Jeremy Stein - Journal

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Last Day

Today I developed the framework for a caching mechanism that I’ll never see to completion. I hope it works.

Today I deleted every last byte of personal data from my computer.

Today I met with an HR representative and explained why I’m leaving. I had to re-affirm (with a signature) my contract to keep company secrets in confidence. And I had to promise to give my security badge to my manager before I left.

Today I left all the company logo-emblazened trinkets I’ve accumulated on a shelf in my cubicle. The next occupant won’t know what to do with them either.

Today I dusted a part of my desk I haven’t seen in years.

Today I realized that my filing cabinet has never been used.

Today I stocked my cubicle with an unopened box of Kleenex. Nobody wants a half-used box.

Today was a long day.

March 24, 2005 5 Comments.

5 Comments

1. Benjamin replied:
   

   I remember my last day at [company name deleted]. Not that thrilling. I don’t think I dusted though, that was very thoughtful of you. It’s interesting how HR protects the companies assets from the employees rather than trying to defend employees and instill loyalty. What are you doing tomorrow? I’m glad that your career is growing. That is definitely good. If I had been thinking straight I would have taken you out to pizza hut. I was across the canal at “ciber central”. did anyone take you out? the annoying thing about starting a new job is how it takes a week to get your computer set up. Where is the new job located? does it require travel?

   March 24th, 2005 at 7:03 pm. Permalink.

2. Jeremy replied:
   

   Well, I didn’t exactly dust. There were some papers that belonged to me that were covered with dust.

   Tomorrow (now today), we attempted to have a family fun day. We scaled back since the kids are recovering from their illness. We went shopping to spruce up my professional wardrobe. And we’re going to bring home some desserts from Phillips, in lieu of going out.

   No one took me out for lunch on my last day, but that may possibly have been because I asked them not to. I always thought it was silly that the only time an employee was taken out was when he was leaving. I think it would be much more appropriate to celebrate his first day than his last. Also, the company doesn’t pay for these meals.

   The new job is in Victor; the commute should be about the same time. No travel, as far as I know.

   March 25th, 2005 at 4:03 pm. Permalink.

3. Shannon replied:
   

   Liked the style of this article…after a week of trying to motivate kids to write something interesting, it is nice to read something by somebody that has something to say!

   March 25th, 2005 at 8:03 pm. Permalink.

4. Fred and Joan Stein replied:
   

   Thanks for passing on the news, get back to us about the new place and how you like working there.

   March 25th, 2005 at 6:03 pm. Permalink.

5. Ben replied:
   

   I don’t specifically remember any hand me downs while we grew up but I will now.
   Let me just say you are correct you did not dust. That is obvious. (maybe I can find some canned air around here) I filled the light bulb trinket with company colored M&M’s that I got at M&M world in Vegas. And I threw out that globe award. what’s the point of an award if everyone gets one? Oh and thanks for the tissue!

   June 6th, 2005 at 3:16 pm. Permalink.