Going forth

Friday, July 6, 2012
After almost sixteen years, today is my last day with my current employer. I have a number of conflicting emotions, but mostly I'm just relieved. I feel like I've spent a lot of time being angry in the last year or so, and I'm ready to approach my work with something other than dread and disgust.

I'm taking Monday and Tuesday off in order to quiet my mind and get ready for my new venture, and I've scheduled myself for a massage, manicure and pedicure. Because I've decided that spa treatments are really the best way to prepare for a new job.

I suspect the first several quarters at my new gig will be hectic and demanding, but in a good way. I have a number of training milestones I need to achieve (including more of the dreaded certification exams); I need to learn new processes and get to know the people I'll be working with; and I want to start meeting with my new employer's customers and start to prove that I am in fact worth the trouble they went to in order to recruit me.

It's funny how things work out. I've been approached by head hunters two or three times a month for the last eight years or so, but there's only been two occasions when I've seriously considered their offers. The first time was when I thought my job would be off-shored, so I was trying to be proactive, but I didn't accept for financial reasons. And this time I was ready to entertain an offer because (as I noted before), the things that are important to me were no longer important to my company. And at that juncture, a solid, ethical company approached me to join their team to do work I find interesting with people I find exceptional.

I've been extraordinarily lucky in my professional life. I've never really been unemployed. I've had access to opportunities at times in my life when I was in a position to take advantage of them. And I've managed to maintain some semblance of work-life balance and make enough money to support myself and my family very comfortably. A good outcome, by any measure.

So today I'm going forth to the next stage of my professional life with the support of my family and friends. It's time, and I'm ready.

11 comments:

The Mechanicky Gal said...

Fair Winds and Following Seas, Sister!

Anne C. said...

So happy this opportunity came along for you! You deserve it!

Tom said...

Support, support, support!

And a big grin on my face for you.

Jeri said...

I'm so very happy for you - kick butt and take names at the new place!

Unknown said...

Lots of luck to you! Sounds like an awesome opportunity and a great new direction. :)

mom in northern said...

Isn’t there something about opportunities being available for the prepared mind?
You have been ready for some time now….Hugs

Phiala said...

You rock, and will be awesome at this. I hope it will be as awesome to you as your fondest hopes suggest.

Unknown said...

I used to repeat, out loud, in the car on my over to work "I don't want to do this, I don't want to do this". That was the 12th and as it turns out the last year of my longest employment. It was bittersweet for me too, to finally break free. I'm not gonna lie and say I didn't look back a few times, missing the familiarity and security of the known, but I did move forward and prosper, and I love my new path.

God's speed, Janiece... or break a leg. Whichever one works for you :)

IllanoyGal said...

Now this is definitely better than discussing politics. Sounds as though you have planned well for this change. Good for you.

Have a great weekend. Keep your chin up and we'll all be pulling for you to win 'em over big time.

Random Michelle K said...

HUZZAH! HUZZAH!

Laur said...

I'm with Mechanicky Gal, fair winds and folowing seas and new adventures for you! All of the best conditions to haul anchor and get a move on. Welcome to the life work experience that you have been creating and cultivating. A well planned and executed plan, good on ya'!