That day I quit my job
Last Wednesday, I left an organization I had been a part of for fifteen of the last twenty years. It wasn’t an easy decision although I had made it once before in September of 2012 only to return five years later. The organization, especially the people within in it, have held me through some of the toughest times in my life and became a catalyst for entering the coaching profession almost a decade ago. At the end of May of this year, I knew I had to follow the overwhelming pull to leave and step fully into my work as a coach. This knowing came with relief and a side of sadness. I was leaving one of my longest relationships, and twenty years has a lot entangled in its span.
Before letting my manager know my decision to leave, lyrics to a song popped into my head from Tell me on a Sunday by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black. The song is about ending a relationship without drama. “Let me down easy. No big song and dance.” The lyrics go on to paint a picture of an ending filled with things that reflect the loveliness that is sometimes in relationships we choose to leave. “Take me to a park that's covered with trees. Tell me on a Sunday please.”
I gave my resignation with the energy of that song which felt honoring to our twenty years together. Although I had given an exit date that was three months away, it got pushed back two times making this resignation a true “Minnesota goodbye.” During the first extension, I had the opportunity to deliver two in-person trainings and connect with people I'd only previously met virtually. I also got to see beloved colleagues and get inspired by the new and tenured team excited to carry the organization’s work forward.
By the second time my last day got pushed back, goodbyes started to feel temporary like another extension was just around the corner. I think that’s how some of my teammates felt too. In this extra time together, I was able to see volunteers and staff who I hadn’t seen in far too long and train a friend who was stepping into my role. For the last three days of training, we met in-person at the office I had originally moved to Minnesota to lead. Being in-person with everyone in the office again and with the person who was moving into my role finally felt like the real goodbye, and it was a lovely one.
Reflecting on the time since the day I resigned almost five months ago, there have been moments of relief, sadness, gratitude, joy - all the things sometimes all at once. I’m thankful for the extra time I had to enjoy the parts of my work I have always loved. It felt like a graceful exit filled with the energy of that Broadway song. “I know how I want you to say goodbye….”