Let Me Out.

Resigning from the State Department appears to be no easy task.  I did expect someadministrative difficulties and the occasional speedbump.  My friends warned me, of course.  Brave enough to resign years ago, I thought I might fall on them like a pillowy cushion of goodwill and sound advice.  But while supportive, they have offered only tales of woe.

“They kept paying me!  I had to set up a repayment plan!”
“It took me over a year to finish all of the paperwork; there were so many hurdles.”
“Don’t take your eyes off of them for a minute.  My retirement still hasn’t been converted!”

No one seems to be able to answer my questions about reimbursement for countless hours of unspent leave or how I avoid getting paid in excess.  I don’t want to spend a year “calling constantly and harassing” people as some of my friends have done.  I just want to quit.  In fact, here is what has happened in the two months since I officially withdrew from my assignment and announced my resignation: nothing.

Oh I’ve filled out forms.  I’ve turned them in.  I’ve noted my specific departure date.  And, nothing.  Silence.  It is now less than a month until I go and still, nothing.  I know it was difficult to get in, but does it have to be so difficult to get out? 

Points for listening.  I promise – good news is forthcoming.