Monday, April 20, 2009

Two weeks notice

We were driving back from Tucson and as soon as we hit the Oregon border I realized that I was already dreading going back to work. As nerve-racking as it is, I’d rather be broke than become suicidal going to a job I hate.
So I walked into the office, first thing Tuesday morning and said. “I’m giving my two weeks notice, I thank you for the opportunity but I came to the conclusion that I am neither doing myself or the corporation any good by remaining in your employment.” I had my hand shaken and was on my way. I didn’t say this to them, but I understand part of this decision was based on my philosophical disagreement with the financial institutions and the monetary based society that we operate in. I was a receptionist at a Brokerage firm and I realized I can’t work to support a system I disagree with. I can say no thank you in good conscience.
The probationary period of any employment is not only a time for the company to decide if they like the person, but also for the person to decide if they like the company. We somehow overlook the last half of that equation, bogged down in the thought that we ‘need’ a company to employ us. But it is not only about looking to someone else to give you opportunity, it is also about looking to create your own opportunity. Not to deny the instability of the current economic crisis, but where there is great risk, there is also great room for growth and reward. So, I don’t feel I need the stability of a bi-monthly paycheck. I think what Ed and I want to accomplish on the farm is worth it, worth the hard work, worth the instability. It is much more personally satisfying than sitting at a desk, waiting for the phone to ring. It felt like a bad Friday night in High School all over again.

3 comments:

  1. I can relate that in today's climate, it IS a great margin for reward by taking a chance and 'just do it.' I'm on the edge myself- if I didn't have a mortgage and student loans without a place to turn to for support I would have been out there doing my thing full-time. Alas, my reality check is that it's just me, and if I want to live in something other than a cardboard box I'm going to need SOMETHING that will give me enough cash to keep a roof over my head and the student loans at bay (even though my degree appears to be utterly useless!).

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  2. I often wonder how my life would have turned out if I had your courage at your age. I have always chosen the safe side of the sidewalk. It has been smooth but not exciting and I have always felt like I "sold out". So hurrah for you and your conviction. Keep it!
    Susan in Dallas

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  3. I came to your blog via cnn, as many have. and this is the first post I totally agree with. good call!

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