and sobbing. I'd run screaming down the road, but those days are way over.

A month or so ago, with 14 months to go until retirement, I'd finally dug in my heels and resolved to do whatever I had to do to make it. Quit everything else. Go to bed at 7:00. Whatever. I think I can, I think I can.

Then...could it be?? Rumors of an "early out" opportunity! No monetary incentive, but the opportunity to be retired a few months early! Then confirmation! It's true! An answer to prayer!

But wait! It's not for Postmasters (me) but for other positions. *sigh* Serves me right for getting my hopes up.

Once again, make peace with the idea that I now have 13 months to go. Okay, I can do this thing. Don't think about "I wish" or "what if", just go to work and do my job, and I'll get there, one day at a time.

And then! And then! A few days ago, a rumor that, YES! There MIGHT be an early out available for me after all! An official request has been made to the Office of Personnel Management to offer an early out to Postmasters!! Woo hoo! It might happen!

But read the fine print. It "might" happen. Over the next couple of years. No promises. Balloon popped.

I feel like a big fat ping pong ball. It's easy to say "Don't get your hopes up", but you know what? It's easy to say.

aw b2y that bites, that would of been great for you I am sorry,

Thank you for the "aw", Frank, it made me feel better.

I don't know what to say except that really sux! Do you have a lot of vacation time or sick days? Take FMLA days in conjunction wth your sick time or short term disability (if your doc would be wiling to do the paper work and back you up) so they can't hold it against you. It would at least give you some time to rest to get through the next year. I'm so sorry, B2Y.

Thanks, Joelle, I'm already approved for FMLA and taking all the leave (paid and unpaid) I'm entitled to. It sure helps. If I take a couple of days off, I try to take a Friday and Monday so I get a four-day weekend (that's the best kind of weekend).

I'm thankful for a LOT of things about my job, and everyone has been understanding and supportive, including my manager. ESPECIALLY my manager! But some days are really, really hard.

Whine, whine, whine.

I'm sorry B2Y. I remember how hard it used to be for me to get to work every single day. By Friday I was useless. The weekends for me were to recooperate. I really hope that you get the early out. I know that would be a real blessing.

That's OK B2Y, whine all ya want ! I was whining when I was working and now I'm whining because I can't go to work We always want what we can't have...sigh

Yes whining is quite acceptable here b2y. One of the few places a whine can be met with a !

With that said, sorry to hear about the job situation. I'm crossing my fingers for you that Postmasters will soon hear the same news.

B2Y, that really sucks the big one! It just isn't fair to offer it to some but not all.

B2Y

I'm sorry! That does stink!

13 months huh! If it's true I hope those months fly by.

I can only imagine your excitement when you thought you'd get an early out. I'm sure it was a huge let down.

Hopefully something good will come out of this for you. You deserve it