The Three Signs of a Miserable Job: A fable for managers (and their employees)

PART TWO

Retirement

SABBATICAL

Leslie Bailey, Brian’s wife of twenty-eight years, made him promise that he would get away from home for a week or two of complete rest before trying to come to terms with his retirement. They went to a little hotel in the Napa Valley.

For two and a half days she succeeded in keeping him from talking about his future, but he eventually wore her down. It happened while they were having dessert at their favorite Italian restaurant.

Brian was blunt. “I’m sorry, Leslie, but I can’t wait anymore.”

Leslie was confused. “For what?”

“To talk about work. What I’m going to do next.”

Leslie laughed. “Oh. For a second I ...