Please expand upon this notion.
People that often teach subjects they rarely practiced in the real world. And did so for a long time to the point of retirement.
In reply to Tom Suddard :
I see y'all are sporting a new handle too. Congratulations to both of you.
Let the word go forth from this time and place, ... that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.
The official definition:
an honorary title granted to someone who retires from a position of distinction, most commonly an academic faculty position, but is allowed to continue using the previous title, as in "professor emeritus".
It's basically a butt-kissing thing. It doesn't come with a paycheck or any real privileges.
We have an "Artistic Director Emeritus" here at the theater. He filled the position with grace and distinction for 30 years. He doesn't have any say in how things go around here, he just gave a lot and did it well.
So, a more official announcement is on the way but yes: My title has changed to Publisher, while Tim's has changed to Publisher Emeritus.
Why? Well, it's always been our plan to stay family owned instead of joining a mega-corporation and sailing off into the sunset. But sadly, my parents aren't going to live forever, nor do they have any desire to work full-time until they die. That means the next generation needs to take the reins at some point.
The end goal is for my parents to be able to enjoy life and do what they want while the company, our employees, our community and our hobby continue to grow and thrive. To that end, I've been assuming more and more of my parents' duties. That, coupled with seriously dedicated work from our staff, has finally started to create some space for my parents to feel what retirement is like and to start taking some time for themselves.
Mine and Tim's new titles don't bring any change to the company, rather they acknowledge the change that has already taken place over the past few years. My dad doesn't have to feel bad anymore about spending a weekday (or three) in the garage, while my mom can start reducing her workload and enjoying her free time, too.
But I'll emphasize that while Tim's title has changed, he's still working almost every day, he's still an owner of the company, and he's still the first person I talk to when I need advice. Again, we're in the middle of a years-long transition, and so far it's been going well. Thank you for noticing the title change, and hopefully this is the beginning of the next 40 years!
In reply to Tom Suddard :
Tell Tim I said congratulations.
To you, I say: Good on you for stepping up and assuming the responsibilities. My eldest is doing the same with my company though our timeframe is a bit longer. The mindset change is not insignificant. The transition from follower to leader is not small. You are both smart to be doing this now while you still have the resources and experience to draw on as you assume the role.
In reply to Marjorie Suddard :
Color me just a little jealous.
I've got another 8-10 years before I'm there but I'm working on it.
In reply to Toyman! :
Don't get me wrong, my email box is filling up as we speak, but Tim and I have been burning the candle at both ends for far, far too long. Time to start practicing more balance.
Margie
Congrats are in order to everyone involved!
Smart and tactical in execution, as expected.
Maybe Tim and Margie can get down to 40 hours a week now that they're entering retirement!
The lack of any sort of succession plan has been the death of many a small business, so I congratulate all of you!
In reply to Marjorie Suddard :
It took me over a year to NOT wake up at 4:45 every damn morning after retiring. Please take a breath, look at what you & Tim have accomplished and smile. Enjoy.
Thank you for your service.
Glad to know the transition is ongoing. As well as a GRM & CM subscriber I'm on this site every day and it's a source of great enjoyment that I wish to see continue for many years to come.
Congrats to you both.
In reply to Ian F (Forum Supporter) :
This times x1000 succession planning is honestly how I get traction with potential client partners.
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