Last night, I cleaned my work desk for the very last time. Some might argue that it’s the first time I’ve ever cleaned my desk. Details, details.
If you’ve read I’m Leaving You – Part 1, then you know my plan of leaving my job with hardly any plan at all. I would say I’m still in denial, but you know what…I don’t think I am. I was lucky enough to leave on my own terms and I had the opportunity to say all my farewells and thank yous to all the fantastic people I’ve met and worked with.
Months ago, when I first made the concrete decision to leave, I burst into tears. I was overcome with the realization of how much my identity was tied to my workplace, and I wondered how I was going to do without some of the best co-workers and friends I’ve ever known. As the weeks flew by, I began to feel more at home with my decision. Having that time allowed me to appreciate the people around me all the more, knowing that I was incredibly lucky to be in the presence of such…greatness. I did my best to tell them, although I cloaked some of it in what I call my sense of humor. If I had the money (and a business plan), I would steal some of them away and create an empire by investing in their brain power and creativity. We would be unstoppable.
I’ll be having a farewell dinner with some of my girlfriends in a few days. This is where I’m truly in denial, because I refuse to think about it. In fact, I’ll stop right now. Can’t go on.