To leave now and start a new chapter?

27 Comments

1. maria roseMarch 17,2024 at 12:35AM UTC

   At age 60, even though you might want to stay more than those 2 remaining years until retirement, you don't want to start up a new job elsewhere because you suddenly got a letter of reprimand, which I am assuming occurred for something that required a written discipline action and is the only one that you have EVER gotten in your career at this job.--I am assuming that you have been there long enough in years to qualify for full retirement benefits at 62, which means you will have both the years and time. So why would you want to leave now, versus waiting it out for the next 2 years and then retiring as you state at full retirement benefits--did the reprimand include a hint of possible termination or downsizing or layoffs of people in your age group with that many years with the company? You are in charge of the ball right now and 2 years will go by very rapidly, giving you time to prepare all your financial budgets to control all your necessary costs to a manageable budget with retirement income. At the same time, you wait out delaying filling for your Social Security benefits at your FRA instead of filling early at 62, especially since you have a different benefit retirement under the federal government.

2. AnonymousMarch 17,2024 at 1:09PM UTC

   Try and ride it out

3. AnonymousMarch 17,2024 at 7:50PM UTC

   DON'T LEAVE. It is so hard to find work, it's a FT job just applying for stuff you're over qualified for and the AI resume weeding software makes it so HR never even sees your resume. Especially an older woman, you need to try and stay as long as possible.

4. Esther WormanMarch 18,2024 at 12:13PM UTC

   I left the work force early primarily because I made a terrible employee; strong willed and independent thinker. Government work was not for me and I discovered that late in life. If I were you. I would do what you can to stick it out until full retirement

5. EmpoweredGirl994334March 18,2024 at 12:27PM UTC

   Can you transfer within fed employment? That way you a take your benefit levels with you.

6. AnonymousMarch 18,2024 at 12:39PM UTC

   If this only happened once in 17 years, I think it sounds like the odds are in your favor, especially if you only need to lay low and stick it out for 2 more years. I also agree with the other poster who also mentioned you could look at transferring to another government job and therefore keeping your benefits.

7. GirlBossanova934974March 18,2024 at 1:04PM UTC

   This one is pretty simple. STICK with your current job and retire in 2 years. Chances for another negative review aka Letter of Reprimand are fairly small. The Federal Government is not like private industry where you can get ridden out on a made up PIP and tossed in 30 days. Count your days! In the meanwhile, you may wish to give serious thoughts to your retirement. What are you going to do? Spend your time? Live? 2 years can come and go fairly quickly.

8. Devon ChambersMarch 18,2024 at 1:58PM UTC

   I'd stay on for two more years if possible. As other posters here have stated, do work on getting your life after the federal government lined up...20 years service and 62 definitely helps with the retirement calculations...along with being able to remain in the FEHB program upon retirement.

9. AnonymousMarch 18,2024 at 5:42PM UTC

   Don't be forced to do anything you don't see as a viable thing to do. Depending upon the feedback letter contents - behavioral or performance? then decide your course of action. If you have improved and fixed whatever the problem is and still enjoy the role and the work then stay. If the content of the situation is behavioral has it changed? or was it just one customer or persons opinion you rebutted?

   Can you find another role and make up the difference in the 5800 per years elsewhere? How will your mental health be affected if you stay and something happens. it's a lot to unpack but you are the most likely person to know your level of tolerance for the what ifs. Check with those who know you well and can truly weigh in with you on what is right for you.

10. RosemaryMarch 19,2024 at 1:57AM UTC

    It would be hard to get another job in this market at age 60. Ageism is real. I would do whatever I needed to to stay for two years.

11. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 1:59PM UTC

    yes, but consult with an attorney NOW...to make sure you are protected in every day,and around every corner.

12. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 12:21PM UTC

    I would leave

13. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 12:22PM UTC

    So I've heard this multiple times about how companies that still have pensions will do whatever they can to jack around the recipients just before they become eligible for retirement. This is an effort to avoid paying them. This happens to teachers alot, but there are others. I'm sorry this is happening to you!!!! Please don't play "chicken" with this agency as clearly they are setting plans to make some foul moves with ill intent.

14. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 12:28PM UTC

    I want to add that a lot of labor laws were recently changed. It's much harder for employee to prove their cases (yes, even with EEOC involved) and the burden of proof has more requirements! Not to mention the ultimate decision (if it goes to court) will more than likely come before a judge appointed by the previous administration.

    It is for this reason, I say do not risk your retirement.

    However, I am not a lawyer. Perhaps you should consult with one to help determine your final decision. Please understand it's not as simple as "that's not fair" and "this isn't the right thing to do". Do not be disillusioned. . .

    Best of luck with the outcome!

15. Colleen HansonMarch 20,2024 at 1:24PM UTC

    You are SO right! My Dad was a teacher for 36 years and then a High School Assistant Principal. They did something similar to him a couple of years before he was set to retire and basically forced him to resign his position after a stellar, complaint free career. They used the excuse that he was "slacking" in his duties after returning, early and against doctors wishes, from cancer treatment. He was working 60+ hours a week, attending ALL events as required and still carrying out his daily duties so he was definitely not "slacking"; if anything he was working even harder. I have seen this happen over and over within several different types of industries, but I have seen it most often within the teaching profession.

16. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 2:00PM UTC

    I'm so sorry this happened to your father Colleen. I hope OP sees this post. I think a lot of people are responding, thinking that this is a 401k and not a pension. There is a difference!!!

17. Colleen HansonMarch 20,2024 at 6:15PM UTC

    Right!!! It is heartbreaking when this happens to ANYONE! Unfortunately I do not feel like there are enough laws to protect older workers, at least not laws that are enforced. In my Dad's case a comment was also made on the day he packed up his office and left about needing to bring in "younger, more progressive, blood". I encouraged him to talk to the EEOC and while they agreed that he was "pushed out" they said there was not enough proof to pursue it legally. I'm not sure what further proof they needed, since he had witnesses who also spoke to the EEOC. I do not think the EEOC does enough to protect the rights that we all should have as workers.

18. RoseMarch 20,2024 at 1:46PM UTC

    I hadn’t thought of this for the poster, but I’m afraid you’re right.

19. Rose CasianoMarch 20,2024 at 1:19PM UTC

    Stick it out!!

20. Anonymous GalMarch 20,2024 at 1:33PM UTC

    If you are asking, trust me, you should leave. The environment is no longer safe for you.

21. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 1:39PM UTC

    I don't have any good advice, but I want you to know that I am praying for you and sending positive energy your way.
    In these times, every dollar counts, and we've seen in Venezuela how quickly the value of money can deteriorate. I hope that doesn't happen here. It's worth noting that history has shown no democracy has lasted over 200 years, and the US is the oldest of the 10 oldest "democracies." Rome is the only other "democracy" that lasted 200 years, but it was really more of an Oligarchy disguised as a democracy. I mention this because it's possible that even if you stay, the world we know today may not exist in 5 years. If you feel pressured and don't want to be bullied, and if you can do some part-time work for the next 10-15 years, it might be a good idea to go. All of what we know might be gone by 2030, with a world-universal income.

22. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 2:12PM UTC

    The US is not and never had been a democracy. It is a Constitutional Republic and therefore unique.

23. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 1:57PM UTC

    A couple of things.

    You are 60- ageism is real. You most likely will not find another job in this market.

    At 60 - believe it or not you do hold the upper hand if let go. The local EEOC office can also provide additional guidance about your particular situation. Make sure to reach out to them for guidance before you just quit.

    I have personally seen people bounce back from PIP's, Letters of reprimand, etc. It depends on how you handle this situation.

    It appears you provided a rebuttal - that is good.

    Now find a mentor who is strong in the area the reprimand identified. Someone who can give you honest feedback, help you with an action plan, but also can be a champion for you. The other thing with the mentor/feedback process, is you can create documentation on willingness to change and move forward.

    Make sure to schedule one on one meetings with your boss, to gather feedback on progression and performance.

    You have two years to bridge for a larger annuity payment. $5,800 is a lot of money to leave on the table. If by chance the do terminate - negotiate the terms of your settlement - Unemployment, insurance and yes the amount of your annuity. Just know you are protected and they have to allow you longer time to review any proposed settlements before you sign than they would for someone under 40.

24. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 1:58PM UTC

    my neighbor worked for 22 years as a postal inspector for USPS. She had a very important position, traveled, and high responsibility. She went thru a similar process with the postal service about two years ago. It was horrible for her. False accusations by much younger peers, in another city/work location...this went on for months. My friend felt that she was being carefully "moved out" due to her age and proximity to retirement.(she had a very stellar record with them, doing high level investigations in big crime cases)...this went on and on for month. She did consult with an employment attorney and shared all details. She could see the handwriting on the wall. She finally settled, with the attorney's guidance, on an "agreement" with USPS- she worked another 15 mos and got an agreeable retirement pension (not what she would have had, but satisfactory considering the alternatives). We do NOT know the details of your situation- you have not shared enough for me to conjecture. But 5800/ year over 10 or 20 years (not counting interest) adds up, my friend. I think you need to bring all of your information and details to an attorney and get a real consult- NOT HERE. it will be worth the few hundred you spend (or a bit more) to get real help with this. But go to someone with experience working with the federal government/employment-- not just a local attorney. Do this very soon!

25. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 2:46PM UTC

    This answer is the way. Not OP, but thank you for sharing this.

26. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 2:46PM UTC

    Stick it out!

    My husband got terrible assignments and treatment just before he retired. Most of the over 50s at his company with pensions got the same treatment. He beat them at their game, retired and got his full pension last year. Don't let the bean counters win.

27. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 3:19PM UTC

    Former govt SES manager here. I would recommend that if you are in a union, speak with them. If you are not, speak with an employment attorney about your options. Until then, stick it out. Document everything. Every conversation, every interaction that seems a bit off, every piece of feedback - formal or not. Gather records of your performance history. Make sure you have them in case you need them. Trust me, it is hard to let government employees go. I had a hard time even taking action about a known drug user with several positive tests for illicit substances. They are trying to make it bad enough that you will leave. Don't let them do that. An employment lawyer will help you prepare responses and remarks that will assist you in positioning yourself for success for the next two years. Retirement benefits are very desirable and it's unlikely you will be able to find the same type of work immediately in the private sector - regardless of what you do. Most leaving the government have a hard time translating government terms, success, and criteria to a private sector job in a short amount of time. Stick it out for the 2 years. OPM can be a resource here as well. Reach out to one of their EEO counselors. Do it sooner as there is a 180 day timeline to file a complaint. Take this seriously and it will force your management team to take it seriously as well.