There are subtle clues that surface when one is nearing a career shift or even retirement phase.  These clues, often manifested by certain actions or statements normally suppressed during peak career, can become visible during what Rockbottum CC scholars call "Too Much Time In The Saddle".  Here are a few examples*, along with a short training film, circa 2016.

Fester N. Boyle, Green Chairman, approaches while you are hastily repairing a giant irrigation break and says, "Willy, you're almost 50 and it's common knowledge that old superintendents lose the motivation that young superintendents have, that 'fire in the belly'."

*YOU MEAN LIKE STOMACH ULCERS?

"No, I'm referring to intestinal fortitude."

*PARASITES?  TAPE WORMS?

"Let me see your diploma."

Or when Hugh Jass, President of the Board, waves you down off your mower and says, "Hey Willy, we contacted an expensive special consultant from the UNGA Greens Section to advise you on that problem with #6 green.

*THE 75 PINE TREES THAT SHADE THE GREEN YEAR ROUND?  THE TREES YOU WON'T LET ME DROP?

"He thinks we should cut those trees down.  Why didn't you think of that?  Is that a gun?"

Fester:    "Since you can't find an assistant, I hired my nephew Dexter for you."

*I THOUGHT HE WENT OUT WEST TO BE A COWBOY.

"Horse allergy.  Dexter has a Doctorate in Applied Statistics and Data Collection.  He'll be perfect as your assistant."

*MR. BOYLE, IT TAKES YEARS TO LEARN GOLF OPERATIONS, EVEN WITH A TURF DEGREE.

"No worries, Dexter will have it all down in less than two weeks, and he can help with your data collection.  You need data."

*I HATE ANDROIDS.

Hugh:    "Willy, take a break from pulling cores, grab your crew and come over to my house.  We need some landscaping."

*MR. BOYLE, LAST TIME YOUR PIT BULL RIPPED A TIRE OFF A MOWER AND YOUR WIFE BIT ME.  I'VE STILL GOT A RESTRAINING ORDER ON HER.

"Quit stalling and get over to my house."

*NO.  I'M RETIRING SOON, PROBABLY AFTER LUNCH.  THESE ARE THE KEYS TO THE SHOP, AND HERE'S YOUR SADDLE.  LOOKS LIKE IT WILL FIT YOU JUST FINE.  HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT SPURS?

Statements like these, along with actions like those in the film "Too Much Time In The Saddle", often indicate upcoming career shifts.  Watch for these, in case it's time to ride off into the sunset.