I am facing a buyout at work. There is one head on the chopping block in our little subdivision of the newsroom, and three candidates, two old friends and me. I am in a position to force out one of the old friends with less seniority, but frankly I think it might be pyrrhic treachery, as it will mean more work for those of us left, and for me, less cartooning and more writing. If I go, the sad reality is that they will be able to plug in generic cartoons that come cheap from Outside. If I stay I will have to maintain a pace that will be blistering. This is at odds with Parkinson's, to put it mildly. To paraphrase the immortal Scotty (Who, by the way, had PD) I am not sure I can take warp 8 much longer.
Pam has cleverly been recognized as too important to consider parting with, so if I leave, we will retain insurance. We have savings, last time I checked. And there is about half a year of severance pay available for me. Furthermore, My son's college is free to families making under $75,000 a year. I believe that in 5 years, I will be able to begin collecting retirement.
And I have a shoe card at Skinny Raven with several stamps that will get me well on my way to a free pair of running shoes. And my sense of humor.
I have made no decision yet. Cue The Clash, "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" I will keep you posted.