Last day of work

Post by Lara

For nearly two years now, I've worked for a non-profit organization that provides employment and other day services to adults with disabilities. I started out working on the production floor, but then in August 2010 I got a "desk job" with a caseload of about 35 people. Those are my guys- I oversee their services, go to all their meetings, respond to their emergencies, help them learn to be good employees, let them vent to me when they're frustrated, try to cheer them up when they're sad, and generally do what I can to be sure that they're happy and productive at work. I also started a community garden here last year and teach a weekly garden class that encompasses as many topics as I can squeeze under the "gardening" umbrella. 

This company and this job have been simply amazing for me. This was my first experience in the professional post-college world and I'm having trouble imagining a job where I could feel more appreciated and more relied-upon [note: I have high hopes that Peace Corps will be just as rewarding! I'm simply pointing out that the bar is set quite high right now].  I love everyone on my caseload, and they have taught me so much about life. They live every day with challenges that I have never faced, that I probably could not even imagine. They inspire me to treat everyone I meet with respect and dignity, and they have made me more mindful of what treating a person with "respect" and "dignity" means.  What's more, I have a phenomenal team of coworkers who view my success as their success, create a fantastic work environment, and have become some of my closest friends.  I often tell people who ask how I like my job that it's the best job I could have imagined at this juncture of my life.  I've been lucky, and while I thought I appreciated that all along, I feel it even more deeply and personally now that I am leaving.

Today was my last day at work, and this whole week has been pretty rough.  Up until this past Wednesday, I had only cried at work once or twice, and only in front of one or two people.  Let's just say that's not the case anymore.  I've been reminded over and over again in the past several days that my presence at this company was noticed- that it was appreciated, and that I will be missed. In turn, I will certainly miss this job! To all of my coworkers who might have a chance to read this, know that I am completely thrilled that I was able to work with you, alongside you, and for you. I have learned so much, and I will take these lessons with me as I venture across the Atlantic to take on new challenges.

PS- One more work shout-out to my very favorite coworker- my mom!  I have treasured working with you for the past 8 months, and I'll certainly miss not having you right up the hall every day.  I love you!