Reactions

Well reactions to the resignation have been interesting but on the whole fairly predictable:

• The departmental HR team have accepted it and are following procedure :-) [they'd fire themselves if they didn't - LOL]
  
• The managers that I have worked closely with have been upset by the news, but they understand my frustration
• Have heard nothing from my counselling partner
  
• Quite a number of my colleagues have come up and chatted with me over the week and to wish me well (some may also be deciding to leave over the coming weeks)
• Ah yes, my counselling manager.....
  

Now my counselling manager got hold of me at the beginning of the week to arrange a meeting with one of the resourcing partners, himself and me to discuss my decision.

Well... the resourcing partner got hold of me the next day and had a chat with me (sadly he said he wouldn't be able to make the meeting with my counselling manager). Basically he wanted to know all my reasons for wanting to go. At the end of it all he told me that he was shocked that I was going and that he would like to try and see if there is something that could be done that may make me change my mind and stay.

The obvious answer is simply that I want a change in counselling manager, a promotion (and obviously the salary to match). I don't believe that these are unreasonable and at the end of the day I won't stay for less.

Given that the resourcing partner was unable to make the meeting with my counselling manager I wasn't very enthusiastic at having a meeting with my counselling manager as I didn't believe it would amount to much. To my surprise... NOT... Instead of it being a session to try and talk me out of leaving, my counselling manager successfully managed to turn it around and use it as a feedback session on all my perceived faults - ironic that I am the negative one :-)

I was initially impressed that he was able to keep quiet enough for me to get some of my main points out. However I knew it was too good to be true cos as soon as the opportunity arose, he siezed on the moment to point out my perceived deficiencies. He then went on to provide his constuctive feedback as to what I should always keep at the front of my mind in terms of character development. So all in all, he acknowledged some of my issues, but didn't do anything to try make me reconsider my decision to leave... [now this is exactly what I anticipated would be the outcome of a meeting with him - at the end of the day he is predictable and I knew the meeting with him only would be pointless].
Anyways he did suggest we have a drink or two later on as he will be away shortly [yes the poor man has to travel every now and again - arrogant bugger expects my sympathy - hell at least he gets to go to glamourous places] and may not have the opportunity to bid me farewell later on [Ahhhh Bless]

Ok... for a small dose of sh*ts and giggles I decided to do my little bit to annoy him and keep him waiting in reception whilst I packed up my things at the end of the day.
[Whilst this doesn't seem much on the surface, it appealed to my humour as he generally is the one who comes late to meetings and keeps me waiting].
It was such a pity that he was occupied on the phone whilst waiting that he didn't have to get irritated with my tardiness. Anyways the pub was uneventful for the first drink. Come the second drink he decided to test the water and offer me a different role in the department and possibly a promotion in 6 months if I meet the criteria.
[Now call me slow, but isn't this why I resigned, I want a promotion now - I already meet the damned criteria]

Oh well, at least I got a couple free drinks out the guy. Will just wait and see what the resourcing partner decides to do (if anything), but am not holding my breath. However to his credit he ain't some poxy manager with a closed mentality and did show a genuine concern when he first spoke with me. Stay tuned for future developments, however the show must go on and at present it is about to jump ship.

So guess that this is all for this week. Will add more bog in due course.