Friday, April 12th was my last working day. We had the obligatory office party in the late afternoon and we talked and laughed and I had bought cake and they had bought farewell presents…
I received the obligatory coffee mug – nobody can leave the institute without one – and a large number of carefully chosen further presents (with obvious input from our former secretary). Then there was the obligatory farewell card – nobody can leave the institute without one – written by our most creative colleague who always take care to write something special. The atmosphere was lighthearted, but I did ask them beforehand not to make me cry, so maybe they were extra careful.
The best present, however, was a very big and very unexpected hug from Mr. Attractive downstairs… While it was certainly worth it (mmmh… can I go back for more?) I’m somewhat glad I’m leaving – he has the potential to turn into a very serious and very dangerous addiction…
So, I’m now officially without job. Or between jobs. Or simply unemployed. So far it feels like I’m on vacation, with a big surprise trip awaiting me – and in a sense this is exactly what’s going to happen.
It is strange somehow though what a difference choice makes. Two years ago I was also unemployed – and I panicked. It came rather unexpectedly and I didn’t have any contingency plans, so I fell into a big hole. The funny thing is that at that point already I had considered to take six months off and go to Japan to learn the language – but I was too scared and rather took the safe option in Germany. I wonder what… oh well, spilt milk…
And now? No idea, I’m pretty open. I have found three rather interesting job ads online, both within and without my field of expertise, and with a bit of help from my tandem partner Tomoko I’ll apply for all of them. We’ll see what’s happening.
Until then, I’ll enjoy my vacation.