Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Best Week Ever

This is my last week at my employer. Due to THIS, I, amongst other field HR employees, are no longer required in the field. I am not the only casualty in this. This was no surprise; I have known about this since May. Since then, I have had two internal offers from the company (one as a Staffing Manager, the other in Operations), to which I respectfully declined. This was not an easy choice.

Why, say you?

Glad you asked.

It was because of my fear of flying. Meaning, I have been at my employer for seven years. It's the longest that I have EVER worked for one person. All jobs that I have taken (present job included), have been predicated on any number of factors (Flexibility with school, finances, transportation, etc). This one included (was a 10k increase in base). With that said, I know that the SAFE choice would have been to remain at my employer. The COMFORTABLE choice would have been to retain my service date, familiar surroundings, and wait till the shit hits the fan (and it will) before they restructure the department AGAIN. I'm not saying that it's going to hit the fan because I'm not here - everybody is replaceable. I am saying it because upper management has predicted it and I have been through enough mergers and acquisitions with this company and know how the scheme of things works. HOWEVER, I cannot operate on SAFE and COMFORTABLE. Safe is how you feel when you are in a man's arms, and comfortable is how you should feel in between 800 thread count sheets.

I know that my journey in this world includes taking risks, and although the previous direction of my life has not allowed me to be a risk-taker, I am in a position where I can take a leap. Moreover, I would be 'what - iffing' myself for years had I decided to say (not to mention jacking my black ass out of severance pay).

This is my future and my life. And I am unsure if in fact, that includes a career in HR. All I know is that the seven year itch is here, and my time is up with this company, both literally and figuratively. I also know that anytime one door is closed another one has opened for me, and I would have to say as a result of taken this position, I was probably the only one who was not visibly upset over what had happened (still). It has also been comforting to know that the General Manager of the company sent me an email telling me that he is always looking for good people (which he is), and I am welcome back in his department if in fact I crash and burn (which I do NOT expect).

Do I expect some bruises and scrapes? Sure, I do, that's a part of flying your own aircraft. But I also expect knowing how to navigate better, how to create unique paths, and how to follow the direction of life.

What does the future have for Miss P? So many things, one of which is a new job that I won't be starting just yet. I want to tell all of you that if I am incognegro for a while, it's because I'm being a lady of leisure. I got some things to do, like: Go to the beach, get a facial, eat bon bons and watch Judge Joe Brown, get a masssage, take a mini vacation, etc, without the burden of doing it all on a Friday evening, Saturday sweating bullets to get back so you can get back to work on Monday. But, like the terminator, I'll be back.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

All that I know that starting the week of August 05, 2007, The Best Week Ever, Starts RIGHT NOW!

18 comments:

tia said...

That clip was hilarious. Now let me read the rest of the post!

tia said...

I'm loving both the safe and comfortable analogy and the fact that you're not afraid of change either. That was nice of the GM to say that--I see we also have the employer fan club thing in common (and bon bons)! hehehe ;)

Hmmm...the life-changing moves seem to be going around on the westside these days! First Supa, then Tam, then Mistress, now you! Well, enjoy the leisure life. I'm looking forward to hearing about your new direction.

(And no it didn't take me that long to finish reading!! Had to go finish making dinner first. LOL!)

smoothie said...

P,

Dont worry I speak from exp in your current blog topic..Square Biz, so I was pretty much in the biggest rut known to man while stationed in Seattle just a year and a half ago and I woke up one early morning ( 3am) prayed and in the morning it just hit me, I have to leave the Navy...

I told my boss he next morning. I was a little worried to, but God opened up another door almost a month later..While ya boy was still at home relaxin off the severance...Good for you to take control of your life..I for one hope you do you ,and have a great time doing whatever it is that makes you happpy...

Miz JJ said...

Enjoy being a woman of leisure. If only they hired women to do that full-time. I try not to be afraid of change, but truthfully I am not a fan. Best of luck!

Sha Boogie said...

That is AWESOME! I dig your positity P, it is fantabulous. Your right, take a leap of faith - God got you!

Thats how I feel about finally being on my own...a little unsure, but I know I will be ok with whatever comes my way. And how will I know unless I get right out there and just do it :)

Anonymous said...

Go ahead and pamper yourself. You deserve it! Peace and blessings.

Anonymous said...

I admire your calm and positivity. I know things will fall in place for you. Enjoy this time.

That Girl Tam said...

Funny...I'm kinda mad that I didn't get a chance to read this yesterday. I was too busy out spending money! HAHAH!

You and I have talked about this situation A LOT in the past few months. I was actually gonna tell you to write about your feelings regarding the change.

Based on everything you've been thru in your life, this is the perfect opportunity to fly your own plane. I am excited for you because change is good. We both are getting ready to experience change. We're both moving forward, experiencing the same fears (starting over) and you know that I'm always here for you to lean on. I will hate that you're moving to the other side of town, but hell - we live down the street from one another and I hardly see you as it is!

This is a good thing P.

So what time are we hookin up tomorrow?? Yo...we can uset he free food and drinks to celebrate MOVING FORWARD to bigger and better things!

That Girl Tam said...

Oh yeah...wear my favorite shoes too! HAHAHAHAHAHA

P said...

@ Tam:

:|

AR Gal said...

I figured another round of cutbacks would be coming soon. I was consulting with Cingular/ATT in AR until the end of April. They had a few in this market around Feb/March.

I admire your decision to get out. The telecom industry is no joke!

P said...

@ AR Girl. . .Yes, I know. I actually had a very, very, good opportunity to go on the landline side but you know, I have to know what else is out that, and like I said, if I don't know I will never know, not to mention again, my blacka-owned ass missing out on some thousands in sev pay.

Everyone: It's been a pretty rough day. Hard on my supervisor. Out of the original crew she had in when she first launched the local HR department, I was the only one left. Leaving the job is easy. Leaving the best manager ever - not so easy. I will be sure to model myself after her.

A.u.n.t. Jackie said...

my fellow glamazon, from your friend whose whole life consists of jumping from lily pad to lily pad, i applaud you for recognizing your truth.

A friend and I were talking the other day and he said that successful people made their success by taking risks, often times big risks, so already you are amongst the ranks of the successful!

Enjoy your time off...it's blessing and it's actually what we work for to enjoy our lives!!

Smooches!

African girl, American world said...

Hey P *waving*. You have a calm about all of this and it is for a reason. I love how you describe the Friday evening and weekend rush thing...so true.
And Judge Joe Brown..LOL. That cracked me up!
I was off for 6 months and I loved it. Of course I didn't have the nice severance package but still it was great not being on a schedule all the time.

Mahogany Misfit said...

Embracing change is crucial if success is to be had. I fully believe that.

Good post BTW.

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