Hallelujah...

Today is the last day that will be an employee of this drama filled office. Lets just say that I've been a loyal, hard-working, socialable and dedicated employee of this office for a couple months shy of two years. In that time there have been plenty of good times and experiences. I have even been exposed to a whole new world of "opportunities".

Let me start by saying that in the beginning this office was a Godsend, almost utpoia like. People all working hard toward one goal and being rewarded for that hard work. This was an office were people truly enjoyed working together as well as socializing together outside the workplace. There have been numerous birthday outings and "business" trips not to mention countless 3-hour lunches and shopping outings. However, this all changed suddenly about 6 months ago. For whatever reason, I won't get into that, just know that when it changed, it changed drastically. No longer were people freiendly or appreciated. No longer was it acceptable for co-workers to communicate with one another. No longer was the work you did in the past, present or future acceptable...even though in the past it was praised. The placed that I once raved about to my associates and friends, was the place that I dreaded returning every morning.

Don't get me wrong, I am so ready to be out-of-here. I must say that although I am ready to leave I'm a bit sad. Those of you who know will say, "SAD, girl please", but yes a bit saddened that some of the relationships that I thought were formed here were just made out of convenience and probably spite. I'm sad that my friends who remain behind will have to continue to suffer the micro manging of every aspect of their existence. Sad that I had to pass on my responsibilities to someone who is completely unaware of what they are up against. Sad that women I looked up to as mentors turned out to be HATERS and misguided managers stuck on power and status. Not once noticing that "we" use to work harder and cared more about the work we submitted before they became POWER STRUCK.

But, oh well. Now I am moving on. Moving on to what I hope will be a great fit, a better opportunity and a chance to exercise what I have now adopted as "my career rules". These are a collection of rules that I have compiled with friends, colleagues and others. Although a few of them are funny, trust that there is always some truth in humor.

My Career Rules.... (no special order)

1. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.
2. Never share your personal life with a "friend" who happens to be your boss.
3. Never underestimate the office slacker.
4. Never assume that everything will be alright when you come back from extended leave.
5. Never trust a horny/frustrated co-worker/supervisor who's not getting any at home...they will make your life hell.
6. Always keep something on your desk that reminds you of your "happy place".
7. Work to live, don't live to work.
8. Even if you don't smoke, still take a smoke breaks.
9. Set expectations early...don't come in at 7 am if you don't plan on doing it everyday for the rest of your life.
10. CYA - Record all conversations & save all emails.
11. Don't always judge a person on first impressions.... just because that bitch was evil in the beginning doesn't mean that she wont turn out to be one of your best friends and your child's God mother. Don't get me wrong, she still a bitch.
12. Review and update your resume at least once a month.
13. A job can be replaced, your integrity can't.
14. Apply for a job even when you don't need one.
15. Ranking Factors SUCK...get over it.