Clocking out for the last time after three years, I breathed in deeply and as I exhaled I was no longer their employee. I had been dreading this day, knowing that I would be leaving behind some great memories and some even greater people. Tears were shed (because I’m emotional) and promises made to see each other again. Promises I intend to uphold. I turned around remembering what this job has given me, and taken away from me, the past three years.
I saw countless late nights as I tried to balance the business book, and I saw constant headaches from nasty customers and cashiers who wouldn’t do their job correctly. I saw me crying over things I know see as stupid little hiccups. I saw constant fights with myself trying to get out of bed, and fights with my family when I came home after working overtime that day. I saw workers that I was leaving behind that I would fortunately never have to see again. I knew that even years from know I could tell you that mayonnaise was in aisle eight. I knew that I would never have to do payroll again and worry about who wasn’t clocking out when and how to fix it. I knew that I would never have to argue with customers about why the price is ringing what it is, and I knew I would never have to fix a mistake by a cashier again or call the IT department. I saw arguments between customers that would sometimes need to be intervened.
I saw late nights where the store was dead and we would all hangout together, and I saw constant laughter from my friends and sometimes customers. I saw my friends always lending me a shoulder to cry on and for their unwavering support. I saw early morning breakfast with two girls I have grown to love unconditionally, and I saw pride in myself when I had been able to fix a problem that day on my own. I saw workers that I was leaving behind that I hope to see again soon. I knew that even years from know I would remember to always be kind to the cashiers at the checkout line, after seeing what it's like on the other side. I knew that I would never again teach someone knew to do my job there, and be a helping hand when they were confused. I knew that I wouldn't be able to hear customers tell me how patient and kind I was to them and express their gratitude for my positive attitude, and I knew I would never be able to help a cashier fix their mistake and explain what they did wrong and how to fix it next time. I saw kind and generous people pay someone else's bill because they didn't have the money to cover it all, or their debit card wasn't working.
As I clocked out I knew there would be things I was leaving behind, some of which broke my heart. I also knew, however, that I was walking right into new opportunities, walking into something I loved doing, and that if I kept on this path who knows what might come out of it.
Clocking out for the last time after three years, I breathed in deeply and as I exhaled I was no longer their employee. I turned and left as I put one foot in front of the other, planning my next step.