safety nets and other mythical creatures

20 years is 20 years.  or, more accurately, it looks like 21 years won't become 22.

in the "can't hurt to ask" department, i sent an email directly to William Clay Ford Jr. asking whether FoMoCo might consider giving a longer-than-usual unpaid leave to someone going into the peace corps.  the short version of the story is "no."

i had hoped that since Bill Ford believes in such causes and the company prides itself on being globally community-minded, there would be a chance.  none of our leave policies specifically allow for it, but bits and pieces put together could do it.  more than one friend had even suggested i could become a whole new tv ad about the company doing good around the world.  but alas, i must say i'm not terribly surprised they weren't willing to make an exception.  well, i gave it a shot.

although i'm pretty sure that i wouldn't want to come back to ford after being in the peace corps -- i'm planning on finding other more satisfying directions to head in when my service is done -- it would have been a nice safety net to ease my mind.  i mean, who in their right mind gives up such a well-paying job in this kind of an economy to go "commune with snakes" and make just enough to eat and have a roof?!

well, that could be a long discussion right there.

for now, i'll just say, "apparently, me."  on my way into work this morning, i was feeling particularly ready to be done.  i didn't know i'd be receiving that response today, but that's how i was feeling.  it's a strange thought to consider giving up such a long career just like that.  july will be 21 years.  and it's been filled with adventures and unique experiences.  when i first started at ford, i thought it was funny that i'd be eligible to retire with 30 years of service at only 51.  and i felt sure that i'd continue on after that.  then there were the years when i thought there was no way i'd make it to 20.  now i may really be looking at the end of the era.

shouldn't this feel more significant?  or at least come with a foreboding soundtrack in the background?

maybe i've had enough time to get used to the idea. or the time i came within hours of being laid off took a little bit of the edge off the blade.  or maybe it's just the Right Thing.

it's been a good 20 years.  now that i'm ready for it, the peace corps better accept me.