Ch-ch-ch-changes!

It’s been a poignant yet happy week, this last week of work on my old job. When you work around people for ten years, they become a family of sorts, and their personalities range the gamut. You have friends you can count on – those that will chase sleep for you – and you have those step-siblings that might be ( you never can be sure!) craving your inheritance. And then, there are those that fall somewhere in between. And sick as it might be, I pretty much love all of them. We make up a pretty twisted family, we do. It’s been hard to think about leaving all of them and starting anew.

One of my coworkers came alongside me yesterday, put his arm around me, and told me how much he appreciated what I had done for our company, and told me how much he would miss me. I very nearly broke down in tears. This man happens to be one of the few stars in my world -- the humble, elegant man who achieves much. He’s a man of integrity and character, and he is inherently funny. He speaks his mind, and almost 100% of the time, he’s right on the money. When customers would ask me if I knew him, I would say, “Oh, man, he’s my hero! I want to be him when I grow up – but I want to keep my hair!” And I was serious, about wanting to be him! He’s amazing. He has more knowledge in his little fingernail than most of us will ever have about this old oilpatch and the people who work and live here.

I heard today that in yesterday’s sales meeting that this same man stood up, and said, “Before she leaves, each of you need to go by and thank Janie for her contributions to this company.” And my boss seconded his statements with some of his own. I couldn’t believe it…I was blown away. I was one of the first relationship-based saleswomen to be hired by this major service company. And most of my coworkers didn’t think I should be there, and gave me solid hell. It was never easy. I stayed the course, and slowly won them over. (Amazing what bringing in some major work will do to change people’s perception of you!)

Tonight, my boss took MLH and I to the Garlic Press, along with another coworker and his wife, to bid me farewell and good luck on my next post. We had a blast, telling stories about our work pasts and all our escapades. It was a very sweet thing for him to do – but he’s that kind of guy – excellent, of great character and integrity. He has an awesome sense of humor, which should be a requirement for bosses! (Life's too short to be too serious!) There was even a toast to my future. Amazing!! We all told stories, and laughed a lot. It was a great way to end the last 10 years. I’ll miss these guys, and hopefully I’ll still be able to see them on a regular basis.

My heart is breaking, yet exultant. And in all that, I’m exhausted. Who knew changing jobs would be this freakin’ traumatic? And I’m still two days from leaving.

Y’all pray for me – please???!!