In Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, Dr. McCoy describes himself as having been, "...for the past 27 years, Chief Medical Officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise; in 3 months, I stand down."
In my day job, Fred, if you're still reading, I myself have been, for the past 27 years, Backup and Storage Administrator of a major national post office*, and in just under 4 months, I say my goodbyes, not just to friends and colleagues, but to the building in which I've worked for most of my 42.7-year career.
I've enjoyed (for the most part) my tenure in the Post Office - I've made friends, developed my skills to become the acknowledged expert in my field(s), but I won't be sad to move on. I always thought I would be, like an institutionalised prisoner released after half a lifetime who hears the gates clanging shut behind him, but the truth is I can't wait.
Well, one truth, anyway.
The real truth is that we're moving to a new, purpose-built HQ in another part of town, a vanity project by the CEO to 'modernise' the company, but it's not how (or where) I wanted to finish my career.
Not that the new building is unattractive; quite the contrary in fact. It's on the river, close to the port, and is served by one of the city's two tram lines, which terminates less than 50 metres from the main door. I think that, were I a younger man, I'd probably like it and look forward to working there.
It's got a lot going for it - the design is worker-friendly, with bicycle parking, shower and drying facilities, coffee stations and a full restaurant rather than a canteen.
It is, however, on the 'wrong' side of the river, in a neighbourhood that is not known for neighbourliness after sunset, and this is a concern for some of the workforce that will be transitioning to the new premises.
The company appears unconcerned, though, and are working from the perspective of "Sure it'll be grand"...
I remain unconvinced but the benefits would appear to outweigh the deficits so who am I to judge?
I don't necessarily want to work there, though.
Truth be told, I don't know what I want to do after retirement - I might go back to school for a degree in Literature or do something with languages (Italian and German, perhaps) or take a course in Creative Writing or Genealogy - the thing is, I don't know yet so it'll be fun to find out.
Roll on August...
