It's been a strange day for me; the day after I resigned from my job; I've had to give four weeks of notice and knew it would seem weird being there now but I hadn't expected what has occurred today. I've left employers before and expected questions about where I'm going and why I've decided to resign but what surprised me was the outpouring of emotions from people, some of whom I've had little interaction on anything other than the usual casual office-interaction-level; certainly nothing personal or deeply emotional.
I've been careful to remain positive when fielding questions about why I have decided to leave the company as I don't want to be that guy who leaves looking disgruntled. With respect of the where am I going questions I've been honest - No idea. I don't have a job to go to so that's an easy one.
It's been a little more difficult having the conversations that people seem keen on having in respect of their own position in the company, dissatisfaction, state of wellbeing or other emotions and situations they have raised. Sure, I'm used to dealing with such things on a basic level with my team, I'm the leader after all, but it seems my leaving has opened the flood gates for others.
It made me think about workplace culture, the importance of maintaining a positive culture and the onus upon those at the top to create it. The most valuable asset in a business is the staff however there's many examples of staff being ill-treated and businesses suffering adversely for it. When will they learn?
The business aside though, it was also interesting to see how a key person in the office, myself, choosing to leave affected others and it reminded me of the Asimov quote above.
Someone said to me, I can't believe you're leaving, you're the anchor-point for so many of us and it's unbelievable that you're unhappy enough to leave. [They had made the assumption I was indeed unhappy.] My leaving was like holding a mirror up to people it seems that they could better see themselves, how they felt, were reacting to the every-day situations in the office and how those situations were affecting them. Not just one...I had five in my office today and tomorrow I have coffee meetings with two others. I was [almost] speechless at the number of them.
Above the clouds the sun always often shines
In my opinion many in my office simply go through the motions because they have to; they accept the situation as the situation and justify it by saying, at least I get paid. Sure, that works. I mean how many of us have our dream jobs? Some, but certainly not all, and getting paid can dilute a multitude of issues. For a while.
Are there other options though? Yeah of course there is. Many options, even if that option is simply to choose to feel differently. You know what I mean? Change one's paradigm to permit one to rise above some of those situations and seek a little light to make the work place-situation a little brighter. Getting above the clouds I often call it.
I said this to most today, and felt it was well-received although I have a suspicion there'll be more resignations. As it is in the week I finish up three others are also out the door; not long-termers like me, granted, but it says a lot I think. I'm all for it though because sometimes getting above the clouds means massive effort, change or action...And leaving a job with none to go to like I have. It's all good. [Damn I hate that saying.]
Just on another note altogether, and talking of massive action and effort...Today an individual admitted something very personal to me that was probably quite difficult for them to do.
It was incredibly brave, showed ownership, respect, caring and great strength of character. The person actually apologised to me which wasn't required of course, but they felt it was and so it was. I offered my understanding and some words that I hope demonstrated myself as a man of character and integrity, but it's not about me, I'm of no consequence. It's all about a courageous person who took action. A person who is as fallible as the rest of us and someone who I respect greatly; and will continue to do so. They may never see these words, but I wanted to say them all the same as that person deserves it, and much more. Enough said.
That's about it tonight although I'll say one thing more - Get yourself above the clouds, it's lighter up there...Unless it's night time.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
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