How to retire from a job with class

It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing my intention to retire from Tri-County Newspapers.

Yes, that is probably pretty close to how it will sound when I finally make that decision, but for those of you who were genuinely excited by the first sentence — sorry, you're not getting rid of me just yet.

The annual rite of summer better known as "waiting for Brett Favre's decision" has gotten under way once again.

Depending on which reports you read, the first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback either has or has not said he plans to retire from the Minnesota Vikings. This means his employer either can or cannot begin prepping backup Tarvaris Jackson to step in to the starter's role.

It also means the Vikings either will or will not need to retool their offensive approach to best maximize the strengths and play away from the downfalls of a new signal-caller.

Simply put, Favre has his employer in limbo with a capital "L".

This is not the first time the situation has arose, nor is it even the second. If the Kiln, Miss., native makes an official announcement anytime soon, it will be the third time Favre has announced his retirement from professional football.

Don't expect the same type of trepidation from me when I make the decision to turn off my computer for the last time. I'll be one and done.

I can understand his not wanting to leave a job he loves. I've had at least one of them in my 30-plus years of full-time employment.

What I don't get is inability or unwillingness to see how his dragging out the decision leaves everyone in the Vikings organization hanging.

When I make my decision, it will be given to the appropriate people so that the process of finding my successor can begin. It will also be given with enough advance that the transition can be made relatively seamlessly.

Many of us, myself included, are smaller cogs that turn much bigger wheels. We know that the wheel cannot turn properly without us, and that our departure also affects the other cogs we work with.

Brett, either retire or don't, but at least have the class to let your bosses know your intentions. You've set records and won a Super Bowl ring. I don't know what else you think you need to accomplish, but it's time to make the call, because if you decide to hang up your cleats — again — there is somebody else waiting in the wings to begin making the calls.

Contact Craig Purcell at 824-1036 or cpurcell@tcnpress.com.