Here we go again...

So I handed in my resignation today.

(For those of you having trouble following, there are programs available on the table next to the door in the back, there.)


On Friday, I was offered a permanent position with a provincial government department. The rumblings started just two days after I announced to my network of professional contacts that I was leaving my NGO to work for the federal government - I got a call from an old player in the game who wanted to know if I'd be open to an offer from his provincial department. Sure, I said, I'm open to looking at any offer - that's how life moves forward. He approached me again two weeks ago and again I told him I would look at any offer he wanted to make me in writing with an honest eye and compare it with my current situation. And on Friday they offered me the position, and today I formally accepted it.

I love my current job like crazy and I leave with a lot of regret about leaving the position and the people. But not being away from my family three to five nights a week is a no-brainer.

(If you'll turn your attention to page five in the program, you'll see a flow chart that plots my recent and near-future career path. It should be helpful in following tonight's presentation.)

My manager was incredibly understanding about it, although I felt sick telling her, she's been so decent and patient and helpful and such a good teacher. I singled her out in my resignation letter for thanks for her leadership and guidance, knowing that it will be seen by her supervisor, and her supervisor's supervisor.

(My landlord is less thrilled, but that, dear hearts, is the very nature of landlords the world over.)

My federal branch had a regional quarterly meeting today. One item on the agenda was "Arrivals and Departures/Arrivées et départs". I was introduced as all four, to much amusement.

But my colleagues gave me a round of applause at the news that I'd been offered a permanent position with the province. (I am fairly certain this was happiness for me and not relief that I was leaving, based on the warm congratulations after the meeting.)

The new position will be incredibly challenging and those of you who know which Department I'm moving to, and what my file will be, know why. But it's a job my whole career to date has been leading to, and it might - just might - be a chance to make some of the changes that I've spent the last ten years recommending to government actually happen.

(Now, if there aren't any questions, there are coffee and tea and soft drinks over there in the corner. The muffins stopped when the Harper government took power.* But feel free to mingle as long as you like.)

ronnie

*True.