Thursday, August 03, 2006

Lesson #4: Love your coworkers

Things I learned at my first job
(Fourth in a series)

Halloween 2004

Today, my coworkers threw a going-away party for me. I have to say, it was the biggest party I've seen at work, and I'm honored to be missed so much.

As I said in my last post/lesson, I tried to get to know as many people at my company as possible, and tried to be equally nice to everyone. Here are some of the things they said about me:

"Good luck and maybe when you get out, we'll be able to utilize your trademark/copyright law experience. It has been a pleasure having you on staff here at FCM. Stay in touch." - G.H.

"You will be missed, Valerie. Good luck to you. What an exciting adventure!" A.H.

"Have a great new life!" - H.G.

"It's been fun having you at Fibre-Craft. You've got a great personality and I'm sure you will light up your classrooms just as you did here. It's wonderful that you have set a goal and are going to make it a reality. Study hard and learn lots! And take care of your bunnies (and husband)!" - M.P.

A special bridal shower gift, 2005

"Everyone loves you, Valerie — I don't think I've ever heard ANYONE say anything less than flattering about you. You are a great person!" - A.G.


"It was an awesome luncheon - such a variety of food and camaraderie — it was great! You know how much you mean to us and how much you will be missed — it was our pleasure! Keep in touch." - F.C.

Your coworkers will be there for you when horrible things happen in your life — such as a loved one in the hospital or a beloved pet dying — but they will also be there for the great things, like a wedding or the birth of your children.

You spend eight hours a day with them, and even though they might forget to ask you to lunch or forget your birthday from time to time, you really get to know them. And, hopefully, you get to love them.

Oh the pleasure of working with artists:
such nice Photoshopping skills!
(Taken today, after my fare-thee-well lunch)

I certainly feel lucky to have such a group of people miss me — it makes me sad to be leaving, but also excited about things to come. In addition to friends and family, I know I've got a bunch more cheerleaders on the sidelines for me during school.

And I'll need all the cheering I can get!

5 comments:

Meesh said...

so what are you going to do now that you will not have an infinite supply of free foam? haha

also, i thought it was funny that dave was listed not only after the bunnies in that you should take care of them, but he's even in parentheses!! i love you dave- ill never put you in parentheses!!!<3

Valerie said...

Let's just say, people at work know that Dave needs less taking care of than the bunnies.

Dave - he can find things to eat around the house if I'm not here.

The bunnies? They'll just try to chew on some drywall, which is not the most nutritious food source around...

Valerie said...

Oh, and I took home enough foam with me to last me a while. They were giving it away, prior to the company's relocation. Woo hoo!

Sara Sherman said...

Michelle, funny that you thought of the no free foam bit. Also funny you noticed Dave after Bunnies. I have not checked Valerie's blog for days. Been busy I guess, no other excuse.
Mom

Sara Sherman said...

Valerie, I forgot, I love the picture of all of you looking like you're on the beach. Yes, it must be nice to know how to photoshop and other things. You know I don't know. Mom