And that was all she wrote ....

Yesterday was a busy day, but that was it ... my last day on the job.

No more badge.
No more keys.
No more corporate credit cards.
No more laptop.
No more regular paycheck.

I will miss the people who I have built relationships with (and the regular paycheck), but I don't think I will miss the work. I enjoyed the work I did at times, but just couldn't see myself continuing in my current assignment for as long as management anticipated.

I transferred all my work assets to the lab manager. I zeroed out the hard drive on my laptop. I took one last stroll around the office floor. I crept through the lab area I called "home" at times. I said my "Goodbyes" to people. I had my exit interview, and afterwards, was escorted out of the building by management. And that was it!

Last evening, after work, my wife and I hosted a little going away party for myself at a local pub. I appreciate everyone who attended and had a great time. I really hope everyone stays in touch, but I know what happens ... out of sight, out of mind. Regardless, I am very grateful for the opportunities that were given to me the past 5 years and will definitely remember this time in my life.

However, a former colleague gave me some advice this past week during lunch and it struck home with me: "Don't look back". So, this is it. Oh wait ... I have to finish the rest of my story. OK .. I am going to be aggressive about doing that this weekend and then, I won't look back. (A promise to myself.)