Unexpected Blessings

I've talked about it a lot here that my job is stressful and demanding. Nothing has changed about that and the approaching two weeks off will be a thankful break. However, earlier this week I DID get quite a surprise. But first a bit of background:

Back in 1991 (yes, 91!!!) the State of California went into the first of its many job freeze periods. This resulted in layoffs, no new hiring, and increased workloads for those of us lucky enough to still have a job. It also include a freeze on salary increases. Along the way, things loosened up and a few years later I had finally reached the top of my pay grade. Then I had my job reclassed which help up the salary a bit more. But now, six years past the only raises I've seen have been the very occasional COLAs (cost of living assessments). Two years ago there was another round of layoffs and moving around of staff that directly or indirectly effected many of the campus staff. I was lucky in that I dodged that bullet as well.

I make no secret of the fact that I'm planning to retire in three years. The day I hit 62 I plan to complete that academic year, work through the summer and wave good-bye to 40 hours a week. But early this week a "little" surprise came my way. The current department chair, Deborah, who just started this year, came out with a two page document - a cover letter and a form attached to it. She asked if I would review the letter and form as it was yet another new bit of work for her to review and did I have any thoughts on how best to proceed? It was a form asking for an approval of a salary increase. I looked at it with a fair amount of lack of curiosity thought I did ask who it was for thinking it was for Ken who was a relative new hire in the tech area. When Deborah said it was for me I felt like I had been hit by a taser.

Honest to Blessed God, I was completely floored and said something like, "For ME??? I haven't seen one of these in six years."

To which she immediately replied, "Well, we better sign this right away."

Well, talk about Christmas surprises. I'm still pinching myself about it and I don't even know how much the increase is for. I told Biene about it a few days later and B, God love her, started crying and gave me a big kiss on my cheek. I think she was happier for me than I was.