Taking a Buyout to Leave a Job You Love
On his last day of work at the Washington Post, Stephen Fehr, 55, lovingly described his 19 years of reporting and editing as "The Only Job I Ever Wanted." Fehr and dozens of other Post journalists accepted a voluntary early retirement offer from the newspaper. The article left me wondering what goes into deciding to retire early from a job you loved. I spoke with Fehr on his first day at his new post-Post post, senior writer for the news website Stateline.org. Excerpts:
What made you decide to accept the early retirement offer?
I wasn't really planning to, but a friend of mine who I sat next to for years at the Post works at the Pew Research Center and she called and said, "If you know anyone who's taking the buyout, there's this job opening." And I said, "Well, I'm not taking it, but the only person who really might be interested is me." I thought about it overnight and called her back. I don't think I would have taken [the buyout] if I didn't have this job lined up.
What kind of retirement benefits did you get?
It was a voluntary retirement with a pension and 401(k) and [health] benefits. I would be surprised if there were any other newspaper companies offering the same terms as this. It was humane, and I felt like I was coming out ahead in many ways.
What made you able to leave a job you loved?
I wouldn't have taken it if [the new job] wasn't in the same field. I'm still writing. It's just for a website. I write stories just like you would for print journalism, and I ask the same kinds of questions you would as a reporter. I still write about state government and policy.
Do you have any advice for someone weighing a buyout offer?
Nobody knows exactly what you're facing. If you can find another job and it's in the same field, then it makes it a lot easier to consider something like this. You have to look at your heart and your own situation.
When do you plan to retire from your new job?
Probably in 10 years. I can see working for a while.
Readers, what would it take to separate you from your dream job?
Tags: careers | retirement
Tools: 
Share
|
| Comments (3) | Print
Reader Comments
From One Dream Job To Another!
I think it's great that Stephen was able to appreciate a wonderful buy-out package and then pursue his SECOND dream job -- still in the field of writing. Not everyone has that luxury, of course, but for those who have the ability to take a buyout from one dream job in order to pursue another, all I have to say is: Why Wouldn't You? There's nothing to lose.
Most people really do have more than one dream job they'd like to pursue in a lifetime. It's OK to be in one dream job for 5, 10 or whatever many years and then say, "Hey, this is good....but there's only one life that we know of, and I'm ready to explore my second or third prospective dream career!"
Like the folks at Nike say, Just do it! If you have the opportunity...are financially secure...and are ready for a new challenge, then there's nothing finer in life to balance a wonderful work life with one's home life, friends, family, avocations, etc. It all comes down to being happy, really. I know that sounds a bit simplistic. But the pursuit of happiness IS what it's all about.
My words to Stephen:
Keep dreaming! Enjoy that second dream job....and I'm betting that in ten years you'll be onto a third dream job....even if it's just part-time and "just for kicks".
Brian Kurth
Founder, VocationVacations
I am retire since 2006
I am retire now, I am now looking for a part-time job. My last job was with National Science Foundation, with the Federal Gov't for 14 years. I worked with Proposals/Grants, I loved my job but, I had to retire do to Spine Surgery everything is fine now. I am bored trying to get back to work, but, ONLY partime work.
I am looking work in clerical field/receptionist/clerk. I live in the Washington DC area
I am a very hard worker, you can contact my last employer, Ms. Bertha Luster at:703-292-7152 and number is: 202-652-0298. So, please contact me I am available.
THANKS
What is my Dream Job?
I have worked with and for people for years. I feel very lucky to have aquired some relevance over the years. Down sizing has eliminated my job a few years earlier than expected. I am looking for a part time position, to fill the gap. I am 64 and have a lot to offer. I don't know what my dream job is. I should probabily volunteer, but I would like to make at least $ 200.00 per week to keep the RV operating. I miss people, I was good at it, in customer service and training.
Where is spell check when you need it?
Add your thoughts
Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.advertisement
