Last Day on the Hamster Wheel – A Grumpy Farewell from the Bold, the Bald, and the Burned Out

Well, that's it. Stick a fork in me. After years of dragging my sorry, balding carcass through meetings, outages, false promises, and soul-numbing IM threads, 05/16/2025 was my last day at work. And no, there wasn't a cake. Not even a dry, store-brand donut. Just a farewell from the few that mattered and radio silence from the ones that should’ve.

Let me tell you how it went down, because this grumpy old man isn’t going quietly.

First off—saying goodbye to the team was brutal. Not because I’m sentimental (okay, maybe a little), but because these are the folks who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with me during some real messy times. We kept things running through constant chaos. Daily page outs, duct-taping systems just to keep the damn lights on. And that pain—we shared it. One teammate took their own life during those dark times. That kind of grief doesn’t fade. So yeah, I sent out a group message, and three personal notes to the long-haulers who were in the trenches with me. They earned that respect.

And then there's leadership—or should I say, lack thereof. No parade, no “hey, why are you leaving?” Not a peep from my so-called leadership peers. Except for one guy I’ve known over six years. He actually reached out like a human being. Everyone else? Crickets. Heck, even my director ghosted the last morning huddle. Left early before it was his turn to speak. That’s right—bailed on my last meeting with the team. Real classy, JERK.

And don’t get me started on the CIO. Tuesday meeting, he’s all “Sorry I didn’t connect sooner. I’ll reach out later in the week.” Did he? Of course not. Maybe he lost my number. Or his spine.

But amid all this bureaucratic brilliance, one old director of mine (a rare breed of honest leadership) told me what I needed to hear: You did the right thing. Walking away was about my health—mental and physical—and that place was never going to change. And let’s face it, he’s right. You don’t fix a rusted-out ship by repainting the deck chairs.

So what now?

I’ve got a third interview with a new org next week. We'll see where that goes. I’m not holding my breath, but I’ll show up like I always have—bold, bald, and still too stubborn to quit.

Retirement? Not yet. But liberation? Damn right.

Stay grumpy,
—Old, Bold, and Bald

It’s Tuesday. I Don’t Care.

 It’s Tuesday.

Somewhere, someone’s pretending it matters. Hustling through spreadsheets. Nodding in meetings. Making their boss feel important. Bless their hearts.

Me? I just don’t care.

Not today. Not this Tuesday. Not when Friday is my last day on this corporate merry-go-nowhere. The calendar says I’ve got a few more days to “wrap things up,” but let’s be honest — I mentally wrapped this up a couple of  months ago. I’m just here now out of some twisted sense of duty... and maybe for the free coffee; only I work from home.

Am I bitter? Nah. Just honest. Brutally, unapologetically honest. The kind of honesty that comes with being old enough to know the game and bald enough not to bother combing over the truth.

I’ve given decades to this system. Showed up, cleaned up messes I didn’t make, carried weight others ignored. And now, with three days left, I’m supposed to smile through the “we’ll miss you” emails and awkward hallway small talk? Nah. I’m good.

Here’s the deal: I’m not retiring. I’m just done here. I’ve got wings that still work, and it’s about time I used them. There are other things calling — things that actually matter to me.

So yeah. It’s Tuesday. But not for long.

Come Friday, I’m out. No fanfare. No fake speeches. Just a quiet exit and a big grin.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some not-caring to get back to.

— Still Old. Still Bold. Definitely Bald. And Very Much Done.

7 Days Left — Not That I’m Counting (I Am)

 I resigned last week. If you missed the memo, congrats — you’ve been spared the sight of a grown man finally pulling the ripcord on a long, slow freefall.

Now I’m down to 7 days. Just 7 more sunrises, 7 more rounds of “You got a minute?” meetings, and 7 more attempts to look like I’m still emotionally invested. Spoiler: I’m not.

This isn’t some dramatic mic drop. No flames, no bridges burned. Just a long-overdue decision by a guy who finally realized he doesn’t need to sit in a box to prove he still has something to offer.

Why’d I resign? Simple. It’s time.

Time to explore other opportunities. Time to chase the stuff I’ve put off for too long. Time to finally spread these damn wings and see what happens when I’m not tethered to corporate gravity. Health, family, and a nagging inner voice all played their part — but ultimately, this is about choosing more. More meaning, more freedom, more of what I want to do with the time I’ve got left.

I’m not retiring. Don’t even suggest it. I’m shifting gears, not hitting the brakes.

So, here we are. 7 days of transition. One grumpy guy, one foot out the door, and one eye on the horizon.

Watch this space. I’ve got things to build, ideas to chase, and maybe a few cages left to rattle.

— The Old, the Bold, and the Bald

I Resigned Today

I Resigned Today. No, I’m Not Retiring.

Yep. I resigned today.

Not because I’m tired. Not because I’m cashing in my chips and heading off to sip margaritas on some beach (though that doesn’t sound terrible). And definitely not because I’ve run out of gas.

I resigned because it was time.

Health and family — they’ve been knocking louder lately, and I’d be a fool not to answer. But the truth is, I’ve had a slow burn going for a while now. A sense that maybe I’ve outgrown the cage. Maybe the title, the meetings, and the corporate treadmill just don’t fit anymore.

So no, I’m not retiring. I’m not done. I’ve got too many personal endeavors still calling my name — projects that actually excite me instead of drain me. Ideas that have been sitting on the back burner for far too long. It’s time to give them the front seat.

This wasn’t a decision made in haste. It’s been brewing, simmering in that space between frustration and clarity. And today, I finally lit the match.

Some will say it’s brave. Others might call it reckless. But I just call it necessary.

I may be old, bold, and bald — but I’ve still got plenty of wind in my sails. And now, I get to chart my own damn course.

Stay tuned.

— Still Grumpy, Still Going — The Old, the Bold, and the Bald

I’m Back — And Just as Grumpy as Ever

 I’m Back — And Just as Grumpy as Ever

Well, well, well... look who crawled back out of the digital void. It’s me. Old, bold, and still bald — like a fine whiskey left out in the sun too long. And yes, before you ask: I’m just as cantankerous as ever.

Life may have tried to smooth my edges, but it turns out I’ve got corners sharp enough to cut through the nonsense — and let me tell you, there’s been plenty of nonsense to go around. I took a little break (not that I owe anyone an explanation), and now I’m back, ready to shout at clouds, grumble about the state of things, and maybe drop a little wisdom in between grunts.

If you're new here, welcome to the chaos. If you're a long-time reader, congrats on surviving this long — your prize is more of me. Unfiltered, unbothered, and unmistakably me.

Expect the usual: rants with bite, observations that make you nod and wince at the same time, and the occasional reflection that proves old dogs can still think — even if we don’t learn new tricks.

So buckle up. Or don’t. I’m not your life coach. Just know that the bald-headed curmudgeon is back. And I’ve got things to say.

— The Old, the Bold, and the Bald

Venting About Being Suspended by eBay

 Being suspended by eBay can be a frustrating and confusing experience, especially for experienced and trustworthy sellers like Old, Bold, and Bald. The 7-day suspension is not only an inconvenience but also a hindrance to your business and livelihood. In this blog post, Old, Bold, and Bald wants to vent about this situation and share some of his thoughts and feelings.

The first thing that comes to mind when being suspended by eBay is the lack of communication and transparency. It is not uncommon for eBay to suspend an account without clear explanation or evidence of the violation. This makes it difficult for the seller to understand what went wrong and how to fix it. Old, Bold, and Bald, like many other sellers, has been through this experience and knows how frustrating it can be to receive a vague and unclear message about your suspension.

Another issue with eBay suspensions is the impact it has on a seller's reputation. eBay is a platform where buyers trust sellers to provide high-quality products and excellent customer service. When a seller is suspended, it can raise red flags and cause customers to question their reliability. This is a major concern for Old, Bold, and Bald, who has built a reputation of honesty and integrity in his business.

Moreover, being suspended by eBay means losing access to all the benefits that come with being a seller on the platform. This includes losing the ability to list new items, respond to customer inquiries, and receive payments. The suspension can last 7 days or even longer, depending on the severity of the violation, and during this time, a seller's business comes to a halt. This can cause significant financial losses and put a strain on the seller's livelihood.

In conclusion, being suspended by eBay is a frustrating and challenging experience for sellers. It is important for eBay to be more transparent and provide clear explanations for suspensions. This would help sellers understand what went wrong and how to fix the issue, instead of leaving them in the dark. Old, Bold, and Bald hopes that eBay takes these concerns into consideration and makes the necessary changes to support its sellers.

All of this over a $5.00 accessory and I bet no one bothered to review it. Thank you AI bots! Thanks for nothing!

The Dreaded Weekdays and Short-Lived Weekends: Why Does Time Fly By So Fast?

It's Monday morning, and you wake up to the sound of your alarm clock buzzing. You hit snooze and pull the covers over your head, wishing you could go back to sleep. But no, it's time to start another long week. It seems like just yesterday it was Friday, and now here you are, already counting down the days until the weekend.

Why do the weekdays seem to drag on forever, while the weekends fly by in the blink of an eye? It's a common feeling and one that many of us can relate to. The 9-5 workweek can be draining, and it's easy to get caught up in the monotony of daily life. The weekdays blend together, and before you know it, it's Friday again.

But the weekend, oh the weekend! It's like a ray of sunshine in the middle of a cloudy week. You finally get to relax, sleep in, and do the things you enjoy. It's a time to recharge and rejuvenate, but all too soon it's Sunday night and it's back to the grind.

So what can we do to slow down time and make the most of each day? One solution is to try to find joy in the small things. Make time for the things that make you happy, whether it's reading a good book, going for a walk, or trying a new hobby. Another is to take time for yourself and practice self-care. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and exercise regularly.

In conclusion, the weeks may be long and the weekends short, but it's up to us to make the most of each moment. By finding joy in every day and taking care of ourselves, we can make the most of our time and enjoy each day to the fullest.

Enjoy your week my friends. It's Saturday, I've taken one nap already and am ready for bed now. Hell, it's only 5:00pm.