I’m normally a light and shiny kind of person, but this week, I had to do two things that made this move real and made me a little sad. I had to put in my resignation at work and my notice to the children’s daycare that December 30th would be their last day. Both were pretty intense and just seemed way to “final” for me.
I’ve been at my company for 10 years. I would be lying if I said every moment was joyful and that I’ve loved every minute of every job I’ve held, but it would be a bigger lie to say that I’m not thankful for the time I have spent at such an awesome company. It has been rewarding, stressful, enriching and so much more. I have learned so much about both me and how a fortune 500 company SHOULD be ran. I’ve learned what it means to truly have ethics in business and believe in the company for which you work. I’ve also learned what it means to love the people you work with and how sometimes, those people not only help you make it through the work day, but through life. My fellow employees have been there for me not only when I am overwhelmed by a project, but also when I’m overwhelmed by life. With a husband in the military and 4 mid-east deployments under our belt, that support has been invaluable. There is my work neighbor who is always willing to lend an ear and share a tear; my Work BFF who I can always count on for an asinine response to my griping and her “sincere” sympathy; my boss, who originally promoted me to an analyst and who I am so glad that we ended up back together before I have to move; my friend R, who inspired me to do Iron Girl and the group of girls who helped me survive both the training and the event itself; my dear friend J, who even though I don’t remember her from training, I will never forget. Who else can instantly cheer me up with bubble gum cigarettes and website filled with de-motivators?
As for the notice at the daycare, I’m sure for most, this would seem rather inconsequential, but for me it was huge. I have been counting on the wonderful people at the daycare to be a second mom to my children for over 6 years. Had it not been for Ms. Bonnie, I’m not sure I could have ever continued to work after my first child, much less do it again with my second. With my first, I think I cried for a week, but with number two, I knew I was leaving him in the very capable and loving arms of Ms. B. and while I missed him, I didn’t worry for a second whether he would be cared for and loved the way I wanted him to be.
So this week I put those last dates on paper and signed my name, I couldn’t help but feel a little sad. I feel as if I will be leaving so many wonderful things behind. In some ways I wish I could just follow the advice I give my daughter when she trips because she isn’t paying attention and say, “Look where you are going and not where you’ve been.” I am trying my best to focus on the adventure that is coming up while remembering that the places I’ve been have prepared me for what is lying ahead. In the mean time, when I catch myself being sad, I’ll just pull out a candy cigarette and let my inner child imagine the fabulous things to come.
