Goodbye Party

Today was my going away party at PCC. I don't actually leave work till next Friday (8/26), but events conspired to have the party almost a week early. I had a great time and was embarrassed by all of the nice things that were said about me. When it came for my time to speak I got pretty choked up. I was able to say my peace without crying, but I was right on the edge. It was great to see a lot of the people I met during my over 3 years at PCC. It is sure hard to leave such a good job, but I'm so excited for the adventure of living abroad for a couple of years.

For my little speech I mentioned a podcast of TechNation with Dr. Moira Gunn that I heard yesterday. Dr. Gunn interviewed Dennis Bakke, who was was the founder and CEO of AES and author of a book called "Joy at Work". In the interview Mr. Bakke talked about the importance of joy in your job and it really stuck with me. He doesn't mean simply having fun at your job, he means finding your work meaningful and fulfilling. He thinks that people will do better work if they feel that their decisions and work are making a difference.

This is what has made my job at PCC so great. I can look around and see that my work and decisions made a difference. I opened a computer help desk for students that serves the entire student body and provides good experience for some very talented student workers. I help faculty and staff understand how to better use technology to deliver services for the college. I feel extremely lucky to have had this job. Thanks to everyone who had made my time here so fullfilling.