Monday, November 27, 2006

Pulling the Pin

Many years ago, I got a job working for a gaming company and started the job on the same day with another guy, Ron. The project was really crap. Proprietary framework, no documentation. Ron left after 1 week. At the time, I thought, "What a heel. Not gutsy enough.". I stayed for 6 months but declined the contract extension when offered.




Anyway, today I would like to announce that I, Chai, am now that heel. I started a new job 2 weeks ago and I've resigned after just 8 days. Friday was my last day at the new (now old) place. It's taken me 2 weeks to realise what Ron could do in a week.
I've NEVER ever done anything like this before.
I have got another new job. It's for less $$$, a shorter contract, and have to bring in my own PC, working at a less convenient location. So this gesture says a lot, I think.

I am confident I could have done the job, but from a quality of life perspective, I dont think I have the stomach for such things, anymore. It sucks, getting old, and soft, and grumpy.

I wonder if anyone will remember gutless me walking out, 10 years from now, like I remember Ron. Matters not I guess, cos I feel very light about my decision, almost unbearably so. It did help that my ex-employers were really understanding about the whole incident. Thank you, ex-employers.

Just sail on without me.

21 comments:

Kay Adams said...

Welcome to the other side Chai.


I started that running buisness years ago.



Good on you old man. x

meva said...

Sometimes you have to do what has to be done.

Employers generally have no compunction about ditching staff, so don't feel bad.

ChickyBabe said...

Better you getting out early than the other way around. Besides, it takes guts to realise one is not a fit with a particular job and make the move.

Chai said...

You people are too nice. It was kinda of a hard decision to make, a little on the stressful side cos I wasnt sure of what the reaction would be. But thanks for the moral support.
Have no regrets.

Pomgirl said...

Sounds like you made the right decision. The best part of getting older is knowing yourself better, and what you will and won't put up with.

Good luck with the new job.

Chai said...

Thanks PG. It was the right decision. I have no doubts.

M said...

I think it sounds like a really difficult decision to make and you're a brave one to have made it :)

My brother quit a job after just one hour a few years ago. Sometimes you just know, you know? Why prolong the pain?

Husky Nutmeg said...

Good for you fellow squishy, grumpy one.

With age comes ability. Glad you also have integrity.

Chai said...

m: It was very hard. I had bad sleep 2 nights in a row. Then almost impulsively, I made the call (to revive a previously rejected-by-me job offer) and the rest is history.

hn: Sadly, it wasnt integrity. It was more like cowardice :-)

obtuse-a said...

plough on

Susanne said...

Sounds like you did the right thing. You've got to do what's right for you, not what's right for the man.

Jay said...

Life is too short not to walk out on those situations.

Chai said...

Thank you for your kind thoughts, obtuse, suss, and jay. I like my new job. It's a bit more 'primitive' and I am the one eyed man in the land of the visually impaired. I like.

Autumn Storm said...

Life's short, so good on you. Hope the new job goes well.
Happy 10th year as a papa too. :-)

Autumn Storm said...

Heya Chai,
hope all's well downunder!

Happy Holidays, my friend,
and wishing you much happiness in 2007. Love and hugs, x

Anonymous said...

Chai, I distinctly remember that 'find x' question being in my year 12 maths paper.

Or maybe it wasn't, and maybe my memory is deluded.

Highly possible.

I am sorry that my blog seems to be discriminating against you, but as it is Christmas - I shall not begin hassling my HTML person-type-thing until... boxing day, probably.

meva said...

Hope you have a great little holiday, Chai.

xx

Steph said...

Don't be down on yourself for realising the job wasn't for you. Life is too short to be unhappy in any situation.

Merry Christmas Chai.xx

Chai said...

AS : Life is indeed short. But I'll do it better next time round :-). Thank you for your seasons' greetings.

rosie : Thanks for indulging me.

meva : Here's to a terrific 2007. I can feel it in my bones.

steph: Not down at all. In fact, am v happy. No regrets whatsoever.
Hope the ribs are healing well. :-)

ChickyBabe said...

Just dropping in to say hope you had a good Chrissie and wishing you a happy NY, Chai!

Sowmiya said...

Yo Chai! Happaned to look at a comment you left on my blog ages ago about the fettucine being too long :) Hope you had a good Christmas and Happy 2007! I'll rather not comment on your post as I have'nt even joined the labour market yet :/