I deleted all photos, apps and personal messages (there were hardly any) from my work phone, changed the wall paper from Saitaoha to a generic one, and switched off my work mobile for the last time.
It was an odd feeling. Silence. Liberation? Even during my holidays, I continued my daily habit of checking my work emails and team chat, but less frequently. A few weeks in, I even left my work mobile at home when went out 🫢 back in the day this would be a major no-no. My daughters also know I have two phones that I keep with me at all time, right next to my bedside even at night.
I will return all my IT equipment and mobile to my workplace tomorrow and will have a long overdue handover session with my ex boss. Before that I will meet my work comrade for the past few years to break the news that I’m going over to the dark side. Well the dark side to him but the light at the end of the tunnel and a new beginning for me. I’m not sure how he will take it, but I have faith that our friendship will remain intact. The return of the work equipment will mark my liberation from my previous workplace I think, I can’t wait!
On Monday I went grocery shopping with my parents after dropping the girls off at school. The supermarket was quiet and it was lovely browsing the aisles without the usual weekend crowd. ‘What a luxury. I am enjoying this so much’ I thought to myself. In the afternoon I cleaned up my wardrobe, I now have bags of clothes headed for the donation bin. Life’s simple pleasures indeed. I am loving my quiet liberation.
daitaoha 