My Present Days

    Having been a contractor at work we were continually at threat for losing our contract at Google (not even for our efforts but for inconsistent performances at other offices). At times, this did occur.  Pitney Bowes lost their entire contract in 2012 but this was valid as Pitney Bowes was inefficient at best, and more accurately, terrible in truth.  Then working with  Eurest Services (Compass Group/Crothall) involved much more work but with a respectable pay bump and a title to serve my ego. It was a better fit for the type of service I was providing.  I was always confident that if there were any changes that our spot in the office would be converted onto the new team due to the success of our job duties.  And again in October 2014,  Eurest lost the SF contract (MTV, after Pitney had taken on another company with limited success) and this time the contract was awarded to JLL, a bigger international player.  What was continually troublesome to me is that despite not taking sick time (exceptions were when my parents died and one day when the Giants won in 2010) and having much vacation saved up, this was all lost (yes, awarded a payout but that's not what I wanted. I wanted the time). Back to one year, one week paid vacation. Sigh.

    Last year with Eurest we were so busy with Mail Services/ Moves in the office (the office is going through a 3 year improvement floor by floor) that taking a week off would impact our service levels (my work mate Michael left in May to move back to Peoria, IL)  to the extent that I wasn't comfortable doing.  At home our situation was we are now in Alameda,and both feeling stressed about work and time.  After long days and later returns there was not much time for preparing healthy meals, time for the kids and time for each other.  Everything seemed jumbled, and rote.

   Our savings could allow one of us to stay home and to take care of all the day to day needs so when everyone else returned from school and work, they could crash and relax (homework not included).  Maria needs to work for her well being and what she does is her passion.  I enjoyed what I did, and especially the crowd in the office.  However my work was certainly not my passion. At the same time , it was not easy to leave as I didn't want to depart my team or the good set of folks in the office but so busy were the days that I might not speak to any regulars but for minutes in a month.  I wanted to get the office through the crazy month of December but on the week I had targeted to put in my notice, my boss submitted her transfer notice (to Colorado)....Argh! I waited a month until January to put in my 30 day notice. Of which, I didn't inform outside my team as I desired to leave quietly and because what I do involves so many people, didn't want to visit room to room, desk to desk either.

    Christian had posted something on his Facebook so a few people reached out late in the week and on Friday one Brandon Chalk handed me an envelope on behalf of others  which turned out to be a large amount in Giants cards (crazy!) as well as later receiving 2 behind home plate tix to a Giants/A's preseason game from the Events team , that we attended last week.  Here, months later I  receive mail from some of the peeps and it's nice to be in their thoughts.  It's been a successful transition for me and although I'll be seeking out some volunteer gigs in the coming months, I've had the opportunity to have my time back, and to take care of my big 3.  Also around the daily tasks, been able to get in a daily bike ride, sit in the garden and sun, and catch a lot of movies. I notice that other people are walking faster than me, and although I do miss engaging people daily, the tranquility of gliding on (Dexter's) bike brings me to appreciate these days.  I've gotten a good opportunity in life and I am happy to accept it.