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Posted 7/9/2016 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
For my brothers and sisters in this life that has chosen us...

I've alluded in a post or two about a likely major life changing event rolling my way. Here is some more information, as things stand today. More will be revealed--which is both a promise and a curse.

After nearly 36 years of working in coal-fired power generation here in the State of Illinois, it appears my career is getting ready for an abrupt shift. Our parent corporation has made the decision to mothball several generating units in Illinois, including one at the plant I've worked at for the last 25+ years. As a result, I have a 50-50 chance of keeping my position after October 1. (There are two of us in this position, and after Sept. 30, that number will be reduced to one) As a management employee, seniority is meaningless--and besides, while I have "company time" on him, he has "plant time" on me. So it's a thorough tossup.

So, my wife and I have made the decision to seek other opportunities. There is a strong possibility that we will be moving this fall, most likely to somewhere in the Northeast Corridor. I have a 2nd interview scheduled for the last week of July, and hopefully that will lead to an offer.

What does any of this have to do with PC? Actually, quite a lot. We've had periodic threads in here about how PC has changed us. Here is a change for me: PC has made me hold on to some things more tightly (my wife of 37 years, my daughters, my grandson, my friends near and far) and other things much less tightly (my "stuff", my job). This is an event I'm embracing as an opportunity and an adventure, not a catastrophe. And, 2 years ago, I certainly would not have been in this mental place.

If all plays out as I hope it will, in the first week or two of August we will be putting our house on the market, and sometime early in October a moving van will show up to load up our stuff and take it wherever it may be.
Posted 7/9/2016 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, and before anyone jumps onto a political rant related to this, it's mostly about the insanity of how Illinois "deregulated" the wholesale power markets several years ago, combined with the extremely low cost of natural gas in the midwest. Basically, there is no profit in burning coal anymore, at least not in this area.
Posted 7/9/2016 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Wishing you and your family the very best, and let us know how it plays out.
Michael
Posted 7/9/2016 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
I will be praying for you to get the new job. We live in Illinois as well and there are issues that have had us thinking it is time to move on. We have lived here all our lives. I have also had a second interview for another job (I've been in my current position for 23 years) and if I get the job we will be doing the same, selling our home and moving. My husband retired after 35 years being with the same company a year ago.
I feel as you do the diagnosis of PCa has given us a different way of prioritizing our life and what's most important. Best wishes!
Posted 7/9/2016 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
I like your attitude, Halbert. Hang in there and embrace the adventure.

Big changes are always a little scary, but I hope it all works out really well for you.

Jonathan
Posted 7/9/2016 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Halbert, Our Brother Here On The Forum,

You are now officially the new POSTER BOY for the theme of FACING FORWARD ... embracing some life changes ... living on the edge ... looking at changes as new possibilities ... and I DEFINITELY see the SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE stirring in your words, through and through ...

That being said ... there's the old proverb that tells us that if you want your LIFE STORY to change, you've got to be willing to turn the page ...

That, my brother, is exactly what you are doing ...

Consult the travel atlas, get out the compass ... and KEEP US POSTED as things develop !

You've got my best wishes, whichever road you choose,

Iowa State University ~ CYCLONE FAN
Posted 7/9/2016 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Love your attitude and sense of adventure--definitely making lemonade out of lemons! If you can attribute your change in perspective to PC, then it's had a positive impact on you. Wishing you only the best.
Posted 7/9/2016 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Good for you. I recall you had a daughter on the east coast? I know it is tough leaving a job and area after so many years but understand the feelings after PC. Hope you leave with good retirement benefits.
Posted 7/9/2016 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Halbert, good lu k whatever happens... You could still end up keeping your current job though, right? But you are not waiting around to find out. Way to be proactive.
Posted 7/9/2016 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
rob: well, about 15 yrs ago, our traditional pensions went away and to 'cash balance'. Essentially I have 401K for retirement. Not quite enough there to make it work (yet). I will get a decent severance check-basically a year's pay. And yes, the opportunity exists to locate lots closer to all 3 daughters (NYC, upstate NY, and western Virginia.
Posted 7/9/2016 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
Halbert--All the best to you on your job situation. You have your priorites in life in good order!
Posted 7/10/2016 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
PC does change life. If I could change jobs, I likely would. If I could afford to retire, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

As a guy who changes jobs every 2-3 years (thanks high-tech), getting a new job isn't that big a deal and if you can get another job, plus a fat severance check - well do what a friend of my tells me:

Sit cross legged on the floor, put you thumb on your ring finger and repeat this montra: "Take the money, take the money."

Anything that puts you closer to family sounds good.

Andrew
Posted 7/10/2016 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Halbert, love that attitude. Good Luck! Do keep us posted.

Cajun Jeff
Posted 7/10/2016 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
I liked moving to new jobs/states (11 moves). Meeting new people and exploring new haunts. We also found a move gave us a chance to right size our house and declutter.

If you move, I bet you find the change is a bit of fresh air. Best of luck.
Posted 7/10/2016 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
Your attitude is that of a man in his twenties. Gotta love it. Makes me smile and I'm so happy for you and yours halbert.

It sure is PC related! (Great thread!) Thanks halbert for what you do. And keep us posted on what's going on .. please!

Best, to you and yours halbert.

:-)
Posted 7/10/2016 5:03 AM (GMT 0)
Good Luck Halbert,the land of lincoln,land of corruption,high taxes,a Chicago boy here all my life.When you are looking at the dust in your rear view mirror on your way out of this place you will have a big smile on your face.All the best.
Posted 7/10/2016 11:45 AM (GMT 0)
0311: I'm in the "other" Illinois-land of cornfields and hog farms, where my taxes pay for the Chicago system.
Posted 7/10/2016 1:33 PM (GMT 0)
Halbert-

Best of luck on getting the new position and on a happy relocation!

Bobby Mac
Posted 7/12/2016 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
Halbert - wishing you and Pat the best in this new adventure! I'm only on the forum once in a blue moon these days, but will try to keep tabs on this topic. Sorry you are not attending GFMPH in Rochester. Steve is going for sure. I'm a hopeful.

We are in the process of moving ourselves. Downsizing to a cluster home on a nearby golf course. Time for Steve to let someone else worry about the lawn and spend his weekends chasing around a little white ball. Yes, PCa can definitely motivate life changes.

Take care!
Suz
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