My last day at work. A really odd feeling leaving a job without another one to go to. I’ve done it once or twice before; once I was asked to leave a job and didn’t have another one lined up, once I left one myself without another lined up because I hated it so much I simply couldn’t stay any more. It felt most similar to when I left a job because I was 39 weeks pregnant with Davies I think, except instead of jokes about sleepless nights and dirty nappies there were jokes about freezing cold nights and muddy shoes – oh and dogging, the fact WWOOFing is so similiar sounding tickles everyone.
I spent much of the day sitting on the enquiry desk which is always my favourite place anyway. One of the book group people came in and we ordered in the next few books for the group and then she gave me a big hug and said I had made the library ‘fun’. Not at all sure that is something libraries are meant to be ;). I did some tidying up loose ends with emails to the Book group members, cleared my tray, signed my keys back in and put my last few books back on shelves. The last hour or so dragged a bit really and then I went round saying goodbye to shelves and stairs and book trolleys :).
Back home I had a very quick turnaround to get ready to go out. Ady had the kids with him for most of the day and dropped them off with Dad for a couple of hours in the afternoon so he could go into the office. They’d spent the morning cleaning out Ady’s car ready to be handed back. Ady had run me a bath and ironed a top for me and I had just painted my nails when I got a text to say my ride was already outside five minutes early – so Ady and the kids had to help me put my boots on so I didn’t smudge my nails! And yes, I know, princessy behaviour like that won’t be able to continue in the weeks and months to come!
We collected another 2 people along the way and were first at the restaurant. It’s one of those where you go up and order and pay for your food which I like as it means no one ends up subsidising anyone else. They also have a two for a tenner deal so we all chose a dinner buddy and got our meals for a fiver each :). I was really touched and slightly overwhelmed at the turn out as historically the staff at Lancing are dreadful for not going to evening get togethers. But every single member of staff came, along with three ex members of staff and Brenda the big boss librarian who I run Book Group with. So there were 14 of us in all.
Sian had bought me a gorgeous little notebook with a purple silk cover and recycled handmade pages and written a very lovely message in it so that got passed round the table and everyone wrote something in it including contact details so we can stay in touch. There are some very tear jerking things written in it 🙂 I did some seat hopping as it was a long banquet style table so I could only talk to about 3 people at once so I made sure I could have some time with everyone.
It did mean I didn’t do much eating though, the food wasn’t great and so much talking meant I left most of it. It didn’t prevent me drinking unfortunately and I suddenly found myself with about 5 glasses of wine lined up that people had bought me. I should have course have left them or tipped them into a plant pot or something, but I didn’t. And I regretted that about an hour after I got home and even more when I woke up this morning… 🙁
But, while still sober enough to function I was presented with a bottle of wine, a card and a £30 gift card from everyone, with strict instructions to spend it on treats as and when I felt I needed them most over the course of the year :). Brenda made a lovely speech about what I will be missed for (sense of humour, irreverance and unusual qualities for library staff ;)) I went round the table and said nice things about everyone and thanked them all for a lovely four years at the library. I’ve learnt loads, gained new skills, enjoyed being back in a workplace and made many friends who I hope to stay in touch with. I think it is the most appreciated I’ve ever felt in a job and whilst it wasn’t challenging enough for me long term it was something I felt I was good at and worthwhile.
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More chatting (and drinking) and then we all said our goodbyes. I made at least two of the people getting a lift home with me cry, and cried myself by getting all emotional about how much I loved them and will miss them. I wish I’d left at least two of the glasses of wine on the table but it was a lovely evening and a true celebration of leaving my job for all the right reasons.
aww that made me well up! And I am not known for that!!!
Comment by Kirsty — 18 February 2011 @ 4:19 pm
How utterly lovely, people can be very loving and supportive sometimes can’t they 🙂
Comment by Roslyn — 18 February 2011 @ 9:51 pm