Five months ago, my employer threw my job across the country like a stick and asked if I wanted to fetch it. I said, “No thanks” and today marks the end of my 16 year stint with them. I decided to take this as a sign that this is the time for me to plunge into the deep end of the pool; get out of the technology and securities industries completely and become a writer for real.
I thought I would share with you the goodbye letter I sent out to my colleagues yesterday. Just a couple of quick explanations:
1. T+3 and Y2K were two big projects in the technology and securities industries.
2. Jeff Ries is a derivation of the name of the firm for which I worked.
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who designed software in the securities industry. She analyzed data and code for sixteen years for some totally global guy named Jeff Ries whose favorite musical artist was Sting.
The princess saved the world from disaster during the T+3 scare while simultaneously getting her Series 7, all with one hand tied behind her back. Later, some time around 1999 or 2000 she again saved humanity from the great Y2K threat. During this sixteen year campaign, Jeff and the princess fell in love. But times were hard and although Jeff had strong feelings for the princess, he heard Sting’s melodic voice inside his head, singing, “If you love somebody, set them free. (Free, free, set them free)”. So Jeff set the princess free, giving her a $25.00 Starbucks card as a token of his love.
The princess cried and cried. Her heart was broken. But then one morning, the sun broke through the clouds, bringing chirping doves and a brand new day. She donned her crown and went to Paris and Cuba to follow in Ernest Hemingway’s footsteps, hanging out in romantic cafes, making fabulous artsy friends, and writing the great American novel. She became disgustingly rich and famous. You’ve probably heard of her.
Every once in a while, Jeff still thinks of the princess. And every once in a while, the princess still thinks of Jeff.
THE END
So anyway, tomorrow (Friday) is my last day. The Jeff Ries community has been my family and home since 1992. Thanks for all the memories, you guys. I will miss you. Keep in touch, my email is [...]
All the best,
Margaret
Margaret
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The last I heard, people were emailing it to their friends and family. I hope that means I really do have a chance at this writing thing.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go freak out while sorting through the vagaries of unemployment. It’s kind of a new thing for me. It feels like the last day of school before summer vacation.
