Well that's it. Last day in my office.My desk's all cleared away, and only the video-conferencing monitor and the remote are left. My desk has never looked so tidy.
Up on the bright orange wall the old company values remain. For a while I lived my life by them. One business, imaginative, indispensable, respect and the rest of them. Symbols from a different world.
Out in the main office they're playing music, 'She's Leaving Home' by the Beatles. They play music all the time but it's the first time I've heard them playing the Beatles.
Almost time to go. I'll sit for a while longer then leave.
Last day in my office. Well, it had to come sooner or later I guess.
And now, the end is near;
ReplyDeleteAnd so I face the final curtain.
My friend, I'll say it clear,
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain.
I've lived a life that's full.
I've traveled each and ev'ry highway;
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.
Regrets, I've had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.
I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.
I've loved, I've laughed and cried.
I've had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.
To think I did all that;
And may I say - not in a shy way,
"No, oh no not me,
I did it my way".
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows -
And did it my way!
Thanks Martin.
ReplyDeleteStephanie Ashton commented on Facebook:
ReplyDeleteIt's a new dawn, it's a new day....here's to new and inspirational things coming your way x
Andrew Height - Thanks Steph. I'm working on it.
Andy, you were there when I walked out for the last time four months ago. My first boss seeing me off the premises. You being there really helped me. It would have seemed wrong without you.
ReplyDeleteSorry I couldn't be there when you left but perhaps you preferred to be on your own- we all have different ways of dealing with these things.
Thanks for the memories!!!!!!
Well that's it then. You have made a difference to a lot of people's lives. Hiring, motivating and inspiring them. I for one am very grateful and know I don't only speak for myself. Thanks... and now for the future!
ReplyDeleteSteven Lee commented on Facebook:
ReplyDeletegood luck and all the best andy
Barbara Balding commented on Facebook:
ReplyDeleteSoooooo Saaaaaaad! Be brave, chin up, and be proud of your achievements x
Can I have the monitor?
ReplyDeleteYou touched people in ways you are not aware of and they are grateful for it.
ReplyDeleteYou inspire people.
You made a difference and you will continue to make a difference.
You are a genuine talent.
And you are a genuine person.
There are people who are not worthy of tying your shoelaces.
Andi, you'll look back in 12 months and wonder why you ever stayed so long!! You were a great boss, really inspirational and pulled out the talents within people. Whatever you do in the future you'll Make a great success of it, beyond question. Onwards and upwards!
ReplyDeleteYou've left the physical space but you'll keep the memories and you'll always be special to the people who had the privilege to work with you - I include myself in that. All the very best.
ReplyDeletePhilip Heslehurst commented Facebook: "Empty...".
ReplyDeletePhilip wrote "Andy I can only imagine what it is like to leave after you have given so much for so long. Whatever they take from you they cannot take away the fact that you are a top man. All the best."