Saying Goodbye

This is my last week at this place of work...where I have been for 6 years in my current position. Before then, I spent 2 years as a contractor. Then I was a student. I have deep connections with this place.

On Friday, that will all change. Actually, as I think about it, it's already changed. I'm transitioning out. I'm getting a sideways smile that says, "We are glad for you...but why are you leaving us!" I'm getting a lot of compliments. It's good.

My new job is going to be a new challenge. I'm going to be working for Lutherans Concerned/North America as the Associate Director. This is an organization that is also dear to my heart. I've done a lot of contracting work for them, planning their events. I've served on the board of directors. I've been a member since 2001.

Now, I'm going to be a staff person. One of my friends joked that I will now be "professionally concerned". It's true. There have always been things that were outside of my purview, but now I will be facing them head on. To be perfectly honest, I don't know what I'm getting myself into. I don't think anyone does. The job description is pretty vague at the moment, but it will involve a lot of work.

LC/NA is a lean organization. At one time, it was completely volunteer run. Today, there are seven staff in St. Paul, who do the bulk of the work (along with many, many volunteers). Stepping into that will be a thrill for me.

My only regret is that I have no time to mentally process this transition. I am ending at my current job on Friday and starting at LC/NA on Monday. LC/NA is in need of my presence immediately, so I couldn't postpone any longer. However, that will come at a cost. I just need to be intentional about self-care. There may be times when "no" is the most appropriate answer.

For now, I'm focusing on the "goodbye". Next week, I'll start the "hello" process.