I've resigned

[shinytoaster]

So, an awkward day in the office. I finally got confirmation of my start date at The Very Big Company O'Doom this morning - it's towards the end of June - and promptly handed in my formal resignation, and coming so soon after the Deputy Editor walked it wasn't welcomed. Orange Boss is very disappointed and made it clear in no uncertain terms - as well as saying how great the opportunities were if I stayed, which is exactly how best to guilt-trip me (and was probably his intention). But you know, no guilt because my career has to come first here. And, you know, there are no opportunities that are worth making under 20K in London for and expecting any quality of life. Also, the new place gives me three more days holiday and a pension plan.

But, you know, if they're wondering why the best technology magazines in the country keep poaching their journalists? I don't think they fully realise what a killer product they're putting out, and how much they are under-resourcing it. The solution is really staring them in the face; pay the NUJ-mandated rates. I'm getting a 35% pay rise in my new job, so it wasn't much of a surprise that they didn't at least attempt to match it, although it was disappointing, because all Orange Boss needed to do was match it - and with the number of people leaving the company lately that really shouldn't be too hard - and I would have stayed. I have loved working for this company and I'm bitterly sorry to go like this.

Anyway, Editor says not to feel bad about it - I know I used to say he was a tit but he's really a very nice guy - so I won't.

My induction packs came this morning. I have no end of forms to fill in and return before I can start, and documents to hunt down and medical declarations to sign and so on. This is all apparently a sign that I am joining A Big Company. I also got a signed letter from my new CEO, who looks forward to meeting me soon. No you don't, you're listed on the FTSE 100...

I am also apparently going to be given a Work/Social Mentor, presumably in case I can't tell the difference*. Also an Arse/Elbow Differentiator.

* Although if they mean they're going to give me a friend who I can go and get drunk with, that would be cool.

Comments

[gileonnen.livejournal.com]

Congratulations on taking this step, even if it's hard ... and if you should find you have no use for the Differentiator, I know a few people who could use it.

[pinguthegreek.livejournal.com]

It's funny how people say Oh if you stay with us, it'll be better when it's their fault you choose to go in the first place.

I'm so glad you have the guts to stand up for yourself.

[hermorrine.livejournal.com]

Welcome to the joys of working for A Big Company! My Big Company just acquired one of the largest news agencies in the world, which made us all go o_O. I thought of you, of course.

[aegeus.livejournal.com]

Your band sucks.

[if0x.livejournal.com]

Good luck, and that pay rise sounds most welcome!

[longtimegone]

I'm so excited for you and proud of you. It sucks that Current Company wasn't willing to step up to the plate and do what they need to to keep you, but in not doing so, I think it just validates your decision to leave. Resignation is always awkward though, and I hope this last bit of time you spend in the office isn't too uncomfortable.

But YAY OMG NEW JOB MORE MONEY! If you were close enough, I would buy you drinks. Mebbe this summer if I get to see you?

[shezan.livejournal.com]

It's a little depressing leaving a place where one's happy, but as you say, they underpay, and it's a big wide market out there. Under 20K? Stuff' em.

All sorts of good wishes and virtual Cheval Blanc 1945 for the new job!

[elements.livejournal.com]

Congratulations!

I'm glad you're making a move that's good for you, even if it means leaving a place you've loved. I hope the new company ends up being interesting and fun as well as a good career step - and that you'll come to love it too. Plus, the more places you've worked in the industry, the better connected you'll be.

What kind of tech journalism do you do (now, with the new job, I mean)? As I'm in communications for a techie nonprofit, it would be supercool if there were ever a cause for that to connect.

[sophie10.livejournal.com]

Wheeee! Congratulations to you again, and also *huggles* for the sad bits.

[benjj.livejournal.com]

Hey! congratulations! #bounces at you# hope all the paperwork goes smoothly an' all. Was talking to someone from A Big Company Wednesday last, he apologised for not recognising me at first, but he'd had a couple of beers, conducting an interview - in a pub.

Hope it all goes well. And not just the drinking with the arse/elbow differentiator.