Two weeks passed by rather quickly. I had to finish up projects, say good byes and deal with yet another throat curse requiring antibiotics. It was good that I had the two weeks to properly leave the place, to affirm that my decision was the best one I could have made. One thing I heard over and over again was ‘good for you. I wish I could do it.’ What these folks usually mean is that they don’t feel they can leave an unhappy job situation b/c of resposibilities-a mortgage or rent, children, car payments. I, luckily, have none of those responsibilities so why stay in a situation where the start of the day was not a cause for rejoicing? But the more I think about it, the more I think no one should. Some of my former co-workers are miserable and make those around them miserable.
A perfect example to illustrate: at the company there is a Notorious Busybody who snoops through people’s things, spreads rumors, gives the evil eye and yet wears a cross round her neck. I believe the only reason that they don’t fire the woman is that she is about to retire soon and has been there since the ’60s. Last week she called me into the bathroom to say something. It was to warn me about another girl at work, who she said tells the comptroller of the company everything. I was horrified but the look on her face when I said that the girl she was maligning and I are friends was priceless. She almost DOVE into the bathroom stall.
A woman like the Notorious Busybody is pathetic. She’s hated her job for about a decade, if not longer, seems to have no life outside of work and fails to see how wearing the cross and being evil are antithetical. I think when you’re that unhappy you can’t do the same old same old everyday. I don’t care what responsibilities you claim to have- change your life, or your attitude or both. It is a useless way to spend life that way. Americans spend more time at work that most people in the world and yet, I rarely hear love for the work we do. I don’t hear pride. Something has to change in our collective mentality.
My incident with the busybody was but one interesting facet of leaving. My direct supervisor talked trash about me b/c I took a day off to be sick. Yikes. I will tell you that I had to exert total self control when I heard that. My first instinct was extreme anger. I wanted to call her up and curse that broad out. Hahahaha. But I didn’t b/c that would be so counterproductive. I calmed myself down with prayer and by playing catch with Cosette. Then I realized that hen people talk behind your back it’s about them, and not about you. The people I like at work don’t take a word she says seriously, Plus, she’s not in the best place in her life and my leaving is going to burden her with extra work so maybe she was just venting. Not nice, but. . . I should chill, not pick up the phone and just be REALLY glad I never have to see her again.
For the most part, people were extremely kind. I’ve saved emails, and cards that were encouraging and touched me. Apparently, I was liked for my efficiency, helpfulness and good cheer. I leave knowing that I did a good job. Even the boss man hugged me and wished me well. Other positives: the girl who irked me more than ANY human ever has actually apologized! I did too- I think I should have had a little more grown self-control and talked to her about the issues that we had. At the time, it was hard to have the detachment. But I will remain friends with some of my co-workers and am really excited and pleased about that.
Saying my final goodbyes was sad but like Madonna says: There’s no greater power than the power of good-bye. It’s always a little heartbreaking to end a stage of your life but choosing change is really about not giving in to fear .
Now I’m resting up b/c my Quest is beginning soon. I feel like I’m being lead by the Higher Power to a better destiny. Am processing multiple thoughts and emotions right now, but the greatest one is relief. I’m not stressed out- maybe I should be but I welcome Change.
