In a dramatic flurry of excitement I handed in my notice at work. My last day will be the 30th of November I announced in a high pitched Conorsqueal of excitement and basked in the ensuing reactions and attention. Some were shocked, some cried, some hugged me, some grunted and others’ minds wandered towards what they were going to have for lunch. I had to answer questions on dates and destinations and a whole array of details big and small regarding our travel plans and did my best to paint a picture that would describe a well thought out adventure rather than the haphazard loose idea that it currently is.
It was the talk of the place for a whole five minutes and I revelled in the attention. Even though I really like my job and love my colleagues there was something so satisfying about the whole event. It felt like progress, turning a page and moving on with my life.
I sat back at my desk with a huge grin on my face and it took me a good few minutes to slowly calm down. But I noticed that everybody else had quickly returned to their work and were going about their business as usual. Hmmm I thought to myself – maybe I should do it again - only this time louder and with more pizzazz! But no, the realisation hit that while I may indeed be leaving it’s not for another two months and life goes on. Worse than that was the understanding that I am still expected to work just as hard, right up until the end.
Ah well, in my head at least, the minutes are racing towards an end.
What, the excitement only lasted five minutes? Dirty rotten chizz. You’ll have to keep announcing new and spectacular highlights to get them going all over again. Oh, did I tell you I was visiting the Siberian salt mines? Did I tell you I’m crossing the Arctic Circle with a team of huskies? Oh, and did I mention….?
I’m sure you don’t have to keep working hard. Just look busy, keep picking up the phone and clattering on the keyboard and they’ll be completely fooled….
nick – a fine idea. Hold a few sheets of paper in your hand while rushing down a corridor usually works a treat
Congratulations! I remember when I jacked in my job to go to Italy, it’s a great feeling. So what are your travel plans?
well caro we plan to visit the Siberian salt mines and cross the Arctic Circle with a team of huskies!!! hehehe actually our plans so far just involve fleeing to South America and then taking it from there…
Hmmm, never tried the sheets of paper/rushing along corridor trick. Must add that to my repertoire immediately.
Throw a few paper stapling actions in every now and then! Gives it more “texture”.
i’m with nick and amanada. “look” busy do not be busy. i did it for 6 weeks before i moved to ireland. i’m genius at it now. lol. i hope they get you a lovely excellent present…how shallow am i! xxx
don’t forget to put your head in your hands now and again, look a bit harrassed. that’ll keep ‘em away from your desk!
nick – seriously, it’s most impressive. Folders also work if you want some variation
amanda – while walking – hmmmm I’m sensing a very dramatic scene
towny – gosh, I never thought of a present…. who am I kidding, of course I did…. wonder what it will be
My girlfriend just quite her job too and had the same feeling.
You’ve just quit and I’ve just started! You’ll love South America . . .don’t forget the antipodes if you’re in the neighbourhood!
Duh! You’re creating jobs. Well, A job, but still. It’s all part of your plan to save the world economy!
invader – I guess it’s always a somewhat satisfying feeling
baino – oh that’s definitely in the plans too!!!
alan – you are so right – I’m really being extremely selfless actually
are you really going to south america? wow. my little brother has been to argentina three times. he loves it there. and he found a branch of our family there as well. my great-grandfather emigrated from russia; one brother stayed behind, and one brother went to argentina. if you see somebody who looks like me, say, “Hola, Gaspar!”
seriously–it’s fun to quit jobs, isn’t it? so freeing. i hope you’ll blog from S.A.
Ohhhh, what a feeling…what a rush!
Be careful – it’s a slippery slope – I handed in my notice over 2 years ago and haven’t been motivated to rejoin the rat race since. – You will have a ball!
Oh this is so exciting Conor, you finally did it, you amazing creature!
Note to Nick et al: further refinement on the hall manoeuver while running with files, stop a couple of times and add notes while you lean on wall looking distracted trying to balance paper and pen. It gives one a nice break from the running and stretches out the time. And a great chance to work on the grocery list or the great Irish novel.
(I had years of practice at an Irish quasi-state company.)
XO
WWW
I wouldn’t worry that it was only a five-minute-wonder for your colleagues … they’ll soon be jealous when the postcards start to arrive from far-flung locations….
laurie – I definietly plan to keep up the blogging. Hopefully more than I have been doing recently too
carole – it really is!!
quickroute – well youa re a good example. Now all I need is your clever tricks to find such cheap flights
www – still doing my best to make it to NL too. My Occasionally Sleeping Friend is a newfie so it’s on the cards.
travelling – I like your way of thinking
Ha! Brilliant.
You’ll soon find your stride in the ‘Retired On Active Duty” spoof. I’ve been at it for over a year and a half now.
My resignation letter at my last job? As follows
Dear Colleagues,
Peace Out, Bitches!
Many thanks
HQ
A sweet,sweet moment indeed.
Come see me in D.C.
That’s not a request btw
HQ – hehe I’ll see what I can do!
Conor, I’ve been away and only now catching up with (several) entries of your blog. Congrats, darling, on making that first step toward your global adventure! Know my New York flat is available to you should you make your way here on your journey.