Departure from the workplace was only the first step in a series of events that have culminated in a general sense of anticipation and anxiety, of assurance and uncertainty.
The last few weeks of work were overshadowed by an environment of people who were sad to see me go and yet at the same time worried over the many more cuts that were to (and did) come. This time was also coloured by the fact that I didn't have any job lined up, and people would keep asking. Needless to say, it was difficult to walk into the office those last few weeks. Most people were sensitive and kept things to covert curiosity, but there were some exceptions. For instance, there was one particular meeting called where the guy in charge of the group sat several of us down and said, "Ok guys, we need to make sure we get all these details sorted out before..." and he trailed off with a significant look at me, a strange smile and a chopping motion with his hand. It seemed to impress the other people in the room even less than it did me, but I guess they knew him better than I did. I think they were the most happy people to hear that he got laid off a few weeks later.
The weeks after that departure were full of applications and interviews and an unsettlingly new life of leisure. Unsettling because it didn't feel right not to be doing anything when nothing was lined up for the future. Thus when I got an unexpected job offer, I felt completely alright saying 'hey, why don't I go to Greece for a few weeks next Monday?'
And that's where I've been the past little while. There's nothing like going somewhere strange to make you appreciate the small things at home. Cool thirty degree weather, traffic that stops at red lights, wide, unobstructed sidewalks, nobody blowing cigarette smoke at you wherever you go, and of course a shower that doesn't get the toilet seat (and towel and clothes, and anything else that happens to be left in the washroom) wet.
Some of the best food I've had to this point was experienced in Greece. Whether I was eating seafood or heaps of feta and olive oil or just a simple gyros pita, the experience usually impressed. But the dining experiences did not end at just the food. The meal would often times include live music and great views as well.
A lot of the otherwise lush land turns quite brown in the heat of the summer. Yet there were times when a colourful scene would come along unexpectedly
Now that I'm back, I'm facing the new job in a week. I feel like it's my first day at a new school in a new city. In fact, I will be working in a new city. However, for the time being, I will be doing the much-dreaded commute. Even with all its problems, I've found this city has made some ties to me which I will find difficult to break.Of course there have been and will be many other challenges and surprises, but for the first time in a while, I feel like I can honestly say, Είμαι ικανοποιημένος
