Yesterday, I officially gave notice of my intention to leave my place of employment four weeks hence. I then made a point of speaking to most of my co-workers to let them know (I’d already spoken to a couple of them ahead of time) so we could make sure everything was in order for the time when I would no longer be there to support them as I have for the last 5 1/2 years.
I was extremely humbled by the looks of shock and words of dismay from each one, as, like most of us, I probably don’t see myself as being as important to the process as others might.
But I was further gratified when my boss asked if I would be willing to perform some of my current functions on a contract basis, and that his intention was to reallocated work loads rather than find someone to fill my position. Now, I know part of it is that he’s downsizing due to decreases in the business, but I have to believe that another part is that I’ve learned so much and taken on a great many tasks which would require a lot of time (far more than the four weeks’ notice I gave him) to train someone to anywhere close to my current level of expertise in many areas, accounting being just one of them.
I don’t know right now how many hours a month I will see from them, but it simplifies things for me because it means I can spend a little less time looking for accounting clients and thus, more time writing! I see that as a win-win for all concerned. I know that, if and when the large proposal they’ve been awaiting for two years now, finally materializes, they will require a good deal more of my time than what I’ll want to be doing on a regular basis, but in the long run, that will be even better for me as a large chunk of time for a short duration will, again, leave me a lot more time to write afterwards.
As I don’t anticipate seeing the proposal until March or April at this point, it gives me time to finish at least one book if not two and get a good start on the process of getting them published. As I am currently not sure how long that process takes, I can’t say whether something will be in print before I enter the black hole of the proposal zone, but there is certainly a possibility that the publishing could happen before I have less time to write for that short moment in time.
Although I had convinced myself that everything would work out better than I anticipated, the Universe is blessing me with far more than I believed I had a right to expect. Certainly, I believe that I will be able to leave my reserves intact, and certainly, I see all of my bills paid off by mid-2014, but seeing the things being put in place to actually make that happen is nothing short of amazing!
I find myself feeling so much gratitude for my boss, who gave me so many opportunities to learn and grow, to my co-workers, who, despite some rough patches over the years, really make me feel appreciated and valued, and to some of them who have become friends as well. All have contributed to making my life fuller and for teaching me valuable lessons. Of all of the places I’ve worked over the years, this is the only one where I’ve experienced, not only professional, but personal growth. This is the only one where the contacts I’ve made, both outside and inside the company, will stay with me as I turn away to follow the path which has been waiting for me for a very long time!
My gratitudes today are:
1. I am grateful for the people who taught me so many lessons, sometimes in spite of myself.
2. I am grateful that things are working out far better than I could ever have imagined.
3. I am grateful for those who continue to kick me in the pants.
4. I am grateful for the new people who are being placed in my path.
5. I am grateful for a weekend to get things done and write, write, write!
Love and light
