The Professional Adieu

Farewells are always difficult, whether they are professional or personal.  Today marked the end of another chapter in my life as I said goodbye to my colleagues.  I have had a good 2.5 year run.  My work father gave me a big bear hug and was happy with his wine and chocolate.  My boss loved her gift and said it was thoughtful and fitting because she entertained alot.  I was also treated to a lovely lunch.  This is the way I wanted to leave: happy.  I am touched by how many people have told me they enjoyed working with me.  Hermits always assume no one cares about their existence.  One colleague said he learned alot from me, that is always an amazing thing to hear when one is just starting out in their career.  While it was hard, it felt right.

I am a big believer in saying goodbye the right way.  Why? Because it may be the last time you say goodbye.  Farewells are important.  They bring closure, peace, and comfort when tragedy strikes (all of us will experience tragedy).  A good farewell, especially in the work world, requires some planning.  Despite the lack of attachment associated with work, people still need time to process loss.  Even if that loss is an employee at the bottom of the organization who has decided to move on (like me).  So give your adieu a week in advance.

Then there is what to say.  Heartfelt, genuine, and positive are the themes that should come through in a written goodbye, no matter how unhappy you are.  Remember, you might cross paths again. Finally, there is the goodbye you give to those that you truly will miss.  That is the hardest of all.  Fortunately in the work world, an end to a work relationship opens the door to a personal one.  As I start the next chapter in my career, I am most looking forward to the new personal relationships that come with a professional adieu.  A top notch goodbye guarantees opportunities for life long friendships.

My last outfit....A little nostalgia from the college years.

Dress: From my college days (over 10 years ago)

Shoes: Madden Girl

Earrings: Self made

A Blue Day

I am very happy the week is coming to a close.  I'm having a bit of blue day today, hence my very depressing choice in color for today's outfit.  I'm not sure what the cause for my melancholy is.  Perhaps its the shorter days, or the colder weather.  Whatever the case, I am hoping it is short lived.  This weekend is looking very promising.  Saturday will involve some karoke and Sunday will be spent catching up with an old friend.  Hopefully, that will cure what ails me.  So here is my outfit: top is Express, pants are New York & Co., shoes are from Target.

Business Casual - Day 35 (week 5)

Today was another typical day.  Although this week is looking like another chaotic one.  I am prepared for the week, what with being recharged from our trip to Vermont and all.  It is also looking like this week is going to have rain and lower tempertures.  Which, in my mind, calls for boots.  Ahhh, how I love boots.  It is really a shame that they can only be worn for a couple of months out of the year.  On a different topic, I am going to a wedding at the end of month, also very exciting.  I have to get the dress I'm wearing fitted though.  I found this alterations place that time forgot.  It is run by this elderly Eastern European woman.  She has an ancient sewing machine to boot.  I am just so charmed by her, I want to give her something of mine to alter.  Anyway, here is my outfit for today:  the jacket is from an old suit, the pants are New York & Co., the shirt is Tahari, the shoes are Polvini, and the necklace is a gift from my grandmother.  Who incidently is just hilarious.  She told me that this necklace was her favorite.  Isn't that sweet?  Well there you have it: grandma's are the best.  I'm lucky mine is still around.

Pretty Pastels - Day 31

Thankfully, the week is finally coming to a close.  There was some happy news in the news today: all the miners trapped in Chile were rescued.  That was a wonderful begining to my morning.  Sometimes the news actually reports happy stories.  Since they are so rare, I suppose we should try to enjoy them, it certainly makes me feel like the world isn't going to hell afterall.  Anywho, the dreary, damp, and cold in the air (yes, it is raining again), inspired me to wear a lovely pastel pink today.  This pink looks like the shade that infant girl clothes come in.  I'll be honest, I bought the skirt because I liked the style, not so much for the color.  However, it is supposed to be a good thing to get out of our comfort zone (mine happens to be all things black) once in a while, right?  So with that here is my outfit for today: the shirt is WD NY, the sweater is from Kohls, the skirt is Ralph Lauren, and the shoes are Madden Girl.

Purple, the Color of Kings- Day 11

It has been said that purple was a favored color among royalty.  I can certainly see why, it is a color that is both mysterious and elegant at the same time.  It is a color that flatters everyone and it comes in may hues and shades.  As you have probably already guessed, my outfit today has a lot of purple.  I have been wanting to wear this top for some time, but it didn't fit.  Now that I have lost some weight, it fits perfectly!  So without further delay here  is my outfit.  The top and skirt are thrifted.  The shoes are Madden Girl (from DSW).