Time To Go
Posted in Miscellaneous on April 20th 2017 by Randy Reichardt.: In late Fall 2016, after much thought and consideration, I decided to retire from the University of Alberta Libraries on 30 June 2017, two days after my 64th birthday. I did not have a moment of clarity or a revelatory instant. It just seemed to evolve naturally. June 30th is the end of the University of Alberta’s calendar year, which makes it easy to ensure that my holidays are used up by that time. It’s two days after my birthday, and it’s a Friday before a long weekend in Canada – a perfect setup for ending my career and walking out the door (but not necessarily for the last time.) When I leave, I will have worked at the U of A for 33 years and 9.5 months, approximately. A decent run, if you ask me.
My position was advertised recently, with a closing date of 28 April 2017. That a position is being advertised while the departing staff member is still working here is unprecedented in our system. To date I know of at least one person who will be applying for the job.
I gave my notice at the beginning of January 2017, and yesterday, the shit got real: I received my Universities Academic Pension Plan documents, which need to be completed for me to start receiving a pension in July 2017. There’s no turning back now. 🙂
I have no major plans for my post-retirement life just yet. I am confident that activities and new passions will evolve in due time. I have consulted with friends and colleagues, and have received much good advice and guidance.
I will leave my job, my career, at the highest level: I love my job, my supervisor and colleagues, and my many contacts in the Faculty of Engineering, including countless professors and students, both undergrad and grad. I have been blessed to have had this position for such a long time. I am a lucky man.
Before I go, I’ll be in NYC next week for my final meeting with the Knovel Engineering Academic Solutions Library Advisory Board, and two weeks before I leave I will be in Phoenix for my final SLA conference. I am looking forward to sleeping in, reading, catching up on movies and television, mucking about in my flower beds, and decompressing.