Change, Day 2

The word is out that I’m leaving. Esther the Store Manager stayed late to see me and make a final attempt to convince me to stay. She offered better terms to ‘show how appreciated I am.’ I told her if I was that appreciated, they would have improved my terms before instead of waiting for my resignation. She mumbled something about equal playing fields and future opportunities and I told her thanks but I’m looking forward to sleeping at night for a change.
The team on the floor seem split between two camps – those who are glad to see someone moving on, and those who think I’m a traitor and should stick it out the way they do, as if the shared suffering of the workforce helps alleviate some of the anguish or unhappiness. Or something. I’m a chemist, not a psychologist.
Jared called me a fat poof and says he hopes I die in a car crash. Mel the Monster gave me an unwelcome sweaty cuddle and made me promise to pop it and visit every so often. Everyone else either winked and wished me luck, or refused to meet my gaze or acknowledge me. Someone from the bakery who never spoke before said “I always knew you thought you were too good for this place.”
I was going to walk off but I turned round and said “I am too good for this place. And so are you. And so is everybody here. No-one should have to spend their life putting out food for others to buy, and we all have the ability to rise above it, but you’re too damned lazy and you’ve settled for your lot. Stop turning up every night and moaning about it, and get yourself some training or ask for a change. Or shut your face and don’t criticise me for doing what you’ll never have the courage to do.”
I doubt he’ll be giving me a leaving card.

RC 18-9-09