Polar bear
I plan to do almost the same thing. I have terminal leave to use so I am starting at Springer on October 6, hiking North to wherever I get by November 15. Retirement date is February 10, 2023. On or about March 1, I will resume the NOBO hike from wherever I stopped on November 15.
I'm used to winter hiking so that doesn't concern me as much my preference to avoid crowds and having flexibility in hiking NOBO.