Wednesday is my last day at job of 16+ years.....

[jim72911t]

Not sure how I'm feeling right now.

I started with this company 16 years ago as an entry-level machinist (read: I didn't know *****), and am leaving as a manufacturing engineer/production manager. The owner of the company was willing to give me a chance long ago, and for that, I can't thank him enough. That being said, I had gone as far as I can go in the organization (four employees, plus owner), so it was time to look for new opportunities. I even asked about an interview here, and received some great advice:

Job Interview.....tie or no tie?

My new position, which starts Monday, offers more opportunity, responsibility, and money. I'll be part of a management team that will implement a significant capacity expansion, including both labor and machinery. I'm excited about my future, but can't help but feel sad that I'll be leaving a company/owner/friend that gave me my start.

Anyone else have regrets about leaving a job, even though you knew it was the best thing for you, your future, and your family?

Jim

(Wednesday shouldn't be too bad, though. I'll pack up my office in the morning, then it's off to Sierra Nevada Brewery for lunch and beers. )

[Dueller]

Best wishes on your new endeavor. The regret and sadness is normal. But considering the obvious respect of your old employer, he must be feeling like a proud pappa that one of "his" is moving onward and upward. To some degree, your success is his accomplishment as well.

Good luck.

[makaio]

Jim,

What company are you going to work for? Sierra Nevada is the best for lunch!

[lendaddy]

Your ex boss is probably very proud of you and how far you came within his company. Good for you.

[oldE]

Jim,

Leaving the security of what you know (and have evidently liked) to move on to an unknown, naturally gives one a moments pause.

At the same time, you must be really excited for your future.

All the best in your new position.

Les

[wilke3169]

I was hired by a friend of a friend many years back. Later I was offered another job and felt terrible about leaving. When I broke the news his response was, "if you don't want to work forever you have to sell your skills to the highest bidder."
Although highest bidder isn't always the determining factor, moving forward in one's career is.

Best Wishes

[jim72911t]

Thanks for all the kind words, everyone

Got through the day okay, but it was kind of surreal packing up my office and coming across things that I hadn't looked at in years. Lunch was great, and I got a gift of a twelve year old bottle of Balvenie Scotch, a bottle of Patron Silver, and a wonderful card from my coworkers.

No tears, but it was tough at times.

-Jim

(BTW, Matt, I took a job with Mosey's Production Machinists, who took over the old Spectra Physics facility in Oroville. Now I just need to find that M3 commuter that I've been searching for!)

[bigchillcar]

lol..just quit my job friday..but after only six months! at 41 i still can't decide on what i want to do when i grow up.

[Zeke]

Well, hopefully you will be able to take some business back to your old boss. That would be a nice gesture and payback as well as keeping in touch. But, things will never be the same. You gotta move on, as Kevin said.

[strupgolf]

Leaving after 16 years from a company of 5 makes sense. You need more tuning that you cant get there. Plus many more opportunities for the future. Say your goodbyes, shed a tear, and then get ready for more challange's. You got as far as you can.

[Loaded]

I said goodbye to the US Govt in 2002 employed with them since 1988. I was fortunate tohave been employed at tother companies simultaneously.

Now I am self employed and scared ****e less

[jim72911t]

Originally posted by milt
Well, hopefully you will be able to take some business back to your old boss. That would be a nice gesture and payback as well as keeping in touch. But, things will never be the same. You gotta move on, as Kevin said.

Milt, my old boss actually asked me if we (the new company) could do some work for him. He's at full capacity with several new products ready to go, and one of my responsibilities in my new job will be to bring in new work, so it could still be a win-win situation for both of us.

He's still going to be making my pedals and badges, so our professional relationship will continue.

I agree, though. It will never be the same.

[tabs]

***** man they found a 54 lb Gold Nugget in Paradise, CA in 1859..instead of Porsches I'd be Dredging...

I've been up on the N Fork of the Feather with my Drege many years ago...and thats where I'd be every weekend during the summer.

[azasadny]

Yesterday was my last day at Ford. I was there at for 11 years and I'll be starting a new job on 3/19. Very tough to leave a good job and great people but I was offered a severance pkg as were almost all of IT and I am not optimistic abou the company, so I took the buyout. Very emotionally draining experience...

[Jim Richards]

Jim, Art, good luck with your new jobs.

[azasadny]

Jim,
Thanks! Yesterday was tough but I start my new job on 3/19 and I'm looking forward to a new set of challenges, new people, new rewards, etc...

[Joeaksa]

Good luck!

[upwardr]

About 9 years ago I left a Production Managers job after 23 years, small company no buy out. I was forced out by the new owner. I thought I would retire there.

He wanted me to do installs for him. After a year he found out I was doing good so he offered me my job back. Sorry fuched me once not going to happen.
Went out on my own and have loved it. Busy every day making a bag full of money.

Can't look back.

[artplumber]

New chapter awaits. Hope that it works out for you.

[makaio]

Originally posted by jim72911t
Now I just need to find that M3 commuter that I've been searching for!)

Yes you do! I haven't regreted getting a M3 for a commuter one bit! Plus I'm still looking for a 325is