On Wednesday I went back to my old place of work. When I left six months ago I had never expected to return. I had walked to my car, laden with gifts and cards and had made the emotional decision never to go back.
Because that decision had been very emotional and I have settled so well into my new life, I wanted to catch up with some of my ex colleagues. They had become good friends over the years and, life being as it is, I hadn’t been able to arrange to meet up with all of them. So, albeit it with some trepidation, I followed the familiar route and drove back to ‘the office’ .
I walked into reception which looked very different. Christmas decorations adorned the pillars and a professionally decorated Christmas tree held pride of place in the entrance. I was met with a broad grin of recognition by the receptionist and given a visitor’s pass. I gave the name of the colleague who was coming to meet me and, within a couple of minutes, found myself back in my old ‘office’. Unfortunately a number of colleagues were absent but that was bound to happen.
Not a lot had changed. I met two of my colleagues who had helped make my ‘department’ run so smoothly. I had always really appreciated their work ethic and support. Without them my years building a department ‘fit for purpose’ would never have been possible. Spending so much time with them, they had become part of my wider family and I was very pleased to see them looking so well and happy.
Moving through the corridors meeting up with friends again was great. I poked my head around the door of a lady who was also very special. Over many years we had built up a ‘different’ relationship. We would hurl verbal abuse at each other, especially in front of unsuspecting colleagues, pretending that we were the worst of enemies! This does sound strange and quite childish when put into words, but she used to make me laugh which I found very cathartic! On numerous occasions I would become stressed and, just by spending a few minutes with her, she could diffuse the situation.
I was also a work ‘mother’ to a lovely young lady who I still meet up with for coffee. She is a mother, juggling family and work life. Both of us have been through some ‘rough patches’ and I have found her positive and objective advice as helpful as I hope my ‘maturity’ has brought to our special relationship.
Driving out through the car park I was glad that I had made the effort to pay this visit. I had really enjoyed the afternoon. Comments about looking well and stress free were appreciated and not once did I have the tiniest regret that I was no longer a part of the workplace.
I didn’t have to lay any ghosts. I just wanted to wish friends a merry Christmas and all the best for the coming year. It’s been six months since I became a lady of leisure. My how the time has flown! Six marvellous months of choice without deadlines. As their year end looms and the annual visit by the auditors comes with it’s inevitable frustration and long hours ‘dotting i’s and crossing t’s’, I will be planning my next holiday. I know how I would rather be spending my time …….👠
Jenny Burrell 