In 1993 Company L began merger talks with another industry giant. There were massive layoffs. I wanted to receive my three lousy weeks of severance pay and unemployment insurance. In February 1995, at the age of 46, I laid Company L off. I finally had what I'd decided back in 1982 that I wanted - enough of an income that I didn't have to depend on the kindness of strangers.
Times are good now.
Jobs are plentiful. Pay is competitive. This may last forever, but I doubt it. Take time now to decide what you want. And use these great times to make it come true.