A New Day A New Job!

OK so I know I still need to post about the vacation. It was absolutely FABULOUS! Exactly what both Mark and I needed. Tomorrow marks a new first for me. For the first time in nearly 12 years I am starting a new job! I can hardly believe it. I am still with Ameriprise and still have the same role I have always had but now will be commuting 20 miles north up to Scripps Ranch and working for a new advisor.
It all started earlier this year when Tim (my present boss and Ameriprise advisor) decided he was moving to Washington. This was shocking news to say the least. Tim has been in California since 1989 and up until very recently had thought he would stay here until retirement. This worked out nicely for me as Tim is just about my age so our retirement times would have coincided perfectly. Fast forward to last summer and due to a layoff for his wife, Michele and the current crisis state of the economy in California for small businesses, Tim decided to relocate to Washington, closer to Michele’s extended family and a state with no income taxes. I told him I thought he was nuts. This is a man that likes to golf all year long. I wish him well and know that we will stay in contact in the future.
Just prior to going on vacation Tim and I talked about when would be the best time for me to start seeking out a new position. Tim will have his office in San Diego open until the end of the year but I am the type that likes to have all my ducks in a row well in advance. Just as I was about to polish my dusty resume, I got a call from an advisor, Carl, that I have known since staring with Ameriprise.
As luck would have it, Carl’s associate has left and Carl needs a replacement. Carl confided to me that before he knew about me looking for work, he said to his wife, “wouldn’t it be great if I could find someone like Gaye?” I’m not sure which was better about this job hunting endeavor, the fact that I went to the “interview” in summer slacks and sandals or that Carl continues to tell me how lucky HE is to have hired me.
Probably the biggest fear for me when I found out Tim was leaving was the thought that I would never find someone as kind and considerate for a boss. Tim has been the best boss I have ever worked for, however Carl recently told me that he is striving to achieve with me what Tim and I have now.
In this era of high unemployment and dismal job prospects for so many, I cannot begin to express how lucky and grateful I feel.
Here’s to a new chapter in my working life . . .