Thursday, August 3, 2017

Nervous and emotional

Tomorrow is my last day at the bookstore. I'm really happy about that, but it feels weird. After 6+ years in one job, no matter how much you dislike it, there is a certain comfort level. My job before that (that I loved) was as a store manager for Pier 1 Imports. I was there for almost 8 years and it was a sad day when our store went out of business. Now I'm going to be doing something completely different than what I've done for over 15 years. I expect it will be much easier and less stressful than retail management, but in any job you have to learn the ropes and adapt to a whole new atmosphere and new people. I hope it will be okay.

One thing I'll remember fondly about this job I'm leaving is all the wonderful friendships I've made there. All the women in my two book clubs (with the exception of my friend Marla) are people I met through work. I've gained several new friendships because of the bookstore, so it hasn't been all bad!

Then there are the regular customers that have come to mean a lot to me that I'm going to really miss. Some of you may remember me talking about an older couple originally from Colombia that shop there and help me practice my Spanish, Mr. and Mrs. Sarmiento. Early on, I accidently told Mr. Sarmiento in Spanish that my husband and I eat our dogs! He still laughs about that to this day! They are the sweetest people, and I was happy to see them come in the other night so I could tell them about my new job and tell them goodbye. They were so very sweet, and happy for me...they both hugged me, and kissed my cheeks, and said so many very nice things to me that it made me cry. I sure will miss them, and a handful of others like them.

The district manager for our store visited yesterday, and asked me about my new job. He's been kind and helpful and we've  had a good relationship. I always knew that if the HR problems at the store ever got out of hand, that I could go to him for help. I never did, and probably should have a few times, but at least I knew it was an option. He was also very, very kind to me yesterday. He shook my hand, said some really nice things about my service to the company, and told me that if he can ever do anything for me in the future to please not hesitate to call and ask. That choked me up a little bit, too. It's nice that at least one higher-up in the company seems to appreciate me and the work I've done!

My coworker, John, has a little daughter (3 years old) that started calling me "Aunt Jenn" last year. It was completely her own idea. I'm going to miss her, too. John is off today and tomorrow, but he told me he's planning on bringing her up to the store today to see me before I go. I expect to get teary eyed again when I see her. So many farewells this week....

In addition to the new job that I'm starting next week, I'm also going to be starting my work as a Guardian. The program coordinator emailed me this morning about my first assignment--a teenage girl living in a foster home here in Florence. I'll be going to meet her one day next week after work--so now that's two things to be nervous about next week! I actually had hoped that my first case would be a younger child, but I had to be given an ongoing case that doesn't have any court appearances scheduled in the very near future since I can't take time off work right away. So it's going to be a teenager--meeting her is almost more scary to me than the new job.


Well, off to my next-to-last day at the bookstore. These are scary (but exciting) days!

36 comments:

  1. The unknown is the scariest thing there is, isn't it? I am so proud of you. And what a great way to end a job- with affection and appreciation.
    You are going to do so great in this next chapter of your life. I know you are.

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    1. Thank you! Your support and kind words mean so much to me!

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  2. Exciting indeed!! I know so well what you mean about your old job being kind of comforting, too, because you know everything and everyone, and with the new job, you can't really tell yet what it is going to be like.
    BUT I am sure it will all work out really well! You so wanted this job, and you really wanted to become a GAL, too - don't be nervous about meeting the teenager. Just think how nervous SHE will be about meeting YOU, but looking at your beautiful, kind face with your wonderful smile will make her (and yourself) feel at ease very soon, I imagine.

    When I left my previous job, so many customers emailed me and told me on the phone that they did not understand how my boss could let me go. I still have some of their messages, I appreciated their kind words so much.

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    1. You're so sweet! Thank you Meike! By the way, I met a woman named Meike at work last night. I'm not sure if she spells her name the same way as you, but it's pronounced the same way!

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  3. It's always hard being 'the new girl' but after a couple of days it will all feel familiar and exciting. Good luck!

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  4. You have taken on a lot and the changes have come all at once. Dont over think it. Expect some stress and cope with it with your weekends to relax and unwind. No job is without stress. Take it in your stride and live.

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    1. I plan to relax this weekend and to not overthink anything. Great advice!

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  5. It's great that you can look back on positive experiences that came with your job. All the friendships are great, and they don't have to come to a complete end. You will make friends in your new job. You have a lot to give wherever you go.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. My husband keeps telling me "You're not moving away! You'll still be around...just with a new job." :)

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  6. I was going to say scary and exciting, and a little emotional, but you've covered them all. Good luck with it all.

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  7. Good Luck with your last days at work. I am so happy you are moving on.
    So many good times ahead.

    cheers, parsnip

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  8. May I suggest having a really extravagant weekend. Fancy restaurant, theatre, bottle of Champagne, etc. Then next week all will be new and exciting, and the old will have been washed away.

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  9. It is wonderful that you are leaving knowing that you touched people and were appreciated. Now, though,it is time to move on to your new life and new experiences. Best of luck to you.

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  10. It's good to finish on an upbeat note remembering the good times and lovely people in a workplace that might have been better than it was.
    Good luck with your new job - I will be away from ther computer for two or three weeks so I will have some catching up to do when I return.

    Alphie

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    1. I made some true friends there. It wasn't all bad, not at all! :)

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  11. It's scary jumping off, but you soon get used to the idea. Which Florence do you live in?

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    1. Florence, South Carolina. Nothing special.

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    2. I have been to Florence, NC a few times. I thought it was very nice and they had great BBQ.

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    3. I didn't know there WAS a Florence, NC....wow. I need to look that up. We have great BBQ in South Carolina, too!

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  12. Just another chapter in the life of Jennifer. Good luck with the new job. You'll be fine.

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  13. Congratulations Jennifer!! I am so happy you got the new job! Sorry I'm late to read and comment this wonderful news. Good luck. :)
    Greetings Maria x

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    1. Thank you Maria! I'm so glad to see you commenting on blogs again. I was worried about you! :)

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  14. Change is always scary, isn't it? But I have no doubt you'll be fine in your new position, and hopefully you can stay in touch with some of the folks who have made your job at the bookstore meaningful. (Or bearable, maybe?)

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    1. It's scary, but I'm ready! Hopefully it's all going to be good!

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  15. Nervousness is good. You need that adrenalin rush but through this transition in your life you must keep believing in yourself. "YES I CAN! YES I CAN!" It won't all be plain sailing. As you say, there will be lots to learn before you feel properly settled in your new role.

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  16. I know the job itself was rough on you, but it's great that you were surrounded by such warn and caring people, and that you've built some great long-lasting friendships there.

    "After 6+ years in one job, no matter how much you dislike it, there is a certain comfort level." I can imagine. There are days when I dream about leaving my job..but then that fear of the unknown hits and I realize that being comfortable with the job and the people has its advantages. (still wish i could leave though!)

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