I am still employed at my job of 10-plus years until January 1, but since so many people are on vacation the last fortnight of the year, I got my good-bye party last week.
Wow. Only nice things were said. Kind of like Tom Sawyer attending his own funeral. Here you see my friend Lillian giving me credit for a discussion group that she was more than half responsible for.
A senior vice president surprised me by researching my online theater reviews (I used to moonlight as a critic) and reading two passages that suggested a strong social-justice interest, a theme I hadn’t realized was there. Another colleague commented that she had never met anyone that nice who was also so subversive. Then my top boss stood up to redefine “subversive” in a flattering way that related to the perceived social-justice streak.
Man, now I have to live up to all that. I should say that I have worked at about 10 places since starting as a camp counsellor, and I have never had affirmation like this. A number of those places were glad to see me go. I guess I have learned to tone down the subversive side so it sounds nice.
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
Well deserved and all true ❤
Well, the part about organizations that were glad to see me go is also true!
May you continue to cultivate your respectful, subversive energies for many years to come! I love the sentence, “she had never met anyone that nice who was also so subversive.” Congratulations on this graceful transition to….whatever may lie ahead!
Thanks. We have pretty much redefined the word in my department, and a colleague has announced he is running for President on the Subversive Party ticket.
How nice. Enjoy your new gig.
I really think I will enjoy it, but there is always some nervousness in starting something new.
I am sure you deserved all the “bon mot”. You are a great person!
Truly, there are lots of people who don’t think so, but I am grateful so many people in my department felt positive.
Congratulation on well deserved send off. Best of luck for the new venture. New work place. new friends. and new energy. Enjoy.
Thank you. I think it is the right thing for me, at the right time.
This sounds so wonderful–I am glad for you that you can leave the job feeling really good about it and the people with whom you worked! Of course, it also makes the leaving more bittersweet . . .
Yes, there is some sadness.