In 2010 I had one of my hardest goodbyes. I had been working
at the same county program for individuals with developmental disabilities for
almost 15 years and it was now time for me to move on. The current position I
was holding I had 6 individuals that I worked with on a daily basis and a
number of other staff who relied on me for many things. The ultimate goal for
the staff is ensuring that the individuals we serve are living life to their fullest
and that they are happy and healthy. I created many close bonds and to this day
I do still keep in contact with my colleagues and the individuals and their
families.
We had many norms and routines which made life easy for the
individuals and when I left I changed a lot of those. This also made my
decision harder for me. There were a couple different gatherings for my goodbye
parties and many gifts and tears. Ultimately in the end I knew that I was
making the right decision for myself and my family to improve our quality of
life.
I believe that in this Master’s program I will continue to
keep in touch with some of my colleagues and I also believe I will be able to
follow others because I just know they are meant for greater things. It will be
time for us to part soon and it is necessary for us to become our own
individuals in the field of Early Childhood Education. I believe we all have
strong qualities and traits that we can bring to the field and it is important
that we are looked at as individuals in this process. However, it is also
important to note that we worked hard together to continue our studies and
improve our practices. The support that I have had from my colleagues and some
of the professors has had a profound impact on my life. Adjourning is not just
a process of leaving a group it is a fact of life and we learn great things
from being a part of the process.
samantha I have really enjoyed reading your post for this week. I can understand it can be hard when you have been working around someone for 15 years. During this point of time it is possible to gain a very deep emotional attachment. Do you really believe that you will continue to keep in touch with some of your collegues? I do believe that I will venture out, I have not really gotten attached.
ReplyDeleteHi Sam,
ReplyDeleteIt is never easy to say goodbye especially when the team has worked together for such a long period. It must have really difficult to part company. My 17 year old daughter will be attending hospitality school (away from home) come September. She has always been around me. I really want her to go off to get her teretiary education I know I am going to miss her immensely. We have bonded together for so many years and persevered through so many struggles. I have learned so much from my classmates and maybe we might meet again in another form.
Judy
Samantha, There are many times I second guess myself as to whether I have made the right decision or not. Leaving something that is comfortable is very hard to do. I love my job and the people I work with a lot but the feelings that I have for my supervisor who owns the center has made for an unbearable work place. I am going on vacation for two weeks and I have decided that I will start looking for another job because as you say, it is the right time for me. Change is hard but sometimes it has to happen. I know if my staff continue to work in the ways I have taught them they will be successful.
ReplyDeleteBest of Luck,
Diana
Samantha, I really enjoyed reading your post. When you are a part of a group for so many years I know it had to be extremely difficult to leave.
ReplyDeleteWe will not always be fortunate enough to work with where we are all able to agree and avoid conflict, but when we do I think it is amazing. Working with colleagues and professors is always a positive experience. I