You Are Hereby Put On Official Notice

...that I am outta City Hall in three weeks. I am giving my notice at work on Monday, something I hate to do. I have been very worried about the economic climate and my continued status as a dependent contractor at my current organization. My position is funded until June, but with a freeze both on hiring and overtime and worsening conditions, I feel I need to get out while I can. Being a contractor affords me no unemployment insurance and if things continue as they are, I think jobs will be harder to come by as June nears.

I have accepted a position at a University in the Boston area. The commute will still pretty much stink, but it is a 35 hour week and there is the opportunity to work remotely (i.e. from my dining room) one day a week. I am really looking forward to joining this organization and very excited to be working in higher ed.

Giving my notice is going to be very tough. I have been with my current organization, as both a full time employee and a contractor, for over 8 years. I work with friends, not with co-workers, and I will have a hard time saying goodbye. If were not for a residency rule, I would have stayed on as a full time employee. 

The first five people to comment and tell me I am doing the right thing win a prize. (Well, not really a prize but you will get the satisfaction of knowing you are keeping me from freaking out too badly).


Comments

Such decisions are hard, you have to do what you feel is right in your heart AND your head...and that's what it sounds like you are doing. The economics are scary and your job security is vital! I like the way you are on the offense...being proactive rather than taking action AFTER you (might) lose your job. And it sounds like your job is a step up!
Off to a great start with your nice comment Ms. Creek. Thank you for your encouragement.
Anonymous said…
I just shifted from a part time to a full time position myself about two months ago. I loved the flexibility of being part time, but this economy is scary - really scary - and I am thankful to have locked into a full time job. That was high on my list of " what I'm thankful for" thursday. Smart move. Definitely a smart move. You don't want to wait until you're closed out to make a jump like that. You did it on your own terms. That's the way to do it for sure. Besides I'm sure you'll keep up with your buddies at the old place and now you'll make new friends. I've always wanted to work in academia.
Anonymous said…
As you know, I left a job after 8 years and went to work at a University and had a long commute. It was the best thing I could have done. Working for an academic employer is a huge difference from working for the state. You are going to love it. I know it's hard saying goodbye to friends but think of all the friends waiting to say hi. (yeah, corny, I know) Really, you are doing the right thing. There is nothing more stable than working in academia. - MrMoto
Marty said…
Now, now no prizes required... indeed, you did it right! The SMART thing is to make a move before this economy gets any WORSE - and you did. My congratulations to you for mot allowing fear to keep you from moving ahead!
The economy is scary. Benefits and unemployment are beautiful things. And, look at the REALLY bright side. You get to see thousands of co-eds EVERY SINGLE day. Now, that, my friend, is priceless.
Marty said…
Please change that "mot" allowing fear... to "not" allowing fear...
Damn I hate making mistakes!
Mon said…
You are absolutely doing the right thing Ms. CJ. I work for the State myself, and the benefits are on of the reasons I do that. I know you love your job, and you will be sad to leave, but this will be a new and exciting chapter in your life. Security is a beautiful thing, and I think you will feel much better for that. Commuting sucks, but there are worse things in life than that.

Now my friend, where's my prize?
Anonymous said…
Sometimes change is good despite having to leave behind people we adore working with. I think you made the right decision. This is a similar place I was in 3 years ago. I left people who I adored working with - still miss them so much - but for more money. I had to look out for myself as you have to. Congrats on the new job!
Anonymous said…
i'm too late and won't be anywhere near the prize -- but you're doing the right thing! jump while the jumping is... well, not good but better than it will be in June.
Anonymous said…
This is my favorite poem for times like these:

When you come to the edge
of all the light you know…
And are about to step
off into the darkness
Faith is believing
One of two things will happen
There will be something solid
to stand on
Or you will learn to fly.

Anonymous
Janet said…
Gads I am too late for a prize but I think working at a University is a great gig with excellent benefits and security.

And it keeps you young -- I love living in a college town.

j.
Mrs. F said…
I have such a hard time walking away from a job, even at will.

I think you are doing the right thing, given the economy and the new job will have more steadiness.

Good luck!
Hey thanks Karen. Scary is right. So glad to hear you have locked into a full time job. Hopefully things will get better in the not too distant future and you can go back to part time if you want.

Hi Mr. Moto. Thanks for your encouraging words. It's good to hear from someone that has worked at a university. If I enjoy this gig, I'm hoping to get in to a school a bit closer, once the economy is better.

Hey thanks Marty! Making a move away from a job I like is a little out of character for me. Comments like yours are making me feel good about my decision.

Hah! Great point Lori. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for thinking outside the box here. Um, maybe that is a bad choice of words.

Thank you OC. I am looking forward to finally having benefits. And although I understand nothing is too certain these days, I will feel much more secure having a permanent full time positions as opposed to contracting. Thanks for words about commuting - you are so right. Your prize is on its way - future blog posts with no whining :)

Thank you Trinity. Having buddies at work is great but it does make it harder to leave. Do you still keep in touch with the people from your old job? I agree, with this economy you really have to look out for the best opportunity.

Hi John! Your comments always put a smile on my face which is preventing me from have my freakout face on :)

Hey Lyn! Thanks for backing me up on my early jump. I was torn about leaving before the end of the fiscal but everyday it seems like we are getting more and more cutbacks - hiring, OT for this department and that. Even the police are now restricted with their OT - that is a big flag.

Thank you 8th day. That poem is really inspiring. I am definitely going to refer back to this. I appreciate you sharing this.

Hey MLC! Thank you for the encouragement. So that's you secret for looking so young? Another perk I hadn't thought of. It just keeps getting better and better!

Thank you Mrs. F. I need some steadiness with work and I'm hoping this will do the trick. Some people I know seem to have no problem quitting a job but I always feel a bit shaky about it.
SassyFemme said…
You're looking at your long-term future, that's the most important thing. No matter how you feel about your friends they don't pay your bills... well, not unless they're filthy rich and then I want to be their friend, too!
McMeaty said…
Congratulations!!

With your great looks, great personality, ability to make people feel good, and being good at what you do, I'm sure you have made the right decision and will be one of the greatest assests to your new employer. Change is never easy. Those of your coworkers that have become friends at your current job will always be your friends.

You have to look out for yourself. That is not selfish, it's smart. You are a strong, confident woman and you can do anything you want. Don't second guess it. This is a crossroads in your life, you should be excited to meet new people and friends and you have a clean slate to work with. I envy you....
Anonymous said…
Good move CJ.
I feel I'm being forced to make a decision as to my employment status. My employer is AWOL 99% of the time.
Anonymous said…
you are doing the smart thing. I know of 11 companies who are dumping huge numbers of employees in two weeks. The employment market is about to be flooded.
Good for you!
I hope giving notice goes ok, it's a hard thing to do.
weese said…
its all good. change is good.
embrace the change.
Velvet Ginger said…
WEll I am just a little late...but I don't need a "prize", good looking out for yourself, you really need to when your lively hood depends on it!!! You are strong and hard working, and the University is darned lucky to have you joining their team!!!
Good luck...you will do great!!!
Shrinky said…
Yes, scary huh? You know without a shred of doubt what you are doing is absolutely and totally the right move to take. Deep breaths hon, close your eyes for the leap, another adventure is a-calling.. and remember, good friends are never left behind, they follow with you where ever you may decide to go.

((Congratulations and good luck))
Thank you Sassy. You're right - I'm sure if those folks didn't have 10+ years in they might be thinking about leaving too.

Wow McMeaty, you are going to make my head swell. Thank you for such kind words. I really apprciate the encouragement. You've got me super inspired now.

Hey Chewy, thank you. I hope things are going ok for you at work. Do you have some irons in the fire with regards to changing jobs?

Thank you Weese. I sometimes have a hard time remembering change is good. It's the Cancer in me. We're not so good with change.

Hey Thanks Rubye Jean. I feel luck to be able to have found something in this economy. I'm looking forward to the change but also a bit nervous!

Thank you Shrinky! Yes, I guess I am up for a bit of adventure. I like your words on friends - that is a good point to remember.

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