Change: ending, beginning

FarewellFriday 8 January 2010 was my last day of work at Curtin. I’d worked there for almost 10 years. I had a very nice farewell morning tea and was most touched by the gift, the card, and the bunch of flowers. A couple of people even came in to wish me well, even though they don’t work Fridays. It was a small group, as at least half the library staff was away on holidays. I am actually glad there weren’t more people there as it would have been overwhelming. As it was, the small group meant that I was able to maintain my composure by telling people that I am sure I am going to see them around the place, given how small Perth is. I even coped with having left my speech at home. I think I did say what I meant to, thanking everyone and acknowledging how much I have learned over the years and the many wonderful opportunities I have been offered.

I like the fact that the card says Congratulations, rather than Goodbye.  There are two pens in the picture, on the right a very beautiful ballpoint pen handmade with sandalwood, a gift from a colleague I will miss. (However I know our professional relationship will continue, and hopefully our friendship will also.) On the left the gift from all my colleagues, a vintage Parker 75 vermeil with a medium nib. Purchased from my dealer! (They had help – consulted M for advice.) Both pens have already been used – the ballpoint especially when I need to sign things or make notes quickly. I used it to sign my contract with my new Place of Work, for example.

Farewell cardThe card is full of lovely supportive messages that I am almost embarrassed to read – I am definitely not used to having so many nice things said about me.

I start at ECU tomorrow. There will be a lot to learn and many new colleagues to get to know. I am looking forward to it.

8 thoughts on “Change: ending, beginning

  1. All the best for tomorrow & the year ahead. I hope your new chapter provides 2,010 reasons to be glad you made the decision. Good luck!

  2. Best wishes for tomorrow’s fresh start. I believe they are really anticipating your arrival as a chance for things to happen, and I’m sure you won’t disappoint them at all.

    I wrote a list of things I thought I would want to do in my new position before I started, and before I had any idea whether they were realistic or not.

    I just revisited it while I was writing this. Yes, it was a useful exercise to do. Much of what I hoped I would be doing, I am part of the way toward getting done. It captures that “oooh, I’m so eager to get into it” feeling that I had at the start and refreshes me to read it.

  3. Thank you for all the good wishes everyone 🙂

    Kathryn thanks for that tip! I have just made some notes for myself.

    It should be an interesting year ahead.

  4. All good wishes and thoughts for your new job – I’m sure you’ll do great things, and enjoy the fresh surroundings and new tasks. Happy New Year, in general!

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