is a fine thing when it's your choice and your timing. When it isn't--!

After 21 years I am being forcibly retired from my mini-job at the local library. I feel as though I should have seen it coming, but I didn't - I was completely blindsided. The excuse is to implement an all-new, all-different accessions system that will not utilize any of the established software (or, obviously, experience with same).

Now, here's the thing that makes me extremely suspicious: until a couple of weeks ago I was hobbling about the library with just a cane. Then I developed severe pain in my right wrist (the cane wrist), and when I had it checked out, I had developed osteoarthritis of the base thumb joint. So I switched over to full-time use of a walker, as putting less stress on my wrist...and within a week I got the (verbal) termination notice.

Coincidence?

Due to the short hours and meager pay, I will probably not be eligible for unemployment compensation, even if I didn't need a layoff to see whether my condition improves.

Admittedly, I would probably have to retire soon anyway, because it was getting harder and harder to cope - but I was hoping to get through at least the winter. No such luck - I'm out on my ear as of January 1.

So far this is a Big Dark Secret - I'm not sure why, and I don't intend for it to remain so! But I am not expecting a retirement announcement or party or any of the frills that regular staff people get - I have never been regular staff, and this has repeatedly bitten me in the butt.