Days left at work: 28 (geez, that's coming up fast)
Days until I'm "officially" off the market: 127 (don't worry, Mo, I'm already off the market)
Days until I start learning to write like a lawyer: 136 (no more adjectives for me)
Thoughts
So, as the countdown to my departure from my current position dips into the 20's, I'm starting to feel nostalgic. If you asked me about a month ago, hell, a week ago, I would've told you that I could'nt wait to bid this place adieu. But, now that the year is winding down, commencement speakers are being announced, and students are talking about their summer plans, I am starting to come to grips with the fact that I won't be around to see them return in the fall. The way I feel about my job right now is kind of the way I feel at a funeral. No matter how much of an asshole someone was during their life, at their funeral people always find good things to say about the deceased. Now, I wouldn't say comparing my job to a dead asshole is fair, because my job treats me much better than any asshole ever would, but you get the drift. The negative thoughts are starting to give way to the positive memories. All of the long nights spent writing protocols, weekends spent training students, and hours spent justifying why things should change seem to disolve more and more the closer I get to April 28. Now, instead thinking about the countless arguments I had with colleagues, I remember how it felt to meet with my students for the first time. I remember their eyes fixed upon me as I conducted trainings. I remember the first time my supervisor and I came together to fight for a common goal, and how good it felt to have someone standing up for me. I'm beginning to realize just how much I'm going to miss my job.
But, like any loss I've experienced, the grieving period will end, and I will move on. I will be able to think back on my time here and smile. But, for now, I will allow myself to feel the pain of losing something I care about very much.
Quote of the Week:
"Grief drives men to serious reflection, sharpens the understanding and softens the heart." ~ John Adams
2 comments:
Thanks for the countdown Steve, my birthday is the 28th too!! So while you're also contemplating what to do for the summer, you can think about what to get me for my birthday! :-) You know I'm kidding...but I do like shiny things ;-) I'm sure everyone at that institution is going to feel a great void when you're gone. You've accomplished so much while you've been there (which none of us doubted), and you have yet again made such a difference in the lives of so many people. I miss you friend!
Off the market? I don't know if you've ever felt the power of the "Cutie."
Post a Comment