I wrapped up work about 11 a.m. yesterday.
I was instructed to turn in my laptop and associated equipment (docking station, keyboard and mouse) at a local branch of the regional bank that has been my employer for the past ten-plus years.
I would not say I was melancholy, but I was definitely pensive as I logged off for the final time. I was not just ending this segment of my working life but ending my working life in general. I thought back on all the years of working. I will post something soon that elaborates more on that. (I know you don't necessarily need to read that but humor me. It's cathartic.)
After turning in my equipment, I took Wife to lunch. We had a very nice time.
After lunch, we ran a couple of errands. While we were in a store, I received a text message from someone with my employer, asking about the "travel charger" that goes with my laptop, the cord that is used when I am not hooked into the docking station. (Which was not on the list of items I was to return.)
This was the perfect illustration of the current state of affairs. While I am being retrospective and even a little sentimental, they are wanting their cord.
Yeah, you're welcome for the years of service and dedication. I'll get that right to you.
And just like that, I was over it. As the saying goes, it's not personal; it's business.
Today is the first full day of retirement. I woke at my usual time. I did some reading. Took some carboard to the recycling center. Threw away some stuff from work (all paper, mainly notes I have taken, no computer equipment). Some friends were leaving on a trip, and I took them to the airport.
Now I am sitting in my favorite tap room, my first visit here in many months, writing this post. I will then do some reading.
Tomorrow is Friday, the day before the weekend. The weekend will no longer hold the significance it once did.
It's a new chapter, but one I think I am ready to embrace.
3 comments:
My final departure was a bit more abrupt than yours but I always felt that leaving a job made me go through something similar to the 12 stages of grief. There is the anger, denial, other things and finally acceptance. Hopefully you get through all your stages in short order my friend.
Weekends can still be special. The whole business with the cord made me laugh!
I wonder if they'll even continue to use that laptop as it would be so out-of-date if it's a year old... Happy retirement. With so many friends retiring, I find myself figuring out what I want to do for my last year of work...
Post a Comment