As our redundancy date draws closer the farewells have begun. I have just two weeks to go! After a lifetime (well 22 years in the one workplace anyway) it is a massive change to come to terms with. All my staff are taking redundancies so it will be the end of an era.
I was completely taken aback when my staff presented me with special gifts last night at our farewell dinner. We had decided that I would make a photo book of memories from our time working together with a special piece from each person – either a story, picture, puzzle, word art, memory – something we could all enjoy reading in years to come. Everyone would pay for their book and it would be our farewell gift to each other. It worked really well and the book was a resounding success. So when I was presented with more gifts, I was completely unprepared.
As their manager they had chosen a selection of thoughtful gifts for me – a beautiful Dogwood tree, called Cloud 9) which will be planted at a suitable time in the future with everyone coming together to be present at the planting, (a good excuse for us all to reconnect after we finish up). Our horticulture teacher, in conjunction with the others, worked hard at choosing a tree that would survive our climate and would be a lovely reminder of our time together.
I also received a circle of seven friends candle holder with this explanation and description:
Ancient native legend says that at the end of the evening, friends would gather around a bonfire and share their hearts. They would speak of the good qualities of each other and remember times shared. As the embers faded their friendship was said to be sealed anew, bringing them closer together.
These circle of friends dancers will never let go of each other’s arms. Inextricably entwined they represent an ancient ceremonial dance symbolizing the unbroken circle of friendship.
How fitting is that? Cue the tears!
The message on the Kikki K tote bag at the bottom of this post has the best advice and I am determined to use this as my mantra from now on!
Moving on
Although I have fought hard to save my position and those of the other teachers around the state, it has not been successful. I still haven’t accepted the decision and I think it is wrong on so many levels. (I have written quite a few posts about the issues if you’d like to read up on them, just look through my blog).
I have really struggled over the past few months since hearing our jobs would be redundant by the end of the year. I can’t say that I am accepting of it now but I have to make it work for me. I cannot stay bitter and sad for the rest of my life. It would be the undoing of me if I did that. My staff have been amazingly supportive throughout the ordeal and we have made the best of a bad situation whenever possible.
I’m happy to say I have since regained my sparkle and am looking forward to a new way of life. As a young-at-heart,energetic, enthusiastic 55 year old I will be unstoppable – just watch me!
So if you have any advice for a newly out of work education professional, feel free to leave me a comment. I think my new mantra will work for me quite well for the time being, what do you think?
Deb
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Sounds like you had a very special team who love and respect you. Losing your job is always upsetting, but it is a new beginning which is also exciting! Love the mantra on the bag.
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Thanks for understanding Char, my team were fabulous and we are still so close today, a year on from losing our jobs. It has been a new beginning and I a enjoying myself way too much now to be worried about going to work every day. I never thought I’d say that back then though! I’m happy to say I’m living the mantra as we speak 🙂
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Best wishes Debbie for your new situation. It can be tough but who knows what is around the corner. Sometimes the universe has to create some space in our life in order for something new to fit in.
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Exactly right Ruth, I’m in a happier place at the moment!
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Such lovely gifts with so much meaning behind them Debbie. I don’t know what to say really. I agree that the decision is so very wrong. Hugs to you and your team and here’s to something positive in the future for all of you. Here’s to a new government somewhere down the track who reverses this stupid decision.
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Five years ago – when I was also 55 – I found myself in circumstances similar to your’s. It was challenging and I struggled for a long while to re-discover some spark. I’m glad to hear you’ve found your’s so much sooner than I did.
I too did not agree with the changes that were being made and it’s hard to let go under circumstances like that. In hindsight, I think it was a mistake for me to not dive back into a new job right away … anything that would make me feel like I was adding value. Taking time off made it increasingly hard to shake the feelings of self-doubt. I hope you don’t carry that experience with you.
Very best wishes. The camaraderie of your co-workers is an extraordinarily wonderful thing to take away with you. I am lucky to still have these wonderful friendships in my life 🙂
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Thanks so much for sharing your experience Joanne. It sounds very similar to mine and I appreciate your words of wisdom. I am trying to stay positive but have moments of self doubt and worry about losing my identity and purpose. Thankfully I am surrounded by supportive people and have friends for life in my colleagues. I’m so glad to hear that what I’m going though is sort of normal!! Thanks again for connecting with me.
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Lovely post Deb. We know all the cliches “one door closes, another opens” and of course you are right to – as Gough said – “maintain your rage” – against the injustices of the system – but for your own personal life, how wonderful to leave with such good memories, and have so much to look forward to. I hope you are going to take a break from full time work and as you say, read more, travel often, and just simply laugh a lot. Look forward to hearing about your next adventures! xx
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Thanks Debbie. I am definitely taking a break from working. Not sure what I’ll do but I’m looking forward to taking it easy and not stressing for a while. My husband is also retiring (his choice) so we really are going to have a new outlook on life and no set plans yet. Lots of reading, laughing, travelling, drinking tea just as my mantra says!! Your support is much appreciated. 😊
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Beautiful gifts! Good luck as you embark on the next stage in your life.
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Thanks Anabel. It’s starting to feel very real!!
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I think your new mantra is perfect and captures everything that’s important in life. All the best Deb. Despite a bad situation I’ve no doubt you’ll embrace the future with gusto and be absolutely fine. Cheers 🍷
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