in between

The last few weeks have been somewhat hectic in that I've been preparing to leave my old job, while in my off hours I've been doing research that will help me on my next job.

My old boss, TomP, used to say "Always leave a clean campsite." So at my old place, I've been wrapping up my work by finishing writing assignments I was asked to complete, working through all the "easy" bugs that were assigned to me, and writing notes to the other writers so that they could pick up the work easily. I was also literally cleaning my desk -- packing up and washing surfaces.

And then I said goodbye, many goodbyes, actually. Many people managed to find me -- online, in email, in person -- and say something sweet and meaningful about our time together. I was taken out to lunch, given many cards with delightful messages written on them, and even received a present. I made fake "bequests" that were meaningful -- my tape dispenser went to the guy who was always borrowing it. My paper bags went to my VP who piled up loads of recyclables in his office, and so on. I brought in chocolate on the last day and invited people to stop by. A lot of folks took me up on the offer.

In my last days, I felt truly appreciated and perhaps a little loved, too. It was a nice way to go out. (Ever been around when someone's boss is actually helping them pack and carry stuff to the car in an effort to get them out more quickly?)

I'm not sure it all feels real yet, even though I've gone through the entire "term" (for termination) process.

But on Monday, I start my next job adventure. I've been enjoying my interactions with my main contacts at the new place, my next boss and the HR lady. They're both sweet, funny, effective, wildly competent. And they both keep telling me how happy they are that I'll be there. Talk about feeling the love!

Yesterday, they hesitantly told me that in the beginning, I'll be sharing an office with someone, who happens to potentially be my chief ally in the whole operation. Let's see, we're starting on the same day, we have to share space, AND we just might have to get to know one another and talk to each other. Sounds like a terrible way to start off! Actually, it sounds like a recipe for success, and I can't wait.

Meanwhile, I've been researching authoring environments (the main tool I'll use on the job). One would think that after many years in this career, I'd either have a favorite one or one would be picked out for me. But given that it's a new company and there is no documentation yet, there's also no selected authoring tool. I have a favorite for the old way I used to work, but in my just-left job, I started developing documentation using a newish technology. So now all the authoring tool companies are piling on, trying to make the best tool for this technology. At my old company, we built and used our own with the hopes of selling it, but then we backed off from that idea. So now I need to find a new tool.

I've been writing to friends at two companies with questions about their tools. Yesterday, I finally got a price for both. Wow, I'm glad I'm not a purchaser -- what a frustrating experience *that* was. Just hours before the end of the work week, I finished gathering all the information I needed and send prices and a recommendation to my new manager. (I just knew that once I started at the job, I'd never have time to do this investigation again.)

So now I'm ready to start with another clean desk, a mind that I'm rapidly wiping clean over the weekend, and I'm eager and happy and excited.