[Bookie]

Well, I spent my entire professional life at the same institution. After 32 years a reorganization merged my unit and two others, and I became a department head without department. I had a title, an office, all of the appurtences of my position -- and no job. So I chose to retire.

I could have stayed on, stubbornly grinding out the years and occupying myself with whatever the administration chose to toss my way. Others had done so, and I'd watched as they became bitter, angry, and resentful. Careers that spanned decades where poisoned by the events of those last months. I promised myself I would never allow that to happen to me.

By electing an early and graceful retirement, I left feeling good about myself, my career, and my institution. And, as important, I left allowing them to feel good about me. The retirement party was a celebration of my accomplishments. Today, I return to lunch regularly with my former colleagues. We're glad to see one another, and I have no regrets.