I know a good thing when I see it. I’m not one to take people or situations for granted; I try to regularly express my gratitude. I try to give as much as I receive.
My job is a good thing. Sure, it’s been a rocky year for the company, but that doesn’t change the fact that I love what I do and truly enjoy the people I work with. When I started four years ago, I was on a 3-month contract, and told my boss I wasn’t interested on joining the team permanently. My contract got renewed another 3 months, and it wasn’t long before I realized I did want to be a permanent fixture in the department. I recognized that the job just...fit.
Since then, I’ve tried to not just make the place enjoyable for myself but for those around me. I stay on top of my work, meet my deadlines and contribute as many ideas as I can, but I also try to make jokes, bring treats and generally just spread goodwill throughout our little cubicle village. The balance I’ve struck between discipline and fun has been praised and rewarded by the people around me. They treat me great. They like me. And that’s why this past week was so incredibly hard.
I made the official announcement that I’m leaving for England in July. I assembled a “work abroad proposal” for my boss, but let him know that I understood he might have to just let me go if it was best for the team. Unfortunately, his decision isn’t an easy one and I seem to have turned my department on its ear. My coworkers are vacillating between intrigue at the idea of me following a dream, and disgust that I would dare put them into this difficult situation. I’ve been hitting the bottle of TUMS like nobody’s business. I literally feel sick that I’ve caused such an uproar.
But I also know that no matter what the final decision is, everything will work out. It will work out for me because I will have an experience I’ve dreamed about for nearly 15 years. Sure, it’s only 7 weeks, but I’ll get to go live in another country and travel on weekends and experience a slightly different culture. And I’ll get to do it all for free, with the guy I’m head over heels in love with. Seriously, does it get any better than that?
I leave July 10th and return August 22nd. Mr. Wonderful and I are going to attempt to visit Dublin, Brussels, Barcelona, the English countryside, Bordeaux, Munich, Berlin and Prague. Lofty goals, I know. But we have a week of vacation built into the end of the schedule, so hopefully we’ll make good headway then.
I may be in limbo on the job front for the better part of this week. But at least I know that I have a ticket to Heathrow. I’m going. And maybe in the near future you’ll be reading this blog with a British accent…
15 comments:
I think this is awesome. I totally admire you for going for it! You're right...good things are coming. Heck, they've already come!
Chasing dreams is always always always a great thing to do. I'm excited for you.
OMG, I AM SO proud of you!!! Trust me, it's worth it. I did it and it was the most amazing peaceful adventurous time of my life. I, too, freaked out everyone at my awesome job, but it was one of the best choices I've ever made. You rock!
You go girl! This is not a "Hetherington" thing, that's for sure! However, that would be ONE place that your dad could go AND make left hand turns!
Before you leave..."mind your minge". (ask an English friend)
This is really a once in a lifetime opportunity!! You don't want to look back with regrets wishing you did this. On the work front, they will figure things out - if the work abroad thing doesn't pan out and your boss has to let you go then well it wasn't meant to be. I can't wait to hear all about your fabulous adventures all over Europe. That in itself, is worth all the tums in Costco.
I love you so much and I am so proud of you!
I am so wow'd by your decision to follow your heart. Seriously. Not many people do it and many relationships suffer as a result. Not that yours would suffer, but I just think it's incredible you're willing to put "we" before "me" ... even though the "me" gets a pretty sweet deal either way!
As far as the people at your current company. My guess is any anger they show is mere jealousy that (a) you're following your dreams and (b) you dare bring your job along for the ride. Whatever happens, they'll hopefully get over their personal feelings and remember what a great add you are/were to their team!
Actually, I've been reading it with a British accent all along...
Dude! Glad I read your blog. :) Congratulations lady. You've got guts of steal and I know it will be more than worth it for you.
I am so proud of you for taking this opportunity. I truly believe you won't regret this decision to follow your dreams. As others have stated, I think some of the negativity from co-workers comes from jealousy that they don't have the opportunity or guts to take a risky move. Good for you!
But what if I already read it with a British accent?
:)
I'm so excited for you! And proud of you for your faith that it will all work out! We could all learn from that, that's for sure.
From my vantage point, which is somewhere around twice your age, I can tell you that when you are looking back on your life you will regret NOT the things you did, but the things you DIDN'T do. By making a real contribution to your firm, you have demonstrated your integrity, and that will be with you where ever you go.
I think your decision is wise, you will experience the world anew and when you return you will offer a fresh perspective to what ever job you have. Please only one caveat--keep us informed and delight us with stories of your travels!
good for you!!! (and something tells me you will have a job when you get back!).
Very happy for you, lady. Don't let the work-related stress over-ride your excitement for the adventure. :)
I don't get what all the fuss is about. You gave them, like, 2 MONTHS notice. It's not like you walked in, pooped on a desk, stole some post-its and left.
You don't owe them anything more than what you've given them- a supertalented employee with great ideas who created a lovable work environment. Sad? Yes. Making you a TUMS-head? No.
--The Coconut Diaries
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