Well done and good luck in your new position. I have been at my place 19 years in march and if I handed in my notice they wouldn't even look up from the desk and probably ask "Who was that" that is how much we are valued.
Good luck in your new job and lets hope your new boss has half a brain!
Sounds like when my old man handed in his notice.
Dad: I have decided to leave and move to Cornwall to start a guest house.
Boss: Eddie I need you here, you've changed so much this place won't run without you.
D: Everything has been done and I'll even find my replacement.
B: What can I offer you to make you stay?
D: Your job!
B: Thank you Mr Jones you've done an outstanding job while you've been here and I wish you all the best for the future!
I'm currently working my notice. Not as interesting a story because I'm moving from temp contracts to a permanent within the same NHS trust so more a ladder up than a full on jumping ship. Trouble is my new contract hasn't yet appeared and I have heard of times when contracts get offered and then pulled just before ink touches paper. The only reason it would be pulled is due to interference from a certain person I know. If that happens I'll be very very very angry and will have to get unions involved. Fingers crossed I won't need to go down that route.
Good luck in your new job though. Previous company sounds like a nightmare to work for. Anyone putting a company ahead of their children needs a head check.