It’s funny how a decision becomes more real the more people know about it. Now that the team I work with on a daily basis knows that I am leaving the company on June 1st, the word is starting to spread. I have seen a variety of reactions, some shocked and others who didn’t believe it was true. For the most part, folks are genuinely happy for me and a number are downright jealous. It is humbling when people I have worked with for years and regard highly express how sad they are that I am leaving and a little awkward when people I hardly know express the same sentiments.
Most important is I finally had an opportunity to sit and talk about it with my parents this week. My dad in particular is such an influence on me and I, the one who loves to please people, most especially want to have my Dad’s approval! No surprise both my parents are incredibly supportive and understanding. Not sure why I was worried that my Dad would scold me and try to talk me out of it. He trusts my judgement and that I am not making a rash decision. It will be fun spending more time with them this Summer.
Of course there are a few core people who have known for ages. My sister in Virginia practically jumped thru the phone when I told her I was ‘thinking about’ no ‘I AM’ taking a radical sabbatical. ‘Yes! Do it! Do it now!’ She has been hearing me complain about my job off an on for years now. It has been a love hate relationship and it is time to break up. My dear twin sister listened and said it sounded like a cool idea. The next time I mentioned it, she was shocked! ‘You’re really going to do it?!’ Who can blame her, I have talked about quitting or finding another job before, but this time I’m doing it. My boyfriend is so supportive and patient. I have pondered many potential ideas of new jobs or businesses I could start. Sometimes I have to say an idea out loud to realize how ridiculous it is. He just listens and is convinced I have no idea what I really want to do, but is very encouraging and happy for me. It is true I don’t really know, and even if I am leaning towards one idea, nothing is off the table right now. I have months to figure it all out! My two teenage sons are pretty nonchalant about the whole thing. They just think it will be weird that I will be around all Summer. Summer is when they spend lots of time with their Dad because he is a teacher with Summers off and I always have project deadlines!
Yep, this is real and June 1st can’t get here fast enough!
-M