A little delayed, but here’s part 3.
4.2.21
It’s getting painful at work. My guilt is kicking in big time. Through no fault of my own, my resignation coincides with a co-worker going out on maternity leave for three months. Because she had been working from home, I didn’t even know she was pregnant! That, in addition to the loss (to another department) of co-worker a few weeks ago and training of a new employee(s), I will be leaving them incredibly short staffed. We have already been shuffling assignments around to cover and there has already been grumbling from my co-workers wondering how it’s going to work once the maternity leave starts. Concerns about being able to take vacations and get days off for doctors’ appointments, sick children and the like abound. The vacation system we are on means that we accrue vacation over time and there is a max to how much you can bank. Due to COVID, many of my co-workers are at the max vacation hours they can bank and have stopped accruing. Which means they are losing out on vacation. Some have resorted to taking an afternoon off here and there so they can continue to accrue. After I leave, I don’t know if that will be a possibility for a while.
One week from today I am giving my notice. I am not looking forward to the possible back lash. But, I guess, worst case scenario I can cut out early if it gets too bad.
4.6.21
We had an $1100 surprise hit us yesterday. When we re-signed our lease last time, the complex had a deal going on due to COVID. If you re-signed within a certain time frame, you got a month’s rent free. Well, because we are breaking the lease, they are making us pay that back as a concession chargeback, in addition to the buyout fee. Grrr. Fortunately, I was mentally prepared for things not to go the way we planned, because… well… nothing does. The money part sucks, but I am also lucky enough to be able to prepare for those such things as well. Maybe I’ll try to work a little OT in the last few weeks of work to make up for it?
I give my notice on Friday. I am still a little nervous about the response I am going to get. But again, if it gets too uncomfortable, I can always quit early. Although, with the revelation about the concession chargeback I want to avoid that if possible. Here’s to hoping my co-workers are happy for me and not pissed that I’m sticking it to them.
4.8.21
I got up this morning, and the first thing my sister says to me is “Welcome to your last day of normalcy.” Ain’t that the truth? I am giving my notice tomorrow. My boss may surprise me. She may be incredibly professional about it. My co-workers may be happy for me. Or… not. Either way, tomorrow will mark the beginning of real change. Our preparations for moving will be ramping up. My job search already has. We will be having last lunches and hang outs with a couple friends. We’ll be doing all the move stuff like putting a hold on our mail and setting cut off dates for the internet and electricity. And doing planning for the drive.
Right now, it doesn’t quite feel real to me yet. Like most big changes, because life just ticks on until the event, it doesn’t feel like it’s actually going to happen. I have a feeling that once I give notice, it will get real very quickly.
4.12.21
It’s done. Everyone knows. It was anti-climactic for the most part. My boss surprised me. She was civil about it after her initial knee jerk reaction which was to say “Shit! That sucks.” One of my co-workers immediately starting crying when I told her. Everyone else has said they are sad I’m leaving.
As I predicted, it does feel more real now, and I am really glad I have my bullet journal to organize everything I have to get done.
It’s funny. Every time I move, I never remember it being this involved. I never remember there being so much to do before you go and so many things to take care of. I must block it out.
4.16.21
After today, I have one week left of work. As of right now, I do not have another job lined up. It is fucking terrifying. I’ve never done this; I’ve always at least had an offer. Luckily, I do have some savings, so I’m not broke. Not right away. Everyone I’ve talked to seems to think I should have no issue, but it’s still scary.
My plan is to ramp up my writing while I’m not working, for however long that might be. Right now, I’m researching local publications in that part of the world that I might be able to pitch a ‘new Tennessee transplant’ type article to. I think it will be a review style article, with an option of turning it into a series. The idea is that I’m new to the area, but I also live there. I’m an adventurer, but also a resident. So, seeing the touristy stuff for the first time, but navigating becoming a part of the community. And hopefully, opening the eyes of current long-time residents to the cool stuff all around them. I think we tend to stop seeing all the interesting things around us when we live somewhere. Either we think ‘oh, I have time, neither of us are going anywhere’, or ‘that stuff is for the tourists.’ But, in my experience, some of the coolest things are the ones that most townies (particularly those that have lived there their entire lives) overlook. Or, they did it once ten years ago and never went back even though they really enjoyed it. Maybe I can inspire a re-visit?
That's it for this weeks installment. Check back next week for part 4!
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