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Saturday, February 23, 2008

On Jumping Ship

Metropolitan Ave Station
Photo by myself, on the platform of the G train in Brooklyn.

The G is rumored to leave people standing for fifteen minutes on the platform. My experiences so far have been positive.

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I gave my notice today. As soon as the HR guy saw me with my letter in hand, he paled and stammered, 'Oh no, not the letter. Are you...?'

I'm sure he's used to it. That's his job - interviews, screening, letters, exit interviews. And in between, he makes sure people are relatively happy. He notes their days off and celebrates their birthdays. He handles the day-to-day.

Anyway, I felt badly and guilty, despite the fact that I'm the one leaving. That's just me. I know that I'll be going to a (hopefully) better place, but someone will have to pick up my pieces, decipher several projects partway through and deal with the same frustrations.

Meanwhile, the skirmish Frank started yesterday with the decorators has quieted. Frank is now openly snubbed when he walks through their workspace. Well-coiffed heads swivel round and give him a dead-eyed stare. I tell Frank that if it'd been me, or a gay guy, we would've had a better time of it.

It's just a strange, political fact of life. I think it's just easier to yell at and torment a straight guy in conservative clothes than it is a female dressed relatively fashionably or a gay dude in wide wale cords and Ralph Lauren moccasins. I don't know why. I can't explain it.

HR guy said there will be an announcement Monday about my departure, but who knows. I wouldn't be surprised if they kept a lid on my leaving for a while. The thing is, unknown to the office, another of my work buddies, Sam, is accepting an offer to the same office where I'm headed. Sam and I are backbone and one-fourth of the team, heading four projects of various sizes between the two of us. The office has been quietly shaken by my leaving. In a couple weeks, they will be reeling and reaching for a strong drink.

I feel badly for Frank, whom Sam and I are leaving behind. Trapped as a non-American in immigration limbo, Frank also has an inhuman amount of work on his plate. Sam and I will visit and email and commiserate over drinks, but it won't be the same.

We won't be there when poo is flung or when fashionable gloves are thrown down. Poor Frank will be on his own.

13 comments:

Spandrel Studios said...

Leaving a job when things are crazy and you've come to be friends with the people you collaborate with can be so difficult. It's especially challenging when you're the heart and soul of a project.

Hang in there -- and have faith that the new challenges will make it worthwhile!

Kitty said...

Hi Spandrel!
Yeah, this situation is new to me. It's a learning experience, but it will soon pass.

Thank you and happy weekend, dear!

fishwithoutbicycle said...

It's hard, but when it comes to work you have to do what's best for yourself.

I know Frank's situation all too well. I felt trapped in my job until my greencard came through, funnily enough when it finally arrived, I stayed.

Good luck Kitty

Anonymous said...

Oh yes leaving is very difficult. I got sentimental about everything at my old Uni just before I left - the loos, the filing cabinets, people I had hated for years!!!

But when I started the new job it was amazing how quickly it felt like years since I had switched.

Enjoy your sentimental moments. I think they are to be savoured. And take lots of photos of your workspace and colleagues working.

Have a lovely weekend, Kitty.

Kitty said...

Fish, how great you have a green card? People have been joking with my buddy for the longest time about getting married to solve his troubles. I can imagine that joke gets rather old.

And how interesting you stayed? hm!

RB, it's nice to know this is a normal cycle. Phew.

Have a nice weekend, girls!

Unknown said...

Hey Kitty! Good for you! I just recently started a new job and it is the most refreshing thing I've done in a long time! Out with the old, in with the new!

Mom Knows Everything said...

I hope you are having a good weekend! I goes by so quickly doesn't it.

Kitty said...

Hi there, Nubia
I'm starting to get excited! I think part of my nerves had to do with keeping it mum for so long.
Glad you're doing well!

Hi Tammy!
The weekend is great so far. Nice seeing you!

Anonymous said...

congrats on your new gig!! and hey, life moves on...i'm sure the company you're leaving will make do.

Kitty said...

Hi Mama!
Great seeing you and thanks!!
-k

Ming the Merciless said...

I, too, know the feeling too well viz-a-viz staying at a job because of the Green Card issue. I put up with a lot of crap at my first job, eventhough, truth be told, it was probably my happiest days, mainly because I was naive and young.

Now I put up with sh*t at a new job because I have a mortgage to pay.

AHHHHHHHHH!! When will it end?

Anonymous said...

I read this the other day but forgot to comment.

Yay! You've finally done it, congrats on the new job!!

You must be so relieved after handing in that letter. I hate resignations, sometimes I just want to take a long holiday and resign over the phone.

I hope you had a great weekend out celebrating :)

Kitty said...

hey Ming,
I hear you on the naivete and youth. geez. But now you're grown up with a mortgage, lol!

PP, thank you!
Agreed. I just want it to be over at this point. Let's move on!