It’s been nearly two years since we first started the emigration ball rolling, but we’re now finally in our last working week at Oldham College. It seems like we’ve been talking about it forever – I can’t go anywhere on campus without someone asking “how long now, Nick?” and I’m usually able to tell them exactly how many days to go. 😕
The answer today is “3 days” as we both finish work on Friday lunchtime. \:d/
So this week is all about handing things over to other people within the department. I don’t know who will be replacing me: I’ve purposely kept well out of all discussion about that subject. The job is definitely available though and all of the Network Support team have been invited to apply. Whoever gets it will leave a hole somewhere, so there are likely to be other opportunities elsewhere. :-??
Most things are already organised, but I’ll have another meeting with Pete and Jon later this week to tidy up any loose ends. I need to sort out my desk drawers and get all the important paperwork into some sense of order. I need to cancel things like my DSL and work credit card. I also want to spend a few hours acquainting myself with some of the technical things that the department have implemented which I haven’t been able to try hands-on for myself. @-)
Yesterday I was invited to the Learning Resources department’s Staff Development Day. I was told that they wanted to raise a few issues that had been causing problems in the Learning Centres this year. It was a set up. When I got there they presented me with a card and a bottle of wine and thanked me for all my efforts, it was totally unexpected and really nice of them. They’re a good bunch of people, always cheerful, enthusiastic and patient with the students (and techies). Hopefully some of them will keep in touch. :-h
It’s a strange feeling quitting your job when you’ve not got another one lined up. It was very scary at first, but I’m quite relaxed about it now. I’m just looking forward to a few weeks off while we settle in and then I’ll set about finding work. I’ll only start to panic when the savings start to run out. :-ss