I worked for NY State for almost 33 years. I got news for Mr. Hinton. They don't care about anybody. The trick is to live long enough to retire. He's got enough years in, and he's the minimum age to retire. He should just put in his papers, and get on with his life. Take it from someone who knows...the aggravation isn't worth it.
And this is exactly why he is doing this now, getting a little payback/parting shot at his bosses for screwing him over the last 10 years (all the while still getting full pension/retirement benefits when he decides to start a 2nd career)
I agree with you! I retired a few years ago from local government, after being offered an early retirement enticement with extra money. Retirement is wonderful. I got nothing but grief from jerk managers who had little experience except in playing politics. Another guy I know named Rob was first offered the early retirement before me, but turned it down.
He had been fighting and arguing with his boss for the last ten years. His boss asked him, if you don't like it why don't you quit? He replied, I'm going to stay as long as I can to make life hell for you. His boss has been a nervous wreck since then. Rob is still there torturing his boss.