I will write ten posts on this 5th Retirement Anniversary addressing each category or "Label." I can also see the stats and which posts have had the most public views. At this time, my blog had 22,400 views. That's about 100 views per week in 18 different countries around the world! It is very rewarding to know that there is interest in what I have to say. By helping myself I must be helping others with similar interests. It is an incentive to continue.
Here are my brief summaries of the first five years of retirement and goal adjustments I want to make at this time. If you want more information on a subject, please scroll down on the right side of the main page and click on the first months in 2011 where you will see where I'm coming from.
My journey continues....
Real Estate Issues
This is a simple subject to summarize! After 30 years in the business of real estate valuation, my interest has completely played out. It took awhile to let go especially when it was so much a part of my life. It was especially exciting as I was in the highest position as manager of the State Tax Commission of Missouri in my final years. I was making all the changes needed so the department was more transparent and in line with what the legislature and private sector found acceptable. I left it better than I found it.
There was nothing left to do that interested me. My hands-on experiences were statewide and there was no higher position of authority available in this state. I had the satisfaction of implementing all the policies and procedures of the highest standards set by the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO). I was even directly involved in the development of the new Ratio Study Standards working in person with the IAAO leadership in Kansas City, Missouri. I was in regular conference with other Ratio Managers like myself in states such as Texas, Virginia, and California who were very interested in the precedent we were setting in Missouri. I was in charge of the largest department of the State Tax Commission with up to 30 commercial appraisers in my charge. I had the final say in real estate valuation oversight for 114 counties and the City of St. Louis. I testified in depositions. My only accountability was to three commissioners who were appointed by the governor. I was encouraged to "tell it like it is" as our department needed more transparency according to the state auditor, Clare McCaskill, in 2005. I did all that I said I would do in making changes in just 18 months! Then it was getting more and more political with more of a "tell me what I want to hear" attitude from the commissioners. I got bored and wanted to get back in the field and actually do the job as it should be done and work from my home office. I tired of living away from home in the city alone. I was eligible for retirement. I worked three years more doing what I loved the most - working in the field with a home office close to home just like I did when I started only with maximum pay!
Even before I retired, I began burning hard copy files of commercial appraisals and market data...thousands of appraisals! I was required to keep copies and work files for five years; seven if in litigation. The final years of appraisals will be burned shortly. Burning files is very therapeutic. The act unburdens me as well as helps me let go and be free to move forward!
After I retired, I completed my required continuing education and licensing requirements just in case I wanted to get back into business on my own. People told me I would be bored in retirement and may want to work part time. That never happened to me. I have been a Limited Liability Company since 2003 mostly for tax purposes and security should anything ever happen to my public employment I could work for a bank or start up my own business. I never did need it or do any appraisals in addition to my public employment. So as of June 2016, the time ran out on my General Certification and license as I decided my interest in real estate no longer existed. I am truly retired. I will be retiring the subject of Real Estate in my blog with this entry. It has served me well!
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