a car accident and sustained a brain injury. She didn’t take any time off, came in every day, but said she couldn’t look at a computer screen, couldn’t lift her arms, could only work 3 hour days, and I had to fill the slack. All of this was self reported, she produced no doctors orders and it was 6 months before someone else told HR she was in an accident and they asked for documentation and doctors orders before things changed. She wasn’t able to, or didn’t want to produce those, so she worked longer hours but still complained about physical symptoms and left early for doctor and therapy appointments so my work load from her plate didn’t really lessen. A year later, she still hasn’t settled her lawsuit, she still comes to work, never took sick or PTO through all this and therefore has 6 weeks vacation time she has to take, so my leaving is going to severely impact her, and the rest of our small team who will need to find new ways to work, in order to get projects completed. It’s part of the reason I’m leaving, but I also wanted to give them time to get it together or find a new workaround. The salary will not attract a senior person, and things will have to change as the new person won’t have the skills to do both roles. Or maybe I self-sabotaged because I wanted to leave earlier but haven’t quite made that emotional leap. ??‍♀️

  3. Anonymous

    I gave three months' notice of my retirement, but it was because my boss was also retiring, and they would need to fill both positions, but needed the time for full Social Security benefits to kick in. I had recently (like you) taken a lower position to lessen my stress, as I was going through a lot in my personal life at the time. For me, it worked out, and a month later, the CEO talked to me about stepping out a couple of weeks early, as it was a good transition point right before a full company planning meeting that would be useless for me to attend. They agreed to pay out my entire notice period plus all my accrued PTO, so if they are willing to do that, go ahead. No need to look back and wonder if you overshared or not, as long goodbyes are typically not very productive for you personally (as it impedes your next endeavor) or the company (as they spend too much time anticipating the transition or not allowing someone else to step into the position and go).

  4. Anonymous

    Too late to tell you never share your plans about leaving until the last possible second.

  5. Anonymous

    Unfortunately this type of information sort of forces your hand. Chance are you will be asked to leave far sooner than you would like.

  6. Anonymous

    While I haven't faced the same situation myself, I have learned that you really do not owe your employer and especially your coworkers details about your personal life decisions and choices until about two weeks.

    And, no one is irreplaceable. Also those that moan the most about all their work aren't doing much work. If they were working they'd be too busy to talk about it ALL THE TIME!

    Hope you can negotiate a sweet early release deal like one of the commenters.

  7. Anonymous

    I cut my losses and put in a 2 week notice, with the 2nd week burning vacation time they owe me. I’ll spend a little more on Cobra and enjoy the downtime. They can hire at their own pace. Win, win.

  8. misskelleyp

    This is EXACTLY why you don't share your plans until you are ready to pull the trigger, and then only two weeks to a month out. Sorry this happened to you, hopefully others can learn from this situation. In the meantime tell the supervisor that you were just "thinking out loud" with your team and no decisions had been made and that you will give them appropriate notice when you do make any kind of decision. But know that the damage may be done, and they may decide to fill your position and let you go at any point now.

  9. Anonymous

    This is EXACTLY why you don't share your plans about your employment. I know someone has already said the sentence in this thread, BUT I AM SAYING IT AGAIN. Your co-workers are not your friends no matter what. They will throw you under the bus, stab you in the back, etc.

    Now having said that you can tell your boss, that you were only contemplating a retirement and it has been taken out of context.- I know this is a lie, but you can still try. Or you can resign.

  10. Julie Wozniak

    Exactly. This comment is spot on.

  11. Deborah Skolnik

    I agree with everything except what you said about co-workers. I have worked with many lovely people and been blessed with their friendship for decades. I was a bridesmaid in one of their weddings back in 1998, and we just had lunch yesterday. If you go around assuming every coworker is ready to throw you under the bus and stab you in the back, you will be ready to do those things too, and have a miserable career.

  12. Anonymous

    The minute you breathe the words retirement you become a lame duck! Period. I’ve actually had certain nefarious folk ask me when I intended to retire…ageism much??! My response was a resounding NEVER! That should be everyone’s response whether true or not. Gone are the days of gentile retirement and the gold watch etc. when and if I do decide to retire it will not be anyone’s business and will be treated as a normal resignation. Take care of yourself first

  13. Anonymous

    I fully agree with you. I'm in my 60's and while I'm knocking on the door of retirement age, when folks ask me if I'm going to retire, I say "probably not anytime soon. Can't afford it." While I really could retire, but if and/or when I decide to do it, it's going to be on my terms. As you've said, "Take care of yourself first."

  14. Anonymous

    Firstly...NEVER announce that you "might" be retiring. This is what happens and although you were trying to be helpful to your employer, The employer will not be equally loyal to you, nor will your co workers.... Unfortunately,

    I don't have any advice for you now because you let the cat out of the bag. I am now in my sixties and still enjoy working but working part time Is a perfect blend of both worlds.. I went part time three years ago.

  15. Tracy

    Oh shoot! NEVER tell anyone that you are thinking of retiring or leaving a job unless you are ready to turn the resignation in. I don't have any advice but unfortunately its out there and it can't be undone so it might be time to think about part time!

  16. Anonymous

    It’s not really your concern if the coworker asked for a raise. And the lack of productivity- that is employer’s job to address. And if they haven’t addressed it thus far, you might be dodging a bullet by leaving now.

  17. Dawn McDonnell

    The real question is what exactly do you want to do? Retirement means different things to different people.

    Retirement as it relates to FRA= full retirement age for receiving social security ? In that case can you wait until you’re 70? That is an increase % of approximately 8 % each year until age 70 and that # is what you will receive for the rest of your life.

    If you are married and wait you can combine your and your married partner for the best of 35 years working.

    If you are near retirement age whatever that is and decide to work part time remember the 2 yr prior prior that kicks in for Medicare. This can be a substantial increase depending on your salary .

    This also can institute IRMA in additional taxes.

    Your goal - is to do what works for you. What you enjoy, your time is precious. Lots of this comes down to taxes. 75 RMD’s Roth conversions so ur not wacked with Taxes.

    Do what you love to do that gives you peace and flexibility with your time and seek professional finance advice in a 401k world of chaos. Move your money, roll it over to a discount company ie Charles Schwab, manage & learn or hire a CFP & tax expert.

    This is more about life style. Forget the gal. Do what’s good for you & your health .

  18. devine speights

    Don't submit your resignation yet and stop telling your business at work and make sure you have a new job lined up. Make sure you use all of your vacation then resign

Browse recent posts

jljl3ph
Plan construction projects with the Concrete Calculator, a practical online tool for estimating material quantities, calculating concrete requirements, managing costs, and simplifying building work.
Hiii everyone!
I'm. Current looking for remote jobs
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
See more
Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members