Well, it's funny you would bring this up, as earlier today I was thinking that I might want to update you folks on the situation. What timing, eh?Well @Squatch it's been a couple months. What's the word?
So, I've had a few more meetings, including one with the president of the company, and the support for me taking the position is strong. As for how I'm looking at it, I'm about 80% leaning toward accepting the promotion. I spoke with the plant manager, and I told him that the final piece of information that I need would be that of the salary. He chuckled that he was wondering if he needed to "dangle the money carrot" in front of me to prompt me to accept. He then went on to say that he needs a solid date from my boss on his retirement (my boss is kind of backpedaling a little on whether he really wants to retire just yet, or not). We all believe that yes, he will elect to follow through with the retirement, but a set date is needed. Anyways, if/when that happens (within the next couple of weeks, I was told), then an offer will be written out for me to consider. He says he wasn't in a position to give me any numbers just yet, but that the compensation would be considerable. That sounds promising...
I've been struggling over this issue since it was first proposed to me. However, I've come to the conclusion that after 37 years of doing the exact same thing, there is no challenge in it for me. I've stagnated, and become complacent. Hell, I'm bored out of my mind. At least the new position and schedule would offer me something to challenge my way of life. It would also better my situation in retirement, which is truly the ultimate goal. I want to be done with the workaday world by 63 years of age, and this might be my last opportunity to improve my chances of successfully reaching that goal. I'm nervous as hell about all of this, but also getting a little excited, as well.
So thanks for asking, buddy. I'll be sure and update you again when I know something more.