So, today marks five months since my retirement, and I have to say that it's been kind of a mixed-bag, thus far. For starters, to hell with actually trying to plan anything. When I said I was looking forward to garage time, I meant having the time to work on my
own projects. That, however, has not been the case. It's been one repair after another on the family's vehicles. The wife's car needed new suspension parts, full brakes, and other such maintenance things. The daughter's minivan needed the entire cooling system replaced, as well as a starter. Her other minivan needed an electrical diagnosis and subsequent repair, which I just finished today. Then there's the neighbors and their vehicles. Once they noticed I was no longer working, I seem to be their go-to guy for repairs. I don't really mind helping them out, but in the end, it further cuts into my time for my own projects. Oh, well. I guess I could always say "no".
I don't regret having left the place I was working for. Since my departure, there have been a handful of others who have parted ways with the company, as well. Some have been long-term employees, as I was. That doesn't bode well for the establishment. I believe that when employees start seeing their coworkers bailing, it triggers a mindset that perpetuates more resignations.
When I left, it had a lot to do with the (lack of) quality of the people who were coming into the place. Well, there is apparently a new issue to add to it. As a buddy who still works there put it, no one is happy with the latest round of new-hires. It almost appears that HR is going out of their way to bring in folks who have "transitioned" or who are currently going through the process. This has lead to issues amongst the crews with the restrooms, amongst other things. Right before I left, I had a couple of interviews where I couldn't tell the gender of the individual, which meant I had to choose my words carefully. Well, it looks like that trend has continued. I'm sure as hell glad that I don't have to deal with that sort of nonsense, or I'd end up in HR or be named in some sort of lawsuit. As far as I'm concerned, I got out just in time.
Anyways, I'm still adjusting to my new "schedule", such as it is. Just thought I'd throw this stuff out there.
