Today was my last day at the job I've had for just under 11 years.
Now, I don't talk about work much on this here blog, but I can say this much: taking a new job was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. I was really glad I was doing August Break at the time, because anything else I posted wouldn't have been very honest, as the job situation was pretty much the only thing I was thinking about in my down time.
See, I loved my job in the non-profit theater world. Sure, I complained about it mightily sometimes, but there was never a dull moment (understatement of the year) (truly). Sometimes I got to do glamorous things like go see shows, go to New York and LA, and meet famous people. A large chunk of my job was writing, which, apparently, is one of my skills (not that you'd notice that here). Another large chunk was talking to people, which is definitely one of my skills (with a heavy dose of never staying on topic).
But my favorite favorite part of my job was the people I worked with. I made some friends for life there, for sure - and when this new job opportunity came up, the very first thought I had was, "But I can't leave my friends!"
However. The opportunity was a good one. Heavy on the writing. For a college. Benefits. AND it was part-time. Half the hours.
Now, I need to interrupt myself here to tell you that I had been increasingly concerned with what I was going to do when Jane entered school next year. In my town, kindergarten is half day, which means she would have had to go to before- and after-school care for several hours a day. As you know, she currently goes to daycare full-time, but once she actually entered the school system, I really wanted to be around more for her. But I had no idea how I was going to make that happen. I figured I would start looking for a new job next spring.
But that's when I learned about this new job, from a former co-worker. So I applied. I interviewed. I took a writing test. I got the job.
Giving my notice three weeks ago and leaving today was so, so hard. Yesterday, my lovely friend Beth threw me a farewell party on one of the stages in the theater, and said too many nice things about me. I, in turn, bawled my fool eyes out - I mean, full-on ugly cried - and tried to say all of the nice things I wanted to say back. To express how much the place has meant to me. To express how much more the people have meant to me.
Tonight I was also the lucky recipient of a happy hour farewell, which was epically fun, and luckily featured no bawling. I will post some pics tomorrow. Tomorrow is also the one day I took off in between jobs; I start the new one on Thursday.
It feels very much like the end of an era in my life. And I am excited to start a new one, again. A few months ago, I didn't see this coming. But I went out on the highest of highs, and you can't ask for more than that.
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5 comments:
It's hard to leave coworkers you love!!! It sounds like this opportunity came at the right time though and I'm excited for you!
I have been in those shoes, so I know exactly how you are feeling. For me, it was absolutely the best decision for my family and for me. These days, I have so much less stress and I can be much more involved with my kids; plus, I have time for me!
I wish you nothing but the best with the new position. Enjoy the freedom that you will have to be with Jane. It goes SO fast.
Looks like the universe delivered just what you needed. Plus have the hours more time to spend at home, sounds good all around!
It was really very selfless of you to take this new job just so that you could get me a discount on my education. Thank you.
Also, congratulations and good luck with your new job. I hope they're not too mean to you, and I hope that you are lucky enough to find a new coworker there who is almost as awesome as me.
Half the hours at a time like this? Golden. This is such a huge change, but the way it all fell into place, it feels meant to be. Congratulations, Amanda!
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