So I have moved on to work at a private school, leaving behind my pension in exchange for a new slate. Not long after leaving, my union finally won their demands for a fair contact. After almost three long years of my wage not moving its great to know that will change for my union family. I miss them a lot.

I also miss my team. It’s great to still feel connected to them through social media, but it’s like looking at old photographs of a life that is in the past. I really did love them regardless of some of the issues I had there. I know they’ll do great if not better without me because one of the students I trained has already taken over my position.

I have to remember I did this all for a fresh start. I have a new team now and they are hilarious. There’s a lot of laugher at my new place, and I am meeting new exciting challenges. I was able to help upgrade the network for two campuses, and I’m learning the school’s internal phone system. If I work overtime I actually get paid for it! And my new job is only a few minutes drive away from my home. I don’t have to pay for parking every month or worry about where to park. There are no long events I have to work and spend nights and weekends on. And I don’t have a chief administrator who makes me feel like a second class citizen.

I’m sure this place will come with its own drama, and I’m already getting to know it, but it’s refreshing moving from a big pond to a little pond. People remember my name and faces are becoming more familiar. I feel human again here. Also, you can’t beat free lunches.