Bittersweet Goodbye

It feels kind of surreal to know that I'm in the last few days of employment at the place I have worked (and my alma mater)  for the last nine years. Where does the time go? I went from a lost 20-something to a more sure 30-something. I have planned a lot of big {and small} events, carried out numerous marketing campaigns, developed my project management skills, given 110 percent, and utilized my creativity here.

While it's bittersweet to say goodbye, I feel like a weight is soon to be lifted from my shoulders. I'll admit that I know I could not keep up my current schedule of a full class load + 20 hrs of office work and do well in my classes. Organic chemistry and microbiology - oy vey!

A colleague brought me this yesterday...

Excuse me while I hide the good stuff from the manfriend.

On the other hand, I have this weird sense of impending meaninglessness. Yes, I'll be going to school and working toward a bigger goal, but it doesn't seem quite as important as going to an office every day. Anyway, I'm sure I'll figure it out as I go. It'll just take some time to adjust to my new purpose and focus as a full time student.

I've been under the weather the last few days, but am determined to still get some movement in. Monday night, I put on my running shoes to walk a few miles near work and catch some daylight.


Never mind the highly unfashionable look. #keepinitcomfy

Random thoughts:
  • My wedding dress is still hanging on the closet door of our spare bedroom where I can see it daily. I just can't bring myself to put it away...
  • My macbook pro purchased in January 2008 is still kicking (for now)
  • I may just love my new Brooks Ravennas more than I loved the Addictions.
  • I'm so excited for Christmas. We'll be heading back to the midwest to visit Pete's family and I can't wait to see the newest family member born yesterday and our one year old niece (oh, and everyone else of course)!
How's your Wednesday treating you? 

Comments

Leigh said…
What a sweet (no pun intended) gift from your co-worker! Hope you are feeling better soon :)
Amber said…
That chocolate bar bouquet is awesome! I love it!

That is so sweet about your wedding dress. Mine is shoved in the back of our closet in a bag. I still haven't gotten it cleaned!!

I think leaving a job is always a little bittersweet. Even though it was totally the right thing for me to leave my last job (and I'm so much happier at work now) it was still hard to say bye to amazing coworkers.
So exciting! It's the beginning of a new chapter in your life. I think it's normal to feel a bit adrift, until you find your rhythm. Have fun with it! This is going to be the experience of a lifetime!
missris said…
I'm just so, so excited for you to start this new chapter. It'll probably be weird for a while to not go into an office, but I know you've really thought about it and are making the right choice. Congratulations!
Congrats on being an aunt again! It will be so fun to meet the new baby when you are home for Christmas and see your other niece!

I think all endings, even if they are something we chose and know are the right decision, are bittersweet. I knew I had to leave my position in Charlotte but it was still tough to say goodbye to a company that I really did like and people I enjoyed working with. Plus my ending was so abrupt since I went to a competitor so I had about 3 hours in the office after I resigned. It felt very unceremonious and just... weird. But I have been able to keep in touch with the people I want to keep in touch with so that is good.

I hope that your perspective on meaningfulness will shift - but I do think it will. In my opinion, your life has more purpose than it did before because now you are pursuing something that is going to make you happy and fulfilled versus going in every day and working hard at an unfulfilling job. But I know it's easier for me to say that than for you to internalize it.

Hope you are feeling better!

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