On Vacation

I was nervous as hell going into work because I didn’t know how I would feel after I resigned. In fact, I was still a little doubtful about the whole thing. It all seemed too good to be true. I was half expecting a phone call from the PR/Marketing agency telling me they changed their mind.

So when I walked in I immediately called them to ask a few last minute questions. The Company president greeted me warmly and told me that she was just about to email my job description over for my approval. She asked me to review it and if everything was agreeable, to email her back letting her know what day I’d like to start.

I reviewed her email with astonishment. Why do all of the projects that I’ve been assigned to list the words: Research, interview, copy write, community outreach, profile interview, etc. in their descriptions?

Whoa!

After reviewing the email I knew it was time to turn in my letter of resignation. My Director and 3 other staff members were out of town at a conference leaving me alone with the volunteer and the database manager who usually stays tucked away in her little cubby hole.

I walked over to the Business Manager and she smiled at me. She is always so nice to me. So many people say they don’t like her but for some reason, I LOVE her because she’s so cool and no nonsense. I closed the door and she asked me to have a seat.

“Um, I have another job offer,” I said.
“Ofcourse you do,” she said quickly. “You’re bright and nice to be around. I knew some company would snatch you up.”
I pause.
“Well, My Director isn’t here for me to give her my notice.”
“No problem you can give it to me.”
“Well, there’s also another matter I need to discuss. Well..” I clear my throat. “I was never allowed to take a vacation even though I’ve been working here for over a year. So I still have all of my vacation time.”
“Ok, we’ll pay you for that time once you leave.”
“You will?”
“Sure, unless you want to take the vacation now and leave early.”
“Is that okay?”
“Sure is. When will be your last day?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Ok, just write me a letter letting me know when your last day will be. You don’t have to worry about telling your Director since you’re leaving I’ll take care of everything.”

I walked out of her office numbly.

Dang. It all worked out. My Director has no idea that when she and the rest of the team get back, I’ll be gone.

I sit down at my desk and finish the last project that I’ll ever do for the school. I open up a new email and write a short note to our faculty and staff list serve.

Hey Everybody!

From the first day I walked onto this campus as a temp I have felt the positive energy radiating from every staff member. I’ve learned so much from my co-workers and I have especially enjoyed the Faculty Affairs committee’s special surprises. I can’t imagine any other company treating its employees as well as MCDS does.

Another career opportunity has presented itself to me and I am excited to take advantage of it. Regretfully, tomorrow is my last day here.

Thank you for all of your smiles, your warmth and your encouragement as I move forward toward my destiny. No plan is ever out of reach for you and no dream is ever too big. I will not waste a day of my life because I believe I have something positive to contribute to society. Look for me all over the place as my writing career takes off.

Remember to be a blessing to others.

Love,

Ms. Tee

After I send the note I am bombarded by shocked replies to my announcement. Everyone wishes me well and remembers how much of a bright spirit I was and so many of them reminded me of how I helped them with a smile and they appreciated it. I never thought that I was appreciated because you rarely get a word of thanks that isn’t given to the whole group. And lately all I had been hearing were criticisms from my Director.

Here these people took the time to let me know that I was a gift in their life. I really needed to hear that.

One by one they stopped by to give me a hug and to wish me well. They were all curious to know where I was going and what I would be doing. When I told them PR & Marketing they mostly smiled and assured me that I was perfect for that line of work.

At the end of the day I packed up all of my stuff from my desk and took the pictures off of the wall. I knew that when I returned the next day I would only be coming to put together a portfolio of the work I created while I was there.

It felt so good to be in that office and not have to jump up attending to someone’s needs. I realized that all day long I was the Go-To girl who had to do all the running and all the helping whenever anyone said they needed it. “Ofcourse I can do that,” was my most used statement.

No more.

Today I went in and sat down at my desk. I looked behind me at the pile of papers that needed to be filed and turned my head. I checked my email requests and forwarded them to my Director for her review when she gets back. Anyone that stopped by was asked to come back on Wednesday when the team would be back in full force.

The Go-To girl had left the building.

I put together my portfolio and I snuck and gave goodbye hugs to everyone in the other side of my building; the business office. “I’m giving you these hugs now because I don’t want you calling me out when I sneak out of here early,” I half joked.

After that was done I gathered the last of my things and told the receptionist, “I’m going to put these things in my car.”

I walked away from that building for the last time.

Hell no I don’t feel guilty for leaving early. I’m home relaxing and writing and talking to my friends.

I have 2 weeks before I start my new job. This is the going to be a great vacation for me. I am very grateful.

Let me go lie down for the rest of the afternoon.

Edit********************************************************************************

I just heard that Coretta Scott King died. My heart dropped. I remember back in college I portrayed her in a show celebrating women. To me she was the quintessential model of womanhood. What woman could stand beside so great a man and not be great herself? Her life will forever be celebrated.