How to Make an Exit

When I wrote my story a month ago, I thought that was the end of it. When I left work for the last time on Friday, I really thought that was the end of it. Oh, but how wrong I was...

After work on Friday I had set up a Happy Hour with friends that I'd made through the years at FT. I was having a jolly good time having some drinks and mingling with those who had come. It was a nice turn out that represented the various groups that I've worked with over the years. Sandy and her husband came to say goodbye and aside from the fact that I had to referree between Sandy and our boss Meanie for 4 months, I like her and was pleased that they were there. One thing that always bothered me however was the fact that during the whole 4-month woe of whining about getting a job with my department she never once told me that her dad was friends with the Executive VP. The Big Spin and Meanie had told me Sandy's dad was friends with the VIP about 8 months ago, but Sandy never breathed a word. Instead she complained and worried that she wouldn't be hired and I was always on the verge of exploding, "will you give me a break! We all know that you will get a job here since your dad is friends with the VIP, never mind the fact that you've worked here for 2 years now and are a smart woman, so please, shut up!". But I never did... instead I was quite impressed (and frankly surprised) that she never once brought that little piece of information up.

Then comes Friday night... a couple of beers down, I decided to ask Sandy about this tidbit of info, and here's how it went:

Mingle (all happy): Sandy, now that I'm leaving, you can finally tell me... is your dad friends with [VIP - The Big Spin's boss]?

Sandy: What?

Mingle: Is your dad friends with VIP?

Sandy: What?

M: Is your dad friends with VIP?

S: No!

M: oh

S: Why would you ask me that?

M: well... the Big Spin and Meanie told me he was.

S: WHAT?! Why would they think that? Why would they tell you that????

M: um... (oh dear god what have i started) ... because they believe it?

S: Do you mean to tell me that my whole job here is predicated on the fact that people think my dad is friends with the VIP?? (tears start)

M: What? NO, noonononono, (oh dear, oh dear, shit, shit - why won't someone come rescue me?) ha , ha, no, of course not - you are a smart, talented girl, and you finally have the job that you wanted , so I really wouldn't worry about it. Just make your mark now. (Apparently after a few beers, "Make Your Mark" becomes my mantra)

...

S: (Cry, cry, tears) Can I clear this up with the Big Spin?
M: Of course you can!! Good idea! Yes, yes, clear this up and Make YOUR MARK.
Someone else: Um..Mingle…would you guys like to play pool?....
M: Yes, YES! Great idea! Come on Sandy, let’s go play pool with your husband…

At this point, Sandy pretty much disappeared, her husband came to say goodbye and thank me (curse me) for dropping that bombshell of information prior to their weekend and off they went.

I, in the meantime, had dropped my own bombshell. It was as if I wound her up, set her in front of the door to my old department, patted her on the butt and said – “Off you go now… say bye to the Big Spin for me!!!”

And, exit – stage left.

Geeks on Parade, Installment 2

When I first met Scooby, one of the other marching instructors, last year - I quickly came to learn that one of his favorite words is "Clusterf_ck". He has used this word so many times since I started teaching with him that I'm convinced the dictionary definition would be something like this:

Clusterfuck: n. 1. A group of kids marching aound on a field. In a sentence: What a tremendous game we have seen so far; while the football team regroups in the locker room during half-time, let's all enjoy the clusterfuck that is occurring on the field.

Needless to say, I do cringe everytime I hear him use that. Fortunately, it's never within ear-shot of the kids.

Last Day

Have you ever tried to remember a specific song, which you know you know, but the lyrics and tune don't quite come to you? I've had that happening to me all day...

Is it "Working 9 to 5"? no, no ... that's not quite it.
"5 O'Clock Blues?" no... no... I'm about to go drinking, so that can't be it...
"Iiiii don't want to work.. I just want to bang on the drums all day.." - that could be it, but considering I just made it through band camp, I don't really want to hear anymore drums right now. What, oh what could it be??

"Take this job and shove it"? YES! THAT IS IT!! Because you know why? I am done! I just need to wipe away the remaining papers lying on my desk, turn off my computer, and, and walk away. All together now, please join me in a collective sigh of relief.

I based the goodbye email to my coworkers on a topic that has been sitting on my company's intranet site for a couple of weeks. They like to give you a lead in sentence and then employees write in with their responses. Typically it's either someone from India or in management being very very serious. Except for one guy wrote about chocolate which was the best entry ever in my opinion. Here's my farewell:

On my way to work today I was thinking about... …how happy I was that this would be the last time I drive from Alameda to San Mateo to go to work. I was reminded of the time when I missed the WAM meeting because I was stuck in a 9-car pile up on the San Mateo Bridge. And then I realized that I would no longer be attending a WAM, LSRM, TOC or BUPOC meeting. And I thought that if I start a similar meeting at my new company I will call it the AWM (Acronym Without Meaning) Meeting. I imagined hearing the response of others when new employees ask, “what does AWM stand for?” and someone might say, “oh, that’s the All-hands Weekly Meeting”, or “that’s the Administrative Work Meeting”… and it made me chuckle. But I also started to think about how much I would miss the friends that I have made while working here and wanted to tell them that. And regardless of the drive or countless number of acronyms through the years, I have learned a lot and will take these lessons with me. Lastly, I thought about that guy in Rancho who wrote about chocolate, and have to agree with him, chocolate really is great.

Geeks on Parade*

It is a well known fact that I am a band geek – have been for years. Although to be honest, even if I weren’t in band, I would probably still be a geek in a different activity. Now many years out of band myself, I am still living up to my geek potential by teaching marching at a local high school.

Band camp (damn that movie that ruined it for all) started last week and I went back to work as an instructor during the hours when I’m not at FT pretending like I still work here. There are over 200 kids in the band, so they have 2 official band directors and 4 marching instructors. We lowly marching instructors like the job because we enjoy helping the kids, and we like our friend who hired us, Band Director #1 Mr. Ed.

On the first night three of us showed up (and as a side note, I have struggled with naming my fellow instructors… these two guys have been friends forever and I first thought, Beevis and Butthead, but they aren't that destructive. Then I thought the Ambiguously Gay Duo, but they would kill me for that. So, I’ve decided to go with Scooby and Shaggy). Anyways, Scooby, Shaggy and I were in for a surprise when we showed up to the first rehearsal last week to find two more instructors. Apparently Band Director #2 not only hired these gentleman, (Dick and Macass), but also told Dick that he would be in charge of marching this year. Things may have gone a bit smoother if someone had told us this prior to the first rehearsal. Instead Dick strolls in late on the first night and announces to the kids that BD #2 has put him in charge. He says a lot more stuff and finally looks over at us and says, “hey you guys – get over here. I don’t know your names, but introduce yourselves!” The kids did know our names since we’ve been teaching there for years, so it was a somewhat awkward moment when I said, “Hi, I’m Mingle, I’ve been here for 4 years…”, while not saying out loud, “who the hell are you??” to the new guy…

That first night was very uncomfortable because there was a lot of tension between all of the instructors – unfortunately it was also palpable to some of the older kids. Since then however, things seemed to have smoothed over. Frankly I kind of like having the new guys there because the kids like me now. I’m nice compared to Dick and Macass.

I also find it rather amusing to watch Scooby and Shaggy square off against Dick and Macass – they are all very passionate about their marching technique. And it’s at this point that I realize that no matter how much of a geek I am, I am nothing compared to them.

* This installment of Geeks on Parade is dedicated to JP.

The Details

OK – it’s time to fill you in. I got so excited about quitting my job, I haven’t told you where I’m actually going!

I have accepted a position at a small company in downtown SF which provides various banking operations services, primarily for small banks. It also works very closely with the Federal Reserve Bank. It will be a completely different job and experience then what I’ve had the last five and half years at FT, but I am definitely ready and excited for the change!

What attracted me to the company:
The size (less then 100)
The location (within walking distance of various public transportation options)
The future potential of the company
The future potential of my place within the company
The people
The idea of being a big fish in a small pond

I am going in as a Project Manager, however there has already been talk of Manager potential in the near future if I do the work they expect me to. They like my background and the things I’ve done here, and think I’ll be a valuable resource to their growing company. And I would like to agree! Hmm… no pressure….

There are some risks of course – I’m leaving a very large, stable corporation with financial security (stock plan, bonus structure, yada, yada), but frankly, it just wasn’t doing it for me. I’m fed up with the politics and the hoops I have to jump through to get work done. I’m tired of the daily 60 mile round trip commute. But most importantly, I am so very ready for a change.

This job came across my path when a recruiter picked my resume off of Monster.com, and it was amazing how fast things happened. I met with him a couple of days before leaving for Portland, and I had my first interview with the company the day I got back. Less then a week later I had the second interview and the offer. I counter-offered but pretty much new it was in the bag, and I was waiting on specifics.

On Friday at 12:45 I got the final offer, and at 1:00 I resigned. Do I have any regrets? Hell No! Will I later? Who Knows! But it’s time to take a chance…

Oh Happy Day

Mrs. Mingle,

I accept your resignation and understand the reasons for your choice. You have been a tremendous asset for us in this group and your contributions are far greater than the successful projects you managed.

Your friendly voice and professionalism will be missed.

HR Lady,

We have agreed to the two week notice which puts Mrs. Mingle's separation date on Friday, August 25th. Please let me know what else we need to do to facilitate this process.

Thanks.

The Big Spin

-----Original Message-----
From: Mrs. Mingle
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 2:14 PM
To: The Big Spin; Meanie
Subject: Mrs. Mingle Resignation

Dear Big Spin and Meanie,

I regret to inform you that I am resigning my position at [this company] effective Friday, August 25. I’ve enjoyed working for the both of you and have learned a lot while working for [your department], but feel I cannot pass up my other opportunity.

Thank you very much for your continued support and I will work with you to complete as smooth a transition as possible with my departure.

Mrs. Mingle


oh yeah...I've got lots to talk about!!
(If only I could take a picture of the huge cheesy grin on my face since I sent this email!)

Rockin' the Rogue

It’s been awhile since I wrote my latest reflections, but I have to tell you, it’s certainly not for lack of things to talk about. Because I have things to talk about. But oh…where do I begin? I guess I’ll go back to the Oregon trip from July 29…

Mr. Mingle and I drove up to Oregon to meet our friends JP&JD at the Rogue River for a little camping and river rafting. We were celebrating JP and my birthdays and any excuse is a good excuse for a visit. We met up around 1pm on Saturday outside of Grants Pass (near the Oregon – California border) and soon discovered that all campsites in the area were full. Actually, JP&JD had discovered this the night before when they arrived earlier then us. Fortunately they found the most perfect spot by the river where there was plenty of space for two tents (which didn’t matter since Mr. Mingle and I forgot our tent poles), no neighbors, and it was free. We set up camp, went for a swim in the river, and then ate. And then ate again.

After a restful night’s sleep we went to meet our group for an all-day river rafting trip. It became obvious early on that this trip was to be more of a lazy trip down the river with occasional rapids, rather then a white-knuckled helmet-wearing adventure. We all decided that it would be more fun to go kayaking instead (the tour company had brought them along with the boats) and each got our own inflatable kayak. By the way, when they said “inflatable” I had envisioned something just slightly better then an air mattress with walls, but luckily I was badly mistaken. They were heavy, heavy duty boats which we paddled for 6 hours down the Rogue.

About two-thirds of the way through the trip we finally stopped for lunch at which point we were all ravenously hungry. I think the tour guides sensed that this trip might turn ugly and asked that "Everyone back away from the food tables until we are done setting up." The four of us walked away, but never out of site of the food tables and amused ourselves by throwing rocks to see who could hit the bigger rock. Let's just say it's pretty obvious none of us played baseball or softball. Finally they let us eat, so we built up our strength and hit the river again.

We hit some rapids which were fun to go through, and then we could relax the arms and shoulders a little and let the river push us along sometimes. JP came away with the only war injury of the day when her boat tossed her out into the rocks. Her brave husband came to the rescue, not only catching her on his way down, but also her hat.

After the trip down the river we got into our cars and drove up to Portland to JP&JD’s house. We wanted to see their new place, meet their cats, and also check out the local scene. I also wanted to find out more about the job market up there so Mr. Mingle and I met with recruiters on Monday. As coincidence-luck-fate would have it, shortly after we met the recruiters, Mr. Mingle got a call from a company in California offering him a job. He accepted, and the search for a job in Portland ended as quickly as it had begun.

On Tuesday we sadly said goodbye to our friends and began the long drive back.

Mr. Mingle started his job as a Research Analyst this past Monday in Menlo Park, and so far so good! He’s enjoying the work, although not the commute and is learning all about chemicals in India. What? More to come…