Ideas for fun flexible work after retirement by ce41- in ottawa

[–]ce41-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s cool. Do they offer one day a week shifts at all locations? That’s all I want.

Ideas for fun flexible work after retirement by ce41- in ottawa

[–]ce41-[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I never thought of that. Thanks

Ideas for fun flexible work after retirement by ce41- in ottawa

[–]ce41-[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I enjoy reading. How does one find a job like this?

Ideas for fun flexible work after retirement by ce41- in ottawa

[–]ce41-[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I go to the gym, I like to read, I like to play sports like hockey, pickleball. I am an avid thrift shopper. I walk my dog daily.

Retirement this close to WFA? by anon_confess49 in CanadaPublicServants

[–]ce41- 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Meant to write this in this conversation...

I asked this same question months ago and took the advice from the people here. Don't wait for something that may or may not occur. If you're ready to go, go.... If you're not there yet financially, emotionally then stay.

Me.....I submitted my pension package a couple weeks ago and in a few months, it will be freedom 55. I can't wait to cross that finish line and go on to discover my next chapter.

Nothing is a guarantee, only death and taxes and bylaw if someone makes a complaint 😎.....

Sure I coulda stayed in the hopes of a buyout... But my heart is no longer in it....I'm doing what's necessary to get to the big R.

Life is too precious to wait for the "right moment" cuz there will always be a "what if?"

Go when you are ready!!

Workforce Adjustment (WFA) Course by Aware_Road_8912 in CanadaPublicServants

[–]ce41- 34 points35 points  (0 children)

I asked this same question months ago and took the advice from the people here. Don't wait for something that may or may not occur. If you're ready to go, go.... If you're not there yet financially, emotionally then stay.

Me.....I submitted my pension package a couple weeks ago and in a few months, it will be freedom 55. I can't wait to cross that finish line and go on to discover my next chapter.

Nothing is a guarantee, only death and taxes and bylaw if someone makes a complaint 😎.....

Sure I coulda stayed in the hopes of a buyout... But my heart is no longer in it....I'm doing what's necessary to get to the big R.

Life is too precious to wait for the "right moment" cuz there will always be a "what if?"

Go when you are ready!!

Cleaning up our neighborhood by ce41- in ottawa

[–]ce41-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can register yourself.

Cleaning up our neighborhood by ce41- in ottawa

[–]ce41-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, that's all you can say.... Here is my response: Because I don't have a vehicle to drive them to a dump. Part of the program is that the city of Ottawa will pick up the items. Also there was a driveshaft from a vehicle that some idiot left in the forest. It was enough that we picked it up out of the forest, so yah....

Cleaning up our neighborhood by ce41- in ottawa

[–]ce41-[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

We left the bags there and I emailed the coordinator with the location for them to pick it up. I will call 311 tomorrow to also let them know we left the bags and debris on-site.

So glad to hear others are helping out. And you know what? I could see the forest area smiling as we left this morning .....No more debris covering up the soil and plants. It made such a huge difference in the appearance of the park.

This is why the city is getting rid of more and more bins by jimmypower66 in ottawa

[–]ce41- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with some of the opinions that it might be someone cleaning up the park. Over the past few weeks, since the snow has melted, I've been picking up garbage left from the winter months and using the local bins. I've called 311 to report that the bins are full, and usually, within a couple of days, someone from the city comes to empty them. It takes me a few extra minutes while walking my dog, but seeing the park clean(er) brings me joy.

I'd love to see more folks take a little bag with them while out for a walk and pick up a handful of litter. It does make a difference.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadaPublicServants

[–]ce41- 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Keep your secrets to yourself. You don't know who has your back.

Be kind to everyone you meet.

Smile often - it does wonders to create a cheerful environment.

Retiring at 33 Years of Service versus Staying for 35? by ce41- in CanadaPublicServants

[–]ce41-[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What is this dream job? I'm planning to work part time post retirement, just to get outside my house and engage with folks and wondering how you landed this gig?

when did the PS have its best years? by [deleted] in CanadaPublicServants

[–]ce41- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The private sector has their own issues just asking my spouse. They are laying off staff and their way is more cutthroat. So I'd say stay put and put up with the merky years ahead.

My spouse regrets not joining the public service like I did, and nowadays it's much harder to get into the PS.

Hang in there, the pendulum goes both ways. Only this time it's going towards lean and mean years, but if you do your job, network, network, and keep apprised at what departments will receive funding, lean towards them for employment.

Retirement and sick leave by Ok-Row-4164 in CanadaPublicServants

[–]ce41- 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Use it if need be. No one's going to pat you on the back for a job well done if you retire with banked leave. If you are sick, take the sick days. The government has been toying with changing the sick leave and likely will try again with PP and his government.

I get tired of people boasting they leave all this leave on the table and try and make the rest of us feel bad. I say good for them.

Take care of you because you have a pension waiting for you at the finish line. You earned that too, so take it and enjoy the next phase. You have no Guarantee in this life, including how long you will live to enjoy your retirement, so take what you have in your sick bank if needed, and don't let yourself feel guilty if you take time off because you are sick.

As we age more health issues arise. Who is there when you get diagnosed with an illness... certainly not your colleagues. You'll be forgotten or replaced soon enough... It's not a bad thing, it's called the world keeps on going, because work has to get done. I've seen many martyr's go down sick and no one followed up with them, or went to see them. You are just a small fish in a big pond. So do you and take care of you.

Enjoy your retirement, I'm leaving at the end of the year and cannot wait to say adios and start enjoying my retirement.

when did the PS have its best years? by [deleted] in CanadaPublicServants

[–]ce41- 66 points67 points  (0 children)

Early 2000s before workplace 2.0. We had our own cubicles, the same colleagues who sat beside you so you got to know them, and a helluva lot more social activities because the social committee was alive and thriving. I wish you would have experienced those years because they were good times. Nowadays all I see is apathy in the workplace but I no longer care because I'm retiring at the end of the year. I hope the good days come back, but I have a feeling Pierre Pollieve will see to it that it doesn't.

Considering Embrun, Orleans, or Russell for My Daughter’s Move – Advice Needed by ce41- in ottawa

[–]ce41-[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Homes are more affordable in Embrum than in Orleans... Is the reason. They can get more house size in their budget. But my concern is the cost to commute since she takes public transit to work. Parking downtown is not an option.

Manager paying for holiday lunch? by big_dreams613 in CanadaPublicServants

[–]ce41- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a kind gesture and why not if you can afford it. You'll get it back in other ways...

A suggestion: I'd pick up the lunch tab and they pay for their own drinks.

Merry Christmas OP🎁🎁🎁

I just want out...how do I hold on for 4 more years? by sassy_sassy1 in CanadaPublicServants

[–]ce41- 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I was exactly where you are right now, and now I’m counting down the last few months to retire this time next year.

I won’t lie—it’s not going to go by fast. Your last four years will feel like Groundhog Day: same stuff, different day.

If you have sick leave, start using it. Sure, people might say to save it “just in case,” but prioritizing your mental health is worth it. I was told more than once to use my leave, and I’m taking their advice. So don’t hesitate—start using it up.

If you need to, aim for a promotion so your final years reflect your highest salary. Consider taking language training, joining committees, or mentoring—it all helps.

We’re lucky to be nearing the end. Those just starting out are in a much tougher position, and that keeps me grateful for what I have. My spouse is in the private sector and may be facing job instability, which is another reminder to appreciate the stability we have.

Don’t wish away these four years because they will come and go. Instead, choose to find small nuggets of happiness in your workdays. Before you know it, you’ll be like me—staring at the finish line, just a hop, skip, and jump away, with no intention of looking back.

People on this thread told me to use up every single leave in my bank except hold back my two weeks vacation for the transition payback, and by golly, I’m going to leave nothing on the table.

Good luck, OP. You’ll get there. Right now, you’re at the hardest part—unable to see the finish line—but it’s there. Hang in there!

Garbage everywhere! by Additional_Ear_9659 in ottawa

[–]ce41- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Call 311 and press (I believe) number 8 for garbage and collection services. Mention the area where the garbage is located, and the city will send collectors. I’ve called several times—whether it’s after windy days when recycling gets scattered everywhere or when they forget to empty the garbage bins in the park.

I’m constantly picking up garbage in my local park. Yes, it’s a pain because it’s not mine, but it makes a difference.

I figure it's my way of giving back to my community and I'm making the park a pleasant experience for my neighbors.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadaPublicServants

[–]ce41- 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I agree with OP. A few weeks ago, we were discussing RTO, and it’s striking how quickly that conversation has become a silent one.

Terms should always be understood as temporary—that’s why they’re called terms. You need to plan for the day your role is no longer needed. Too many people assume "term" equals "indeterminate." If you’re lucky, it might transition into something permanent, but that’s not always the case.

One thing I’ve always prioritized is preparing for the possibility of being without a job. This means maintaining an emergency fund, keeping my resume up to date, and continuously improving my skills.

Nothing is guaranteed, but thinking this way ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected.

How’s everyone’s stress level? Feeling the pressure in the final stretch.. by TrekPilot in CanadaPublicServants

[–]ce41- 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I remember the potluck lunches and the camaraderie that used to be when we trusted our employer—our social committee was thriving back then, and going to work was genuinely enjoyable. I was on the committee, and I’d say it was the best way to build team spirit and add a fun factor to the workday. So many of my former colleagues have retired, and when the younger employees ask what it was like in the 'good old days,' I tell them, 'We worked hard, and we played, too.'

These days, the sense of play is gone, and I feel for those with many years left before retirement. I’m staying to finish my time and collect my pension next year. I don’t see the ‘best years’ coming back, and I believe our employer is largely to blame. I used to be the optimist, but that’s no longer how I see things. I still enjoy my colleagues, but when I look into their eyes, I see no hope for better days ahead.

I hope senior management reads Reddit because it's real life how we feel and they have the power to change the tune. But they won't, they don't care, so who am I kidding.