Those that have been following along on my journey to early retirement may recall that I’ve been saying for months that my official retirement from Zillow Group will occur on July 2, a scant eight working days from this post’s publication.
Turns out, that July 2nd date isn’t quite right.
My esteemed employer has a wonderful R&R program (Recharge & Reboot–think “sabbatical” as many call it). Employees with more than six years of service are given up to six weeks off to disconnect. We’re talking fully disconnect–there is zero expectation to check in or work during your R&R.
Anyway, since I have over six years of service with Zillow Group, I’m eligible to take an R&R.
Zillow Group, being the amazing, caring company that they are, have graciously agreed to allow me to take my R&R. Since one can’t retire and then go on R&R, I’ll need to take the R&R, come back to work for a day, and retire at that point.
What does this do for Zillow? Not much. It’s going to cost them my salary, covering my health insurance for another six weeks, and a few more stock options will vest during that time.
What does this do for me? Pretty much everything it doesn’t do for Zillow–I’ll get more pay, more insurance and more vested options. Three things that will bring a smile to anyone who’s about to retire.
In other words, I reap all the benefits, Zillow gets nothing but more gratitude from me.
Why is Zillow doing this and not just letting me retire on July 2? Because they care, they’re an award-winning (and deserving) “best place to work” and they do the right thing for their people. Always.
It’s a wonderful gesture, not surprising at all, and yep, as one who is about to embark on living the rest of their years on a fixed income, it’s appreciated more than they probably realize.
My R&R starts officially on July 5 and ends August 15. I’ll come back to the office on August 16 for my exit interview, and officially retire.
While I won’t technically be retired on July 2, I won’t be actively working after that date (unless you count coming in on July 3 to clean out my desk as “working.”) I’ll be R&R’ing in Europe. Yes, Europe has wifi, and I’m sure my Facebook profile and Instagram will be chocked full of European vacation photos. But I won’t be checking email (very often, like hardly at all) and my lovely bride has put her foot down–I’ll be completely absent from real estatey Facebook groups while across the pond.
Thanks Zillow Group, for everything you’ve done for me and my family. Allowing me to retire after R&R may not seem like a big deal to a multi-billion dollar company, but it is a big deal to me.
Photo credit: Pimthida on Flickr. CC Licensed.
What a great gesture by Zillow, really shows what they think of employees. I am happy for you Jay, well deserved! You guys staying in Seattle area or journeying back to AZ?
The forecast high for Seattle today is 74. Phoenix comes in at 111. We’re staying in the Seattle area! LOVE it here.
That is awesome – but to clarify to all (kidding, not kidding) that doesn’t mean you have to keep tagging Jay on drama through August 15th. You’re a beautiful and good soul, Jay. I’m glad you get that R+R p re-retirement. Nice job too Zillow. Very good stuff.
Thanks for the kind words! They can tag all they want to, I won’t see it! NOT LOOKING NOT LOOKING NOT LOOKING.
Nicely done Z! Jay you are beyond deserving of this type of kind gesture. Enjoy retirement and hope that I’ll at least see you around a conference somewhere in the near future.
I have no doubt our paths will cross, Jeremy!
It’s a big deal!
Kind of reminds me of the United States I once knew – kind, thoughtful, gracious, and often doing the right thing.
And I do look forward to seeing you and your lovely bride at some unconference in the future.
It’ll happen!
Congrats to you for your R & R and Retirement! Enjoy your travels and adventures!
Thanks, Barbie!
So deserved. Love ya and Francy. Enjoy my friend.
Love ya back!
Outstanding. PS please enjoy the R&R that is so well deserved and maybe just maybe stay away from the FB the entire time across the pond.
Maybe….
You have contributed much and the industry will miss you Jay. Enjoy your well deserved retirement!
Thanks, Stefan!
Jeez. The evil empire just keeps striking doesn’t it. 🙂
Enjoy Europe. Well deserved my friend.
Enjoy we will, Toby. Thanks!
A wonderful gesture indeed. I’m not surprised though. And it is well deserved. Congratulations again!
Thanks, Vija!
Employers like Zillow could endanger the 1099 world.
According to Forbes (in 2016) 34% of the workforce are 1099’s, I can’t see Zillow endangering that in any way.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/yec/2016/02/23/the-1099-economy-is-booming-and-traditional-companies-should-be-scared/#11d227a87c92
Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy!
Good job, Zillow.
Thanks, Virginia!