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

It. Is. HOT.

It is close to 100 degrees outside and feels like a furnace. The inside of my house feels the same since I don't have air conditioning. I feel for my poor Maya who must be so uncomfortable (she is sitting in between two fans, panting). The new job starts in a little more than a week! I am starting to get excited, but it still doesn't feel real yet. 

I truly believe that things work themselves out. Sometimes it doesn't seem that way in the moment, but when one looks back at the series of circumstances as a whole, it all starts to makes sense. This new job feels the same way. Savoring it is important, because at some point I will feel overworked and under appreciated and at that time, I have to remember how I felt at this moment. That is just the way the work world is sometimes. That shouldn't deter one from doing their best and having personal integrity. At the end of the day you can't change someone else's behavior, you can only change your own and hope other's use that as a guiding example. Influence is a powerful thing, most of the time we don't even know we have it.

I wanted to wear something bright and cheery today. After a week of mostly black outfits (I really love black and as a result, my closet is full of items in that color). I thrifted the skirt some time ago and it is actually purple, for some reason it comes out blue when photographed. The shirt is from JC Penny and the shoes are from Daffy's. This is out of my normal comfort zone, but since I have only a week or so left, I thought I would go out with a bang.

Skirt: Pat Argenti (thrifted)
Shirt: St. John's Bay
Belt: Thrifted
Shoes: Boutique 58
Earrings: Made by me

I Made My Decision

I made my decision Tuesday night and decided to accept the offer at the other company.  After staying up till 4:30 in the morning and not getting so much as a thank you, I had, had enough.  It is time to start afresh while I still like everyone at my current job.  My boss told me I would have to continue to work on a team that I don't especially care for.  Working with them essentially means career suicide, since I am rarely able to meet my deadlines when I work on their projects.  (They also don't seem to have the words "thank" and "you" in their vocabulary.)  So now with that wrenching decision complete, I can look forward to a new job in a new month (I start August 1st).  This the first place I am going where I actually know people (who I also like), so the transition should be nice.  I told my work dad yesterday, that was very difficult.  You know what this sweet, wonderful man's reaction was?  He said, and I quote "Well, I'm going to miss you."  How wonderful is that?  I am looking forward to the evolution in our relationship as it transitions from a professional one to a personal one.  I think I am going to get him and my boss thank you gifts for being so wonderful.  In a world where people are so unpleasant, it is important to recognize those who are not. 

My craft room is completely painted.  It looks bright, green, and awesome :).  I have been so busy with work I haven't had much time to work on it. Since I am no longer young and spry an almost all nighter takes longer to recuperate from.  I think tomorrow I will work on painting the trim, and then it will be ready for decoration.  I am also getting new glasses tomorrow. Yay!  It's been three years, and my eyes are begging for something stylish.  I wore the outfit below Monday.  I bought it from the juniors section and it is still to big.  <sigh>

Dress: Kohls
Belt: Thrifted
Shoes: Michael Kors (Thrifted)

Time for Tunics - Day 21 (Week 3)

I didn't go anywhere yesterday, hence no post.  It has gotten very cold all of a sudden.  This really makes me rethink what I'm going to wear this week, I had planned for warmer temperatures.  The outfit I'm wearing today is a color scheme I typically do not wear.  I have not worn the tunic for quite some time, so I thought I would give it a go today.  I don't remember where I got the tunic or shoes from.  The pants are from BCBG and the tank top is from Wal-mart.

Week 2-The fall chill is in the air: Day 8

I don't what happened today, but I seemed to have gotten out of bed a bit discombobulated.  It took me two tries to button my shirt this morning, and two cups of coffee to get to a level of alertness that typically takes only one.  I'm feeling more energized now and for the most part the week has started off well.  I like this outfit today, primarily because red is my favorite color.  I think I bought the shirt at Kohls.  The pants are from the GAP, the shoes are from Ross, and the belt is thrifted.