Step 3: Wrap Up Professional Obligations

In what I can only describe as surreal, I had a final lunch with team members today. It was odd to sit around the table and realize I didn't have professional ties with them any longer. I've been on "vacation" for 2 weeks - so what I knew when I left is "old news" today. Strange to finally admit that I won't be interacting with these people 5-days a week.

It was a calculated risk in telling folks far in advance that my "career plan" was to take a break for a year or two. I can't thank the team enough for the support and encouragement they provided during the past several months.

Prior to lunch, I handed my badge back to HR and signed the "separation agreement" - surprised there wasn't a more structured set of questions for the company to obtain standard stats as to reasons for leaving. While the HR rep was friendly enough, it was a rather clinical appointment - sign here, hand over badge, good luck, leave.

I think what really got to me was the hour after lunch (card key is gone) where my colleagues have all gone back to work and I was sitting waiting for my computer to reformat. I suddenly realized that I had absolutely nothing work-related to do. Huh. What a strange experience - I paced outside my office for a few minutes - really, there's nothing for me to do - no meetings to prep for, no slides to make... no hallway brainstorming to be had.

The final walk to the car was odd. A part of me will miss the day-to-day grind - contributing at some level to the success of the coporation. A larger part of me realizes it will always be there. There's plenty of work, lots to be done and plenty of time to get back to it. Let's go! (after a visit to the ProClub Spa, of course... thanks team!)