I used to have this silly joke with a friend, whenever we would see someone not doing their job properly, for example waiting to be served while staff just stand around daydreaming, we would shout P45! So it made me laugh when I received my very own P45 in the post. I am now officially unemployed! My younger brother has suggested that I consider signing on! Feels very strange though after 8 years working in the same team. I still remember when I joined as an intern just 20 years old. Looking back, I can see how much I have grown over those 8 years. I’ve worked with some great people during that time. It’s true that you spend more waking hours with your work colleagues than you do with your friends and family so they end up being a significant part of your life. My last day in the office was harder than I expected. The lead-up wasn’t so bad so I didn’t really see it coming. I think I forgot how crap I am at goodbyes! Most of the day just felt a bit surreal. I knew it was my last day, but at the same time, it just felt like a normal day in the office. It wasn’t until I started saying goodbye to people one by one that it really started to hit me and it was a struggle trying to stay composed! I managed to hold it together until the last goodbye of the day at which point the tears started coming! I packed up my things shortly after and started to make my way out only to realise that my security pass no longer worked! Clearly security had been a bit quick in deactivating it and I was now locked in the building! Luckily I found someone to swipe me out, heading down to reception, handed in my pass, and walked out for the very last time. It definitely feels like the end of an era. As the only job I’ve had since university, it was hard leaving. I think when something is all you’ve really known, it’s sometimes hard to imagine life outside of it. It starts defining who you are. Especially when you feel like you have put so much into it. It’s hard walking away.

Well now a few days later, I have learnt to let go and make the most of where I am now. I am embracing funemployment and everything it brings. Spending time with family, sleeping in, lazy brunches, playing my guitar, reading a book, basking in the rare moments of sunshine, and preparing for the adventure that awaits me in just 26 days!