Polar Reactions

today one of the managers in the old department that i used to work for announced her resignation to join a different firm--while it's a in the same industry, it's not considered competition. what was most interesting were the opposite reactions i observed--me and my gal pal coworker were immediately surprised, shocked, and depressed. mostly because the manager is a good person, treats her staff well, is an extremely hard worker, and has done a lot for the company in a short time.

but she worked all the time, around the clock (literally), and with two small children (twins), it was only a matter of when. and maybe she made the big bucks (she deserved it), but who wants to work that much? not me. i get that the higher up you go, the more you have to work. maybe that's why i can reconcile being a peon. yay, i would love to make what i think i deserve, salary-wise, but i'm so far behind where i should be that it would take a major leap (like $25k+). and those don't come around for folks like me.

the firm that wanted this manager went after her aggressively because they know what they are getting. and in some ways i'm envious that she was pursued and wooed--i've known plenty of people who get that opportunity--the adorable one being is an example

but back to the reactions. the two guys in my department that overheard the conversation did the exact same thing--they congratulated her. maybe i'm nuts, but i feel like i witnessed a micro sociology experiement. it was interesting. didn't change that i felt sad. sad that a good person was leaving the firm and knowing that we wouldn't stay in touch with her because there won't be reason or opportunity.

i will wish her well and know that she's a super star. i don't worry about her. i worry about how people always find a way to move on regardless of what happens or who leaves. i know that's how business and life works. just doesn't mean i have to like it.