Endings and beginnings

2009 December 10

by E.P.

A year and eight months ago, I moved to small town Mississippi with no idea of what I was getting myself into. I knew I was going to be a photojournalist. I knew I was going to have a crazy schedule. I knew I was going to work holidays.

But I didn’t know a lot of things.

I didn’t know what it felt like to work a 16-hour day. (And then to be so proud of everything I accomplished in that day that the hours and exhaustion didn’t matter.)

I didn’t know what it was like to cover a fire, a wreck, a funeral, a murder, etc. (I wish I didn’t know what those were like, especially the last two.)

I didn’t know how much my co-workers would affect me. I didn’t know how much my photography subjects would also affect me. And I didn’t know how people would come to know me as the “photo girl” and would constantly speak to me, whether I was on assignment or simply buying groceries on my time off.

I didn’t know how sad/excited I would be to leave for other opportunities.

…

Yesterday was my last day at work, and it was weird. Weird because everything I did was the last time. Weird because I only received two hugs. Weird because my boss ran out to do something and didn’t tell me goodbye. Weird because I’m never going back.

Don’t get me wrong: I am over the MOON about starting anew in Nashville in TWO DAYS (!!!!!), but for now, reminiscing about my overall work experience and my final day is strange.

I have completed my first “big girl” job. The entire experience, the good and the bad, is behind me. I’m moving to a bigger city. I’m going to be able to spend time with my love and call my own shots now. But you better believe I’m taking the lessons learned here with me.

And for now, that is more than enough.

Susan

So excited for you. Leaving a job really is one of the strangest experiences.

E.P.

Thanks! Leaving my old job really was one of the weirdest experiences of my life so far.

LiLu

Take it from me, chica...

You are gonna LOOOOOOOOVE Nashvegas. ;-)

E.P.

Thanks, lady! I already love the town, and the more and more people I meet there, the more my love for it grows!

Emma

I miss Nashville!!

E.P.

It's a wonderful place, huh?

You should come back to visit!

Jamie

So proud and excited for you!

E.P.

Thanks so much, Jamie!

Auburnkat

Seriously, I am SOOOOO excited for you! Let's hope my turn for my move is right around the corner!

E.P.

Thank you so much! And I have a feeling that it is right around the
corner for you! It has to be!

MinD

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

Best of luck hun, and I'm so very thrilled and excited for you - and maybe slightly jealous, ha.

E.P.

That's the truth! And thanks so much. It's exciting. I have my first
freelance gig interview today and I'm excited/incredibly nervous. I
know you'll get to this point, too, and that it will be amazing for
you, too.

Nora_L

Is it weird that I'm proud of you? I can't wait to hear more about the next chapter of your life; I know it will be great and I'm sure you'll carry the lessons with you from the last job with you as move forward with your career!

E.P.

Not at all! I'm proud of me for putting down my foot and following
what I believe and striking out on my own. Of course, this freaks me
out, too, but I'm working on the confidence thing.

Thanks so much, love. It feels amazig to have you and others cheering
me on as I start this new chapter of my life. It is such an
encouragement!

KT

Yay! That stinks that your boss ran out and forgot to say goodbye. I have done that before with coworkers and felt awful.

E.P.

Thanks so much! And while that was sad and shady, it didn't really
surprise me. I know that sounds awful, but it's true. And you aren't
that kind of person but I know I would feel bad if I didn't get the
opportunity to say goodbye to a coworker, too.

JustFineJustDandy

It's nice to know that you look back on your experiences at your first job fondly and I'm also super excited to read about what lies ahead! Keep us posted...

E.P.

Thanks so much! I truly learned so much about myself as a person and a
photographer there. And I will definitely keep y'all updated!

walkingonsunshine18

Here's a toast to all new things and all things happy! :) xo

E.P.

Thanks so much, lady! This new year is going to be a big one!

ria

yay for new beginnings! i think that's weird about your boss, but the good thing is that they are not your boss anymore. life is all about moving forward but taking lessons with you! good luck :)

E.P.

Yay for these new beginnings! I seriously am so excited about them!

And I thought it was weird, too, but it's over and I have moved forward. Thanks, lady! I'll definitely be updating y'all on what is going on!

SoMi Speaks

One of the things I've learned in my many years as an adult is that employers are great at telling you when you fuck up but my less great about telling you how much they appreciate you. Don't take it personally.

Good luck with your move and new beginnings. I'm quite certain there are lots of good things to come!

E.P.

You've hit the nail on the head. Once again. You described my old place to a T. Crazy. I don't take it personally, but it was tough to get used to at first. The good thing now is that I've got tougher skin. And more confidence.

Thanks so much, lady! I certainly hope there are lots of good things to come!

Kimwithak

Leaving a job is always a weird thing...ending and a beginning wrapped up into one.

I can't wait to hear about the new adventures.

E.P.

That's the truth. I feel like I have a better idea of what to expect the next time I leave one, though.

And thanks! I cannot wait for these new adventures!

Jessica

I'm glad this part is over and you're moving on to the next step. This is going to be great for you and a great challenge.

E.P.

I'm glad this part is over, too, and that the next step looks a whole lot better. Thanks so much! It's going to be fantastic!

Elizabeth

I am unbelievably excited about your new start! Good luck with everything, and if you get bored driving, you know who you can call!

E.P.

Thanks, love! I'll definitely be giving you a call when I head back up to Nashville this weekend!

SenoritaRachael

Moving on is always so hard, even when it's the right thing to do. I'm learning that being a big girl isn't always fun (I just graduated in May). Good luck on your new job!

E.P.

It really is tough. I didn't realize how sad I would be about leaving my job until I put in my notice. While I don't regret my decision and am really excited about my new opportunities, it too my by surprise. Thanks so much!

rachel

i am so, so, so stupidly excited for you. mostly because you get to spend lots of time with your honey. :) and new beginnings are always the best.

E.P.

Aww, thank you, lady! It's crazy to think I've moved and am living with the boy. I cannot believe it! New beginnings really are the best.

curiousillusion

Wow 2 days, so exciting. And sounds like you had a lot of good experiences.

E.P.

Thanks! I really did have a lot of good (and not so good) experiences at my old job. I'm super excited about my new path, though, even if it's not so clear just yet.

cait

Congratulations and good luck! New beginnings are always exciting.

E.P.

Thank you! New beginnings really are exciting, even if they are a little scary, too.

katelin

aw yay so excited for you! woo nashville!

E.P.

Thanks so much! It's awesome so far!

Jeni

I hope you enjoy your new job, a new beginning is both exciting AND scary! Good luck :)

E.P.

Thanks so much! It really is exciting and scary!

mandy

I am so excited for you to be starting a new adventure with your love in a new town. Endings are always bittersweet (and honestly, what is up with your boss not even telling you goodbye?) but this sounds like a much needed move. Best of luck!

E.P.

Thanks so much! I'm super excited about the new adventure, too. And you're totally right. This IS a much needed move. (The boss not saying goodbye was the icing on the cake and another sign that I am doing the right thing.)

I'll be keeping y'all updated on whatever happens!

Girl w/the Red Hair

Awww I loved this entry, especially since I'm a journalism student (writer, not photographer though).

Moments like that are so bittersweet aren't they :) Good luck in Nashville!

E.P.

Thanks! I think fellow journalists can relate, and I look forward to
hearing about your first job. It's definitely an experience. Heh.

Yesterday really was bittersweet. The thing that keeps me looking up,
though, is that I know Nashville will be a better fit. And I know it's
going to be wonderful because my boy is there. (:

ap

So close to the big move, I'm so proud of you girl !

E.P.

Thanks, lady! I can hardly believe I'll be a TN resident again in two
days.

Ridiculous.

K.T.

Good luck in Nashville (not that you need it)!!! Can't wait to hear about your next transition! xoxo

E.P.

Thanks so much! I'll definitely keep y'all updated on what the deal is
with me. It's going to be an exciting time!

Michelle

Totally excited for you! Yay!

E.P.

Thanks so much! It's such an exciting time but weird, too. I never
expected to feel kind of sad leaving. Huh.

But yay for new beginnings! And yay for living an hour and a half away
from you!

Endings and beginnings

Howdy, y’all!

New Shoe Fund

Let’s be friends!

Lovelies

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