My Absence

So there was a little drama at work, which ended in my leaving - the telecom company where I was working. On June 23, I went to talk to my manager and I told her that I was looking for another job.

Many people hear this story and say, "Why in the world would you do that?"

Good question. Short answer: I trusted her. I know, it was stupid, but I thought we understood each other and that she basically liked me. Plus, I wanted a good reference and I know how she reacts to suprising news like, "Hey. I think I have a new job. Could you give me a good reference." It was me being naive - is that at all attractive in a 41-year-old man?

Then she started harassing me and hammering away at my sanity. Every day it was something. Every morning I would turn my computer on to find an e-mail telling me I had screwed something up or asking why something didn't get done. It was pretty awful.

The worst part was that someone who I was very friendly with completely turned on me. I know she sometimes reads this. I'd be interested to hear her side. Feel free.

She thinks my attitude got worse after being turned down for other positions. It did, but that was no reason to do what she did. It was horrible.

The end of the story is that I asked them to end my contract and they did. And a week later, I interviewed for a job and I am now teaching English at a Middlebar school (high school) in The Hague. It's calling on a host of my skills and abilities that I have not had to use for years. I had my first day of classes today and I really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to being even more organized. (I'm sure then it will be even more fun.)

So good-bye to the bad old job and hello to new opportunities.