Farewell

Yesterday I left a job. It was not a job I ever loved. I complained about it often enough and have in fact been looking forward to leaving for at least the last two years (of two and a half that I was employed). But now here I am, having to say goodbye and it's actually very sad. Whatever faults it has, the company has impeccable taste in employees- that is why I have stayed so long- so this blog is for all of you, to celebrate comradery and friendship.

Friends,

It’s hard to know where to begin actually. I’ve said so many goodbyes in the last two and a half years but now it’s my turn to go. How odd it will be not to see you all everyday.

I don’t know how to make emotional speeches, so even though it has been requested several times you aren't getting any such thing. Ha. Besides, so many of the people I cared about have already gone, said their own goodbyes, that I decided to write instead. 

As much as I hate to admit it, as much as I have complained about it, been angry with it, bitched about it, this job has been a massive part of my life. And I owe so much to it: learning how to cope when there are 300 people wanting coffee and only 16 cups and 7 teaspoons; how to survive for two months of the years on maximum 4 hours sleep a night; how to smile when all I want to do is scream and slam all the doors on my way out; how to tell people off(!!!) and to stand up for myself. All key skills in life I'm sure you'll agree.

But most of all it is the friendships I’ve made that have not just helped me survive no taxis, horrendous hours and lifting twice my body weight in tables, but made it a joy. When I look back I will think of Top Trumps, Weird Crush of the Week, drinking Red Stripe on the Piazza, Naked Calendar, WAKA WAKA!!! Karaoke, eating ice cream on the balcony, cling-filmed shoes, prosecco in plastic cups, the Single Ladies dance…

Now I think I’m pretty good at keeping in touch so there is no excuse for becoming strangers, but I can’t believe the time has come for me to say goodbye. And I’m so fricking happy! It’s my turn. Hurrah! Onward and upward I hope, but let’s make sure we continue with the good stuff and I’ll just be exempt from all the customer service. Thank you Jesus H. Christ. 

Warning: small sad story to follow (ergh). When I was at college one of my teachers told my I was too emotionally immature and I needed more ‘life experience’ to do what I wanted to do. I cried. Of course I did, I was an emotionally immature 18 year old. And I was really at a loss. I danced, I worked hard, I had…have some amazing friends who are sisters to me. It’s only now that I have met people who challenge me, now I have been in love and had my heart broken, now that I’ve gritted my teeth and got the hell on with it, that I understand what she meant. 

And a lot of what I have learnt is down to you people. Who'd have thought? So thank you thank you with all my heart. 

Cin cin, toodles! I LOVE YOU!  Now bring me a flat warm prosecco, I'm signing out! HURRAH!