Dear Board of Education, Colleagues, Parents, and Students:

A few years ago I read the international best-seller The Joy of Not Working in which the author tackles retirement with the glee of someone in the desert who finds a bottle of chilled water. He peppers the book with funny retirement quotes and funny retirement poems.

There are several keys to a happy retirement, the author says, including:

• Retire sooner rather than later. 
• Develop a "correct" relationship with money so it doesn't take a million dollars to let you enjoy retirement. 
• Engage in creative and meaningful pursuits to generate a sense of purpose. 
• Create and maintain great friendships. 
• Follow your own dreams, not someone else's version. 

More recently I read about a book by the same author called How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: Retirement Wisdom That You Won't Get from Your Financial Advisor. It was in a review by Nancy Paradis in the St. Petersburg Times in which she said, "Get this book if you look forward to a retirement with zing."

So, after great thought and with a lot of mixed emotions, I have decided it is time for me retire my post as Principal of Dr. Thompson High School.

My retirement will be effective July 31, 2020.

My years at this wonderful school have been the best of my working life.

And my many positive experiences here, both professional and personal, will always be remembered fondly.

I hope that you will extend an invitation to me to visit occasionally since these halls and those who have passed through them have made a huge impact on me.

Finally, I would like everyone at this wonderful educational institution to know how pleased I am to have had the opportunity to serve everyone for the past 15 years. Many thanks to all of you again. It has been a privilege to work with you.

Sincerely,

Margaret Swift
Principal of Dr. Thompson High

Dear Colleagues at ZenAir Incorporated:

Today I want to thank everyone for their contributions to the success of ZenAir during my tenure here. In extraordinarily complex and challenging times you have helped the company achieve excellent financial results for our shareholders. What's more, you have served ZenAir's customers like none of our competitors have been able to do.

Today, ZenAir is better and stronger than ever to withstand whatever comes our way from harsh economic times and from our competition. We have tremendous associates, a strong and cohesive management team, solid financial resources, a clear strategic direction, and brand recognition second to none.

As long as everyone continues to contribute with the same passion and tenacity as when I worked here, ZenAir is exceptionally well-positioned for the future and will continue to .be first choice of premium customers willing to pay for exceptional service.

Now I want to share with you my personal plans. I revealed not so long ago that one day in the not-too-distant future I'd step down as president of ZenAir, but stay on in some capacity at the company.

After I read the Quintessential Careers Review of How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free, I purchased this wonderful retirement book by Ernie J. Zelinski.

After reading the book, I realized that my retirement time is now.

Therefore, effective at the end of the year, I plan to retire as ZenAir's president. I will, however, continue to be a consultant to the chairman, the Board of Directors, and the new president on an ongoing basis.

I look forward to the opportunity to still serve this wonderful company, although I admit it is in good hands and can do very well without any contributions from me in the future. No doubt ZenAir in the hands of our chairman and the senior executive team would do well even if I moved to Mars.

Finally, I would like everyone at the company to know how pleased I am to have had the opportunity to lead ZenAir for the past 15 years.

Many thanks to all of you again. It has been a privilege to work with you and a memory I will always cherish.

As always, my very best wishes to everyone.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Stone