Resigned to reactions.........

When I decided to resign from the company where I had spent the last twelve years of my life, I did not anticipate that a decision that look rather commonplace would evoke a range of reactions......and, in fact it got me thinking of "ME" and my decision in a new light.

The overwhelming response to my decision, to my surprise, was of course, relief!!! Many of my colleagues in the firm were happy to see the beginning of the end of what was considered an unbreakable relationship. A few of them actually kept asking me, repeatedly, if it was for real and if I would stick firmly to my decision. And, in doing so, they made sure that I was unwavering in my resolve to break the tie.

There were many who were shocked. These were people who had strongly associated me with the firm and I was considered an inseparable part of the organization. I was variously referred to as antique, fixed asset, dinosaur, etc at various points of time and in their minds my identity was intertwined with that of the organization. That I could take such a decision was an impossibility for them.

There were others who were ready with opinions, suggestions, recommendations and views on what I needed to do next. Start off on your own, give up corporate life for good, go on a vacation, partner for a new venture, work for a non profit, blah blah......I was in no mood for any advice and nodded my head to all that was being suggested......

My parents had been hearing of the recession for the last several months and had come across many people who had left their jobs (taken a break!) and were cooling their heels. A few of their friends had children who were suddenly relocating to India.......and this trend was regarded suspiciously in their circle. First and foremost, my parents wanted to make sure that the decision to leave the firm was mine rather than that of my firm. Having convinced themselves of the true reason for the separation, they were worried if I would find another job in a market that was characterized by dwindling job opportunities......

My husband was ambivalent about my decision to part ways with my employer. While encouraging me to take a decision based on "merits of the case" and not get swayed by emotions, he has been flitting about in the background while I try to figure out my future.

My son is not one to show too much emotion or reaction. I cannot make out what he thinks of me and my decision and I think I am better off not delving too much into it!!!
 
My brother was only keen to know what my next port of call would be - would I look for an international posting, would there be travel, what would the pay be, would I have some awesome responsibilities....in that order!!! He seemed a bit in a hurry and completely oblivious to my need for a break!!!

My extended circle of relatives heaved a sigh of relief when they got news of my resignation. They said - it was high time - and wished I would concentrate my energies on running my home and caring for my husband and son, rather than spending time in airports, aeroplanes and foreign lands! One high flying cousin who heard of the decision rather late was aggrieved that I had beaten him to it - I have heard him talk of retirement since the time he finished management school!!!

Some of my dearest (and nearest!) friends were happy for me.....and possibly for themselves. They knew we could have more lunches together, get more cinema on working days and generally have a good time. And, the rest of them were plain angry - they asked why I was chucking it all away while the going was good.

My boss's reaction has been the most endearing. He still thinks it is a nightmare and that he will wake up to a happy ending. He firmly believes that I will return soon.......

My help at home made a face showing happiness and worry as I told him that I was jobless. I have been snooping around the kitchen and giving him grief. He does not fail to ask me everyday if I have found a job yet........

In the meanwhile, I enjoy my self imposed holiday hoping that I will discover a new ME!!!