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Saturday 19 January 2013

A New Chapter...


Today, I said goodbye to something that has been a big part of my life and worked my last shift at the shop I've been working in for the past 4 (and a bit) years, and it's been quite a strange day to say the least. I started there as a weekend girl when I was still at college and I remember my first day like it was yesterday! I remember going to grab some lunch on my dinner hour and not having a clue where to go or what to do with myself, and I ended up with a Greggs sausage roll and a donut, awkwardly sitting on a bench because I didn't want to disturb anyone already in the tea room (don't we all just hate that awkward introductory period when you start a new job?!) After college, I made it a full-time thing and enjoyed my 9-5s, 5 days a week (what a way to make a living..Dolly Parton wasn't joking..) and became 'part of the shop furniture'.. for a good 2 years I honestly thought it was where I wanted to go with my life. But then the little niggle started and I haven't shifted it ever since... making the decision to go to uni was the beginning of it.. and here I am a year or so later concentrating on a completely different career path.

I decided that I wanted a change for 2013, and I knew if i didn't make the change now then I would have gone through another year of umming and arring over the job pages of the newspaper, wondering what else could be out there. It was a very big decision for me, and a rather scary one at that, as I'm leaving before I've found something new (cue lots of gasps and 'are you sure's' from family and friends). Admittedly, I'm a natural worrier and doing this has just been a massive leap into the unknown for me - It could either make or break me and I could well find out that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.. but I'm determined to turn it into a positive. I get attached to places and people very quickly and changing things I'm comfortable with doesn't sit right with me.. So I'm now in the ever so horrible position of trawling job sections of papers and job websites looking for something new.. I forgot how horrible it is trying to find a job, and it's even worse knowing I've put myself in this position. But hey-ho! We live and learn... This said, I'm so set on making this work for me, and I really needed a new start this year. I'm so serious about what I now want from life and I just wanted to step back, think about it all and concentrate on that for a while. I suppose that sometimes in life we all have to throw the dice a little and do things we are unsure of, otherwise we would never progress..

My wonderful colleagues suprised me at the end of my shift with a lovely card and presents (wrapped beautifully in bird patterned wrapping paper..they know me so very well!) I really wasn't expecting it and as soon as I'd served my last customer they all presented it to me and I was honestly so amazed as to how thoughtful they had been.  They're all aware I write this blog, and they'd treated me to some Benefit goodies ('Big Beautiful Eyes contouring kit' & 'Go Tropi-Coral' containing High Beam, Cha Cha Tint, Coralista Blush and Coralista Lip Gloss!)  I'd mentioned in the past how I hadn't tried much of their stuff - so it was a lovely suprise and I was totally over the moon about it - they had thoroughly spoilt me! The card was just the best bit though, and I'll keep it forever and ever. They'd all written their own message inside and it just reminded me of how many good times I've had in that little shop over the years with all of them. I've had many a giggle, with both the staff and my customers, and I know that I'm just going to look back on that stage of my life when I'm older and be glad that I stayed there for as long as I did.  It's given me so many life skills and bags of confidence I wouldn't have necessarily gained out of another job, and on the whole it's really shaped me as a person.

Needless to say, it was such a challenge battling back the tears when I hugged everyone goodbye at 5:00 this afternoon...it's very strange how your colleagues become your little work family isn't it?.. If any of you are reading this.. I shall miss you very much... and I thoroughly look forward to sharing a beverage or two with you at my leaving do (although now i'm living off my student loan & 'rainy day savings', the drinks are on you ;))

Keep your eyes peeled for my Benefit goodies popping up on my blog in the near future!

35 comments:

  1. Aw that's so lovely for them to treat you to all those goodies. I do completely agree with you about leaving a job you're comfortable and venturing into the unknown. I'm sure everything will be fine though! xx

    www.charissarae.blogspot.co.uk

    p.s i'm currently hosting a giveaway for reaching 500 followers, you can win products such as laura mercier and lush. check it out if you'd like. :)

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    1. It's so nice of them isn't it! :) It's horrible - i've never felt so unsure about anything in my life but it's something we have all got to do at some point i guess! thankyou :) xx

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  2. I'm sure everything will turn out for the best in the end, change is a good thing and everything happens for a reason, Good luck with the new chapter in your life :) xxx

    natashajanesworld.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. thankyou Natasha .. thats very lovely of you. I hope it all works out in the end.. i think its because its been my last day today it's all hit me in the face! eek! x

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  3. Hi Beth, Just discovered your blog as we're next to each other in the Blog Lovin' UK beauty bloggers 'top blogs'. Love your blog - glad I've discovered you and it!

    I'm off to have a trawl through your blog!

    Rebecca x

    @Leer31
    www.bebeautiful-beautyblog.com

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    1. Hi Rebecca :) Thankyou so much :) Ill be off to have a trawl through yours now ;) xx

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  4. This is a lovely post about your job and it's clear how much it meant to you, but well done for making a change. We should all be a bit braver sometimes! Good luck with finding what it is you're looking for :)

    Lauren x

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    1. aww thanks lauren.. :) It did mean a lot to me as much as i moaned about it at times ;) We definitely should - i shall let you all know how i get on - and whether it turns out to be a massive regret or a big steer in the right direction :) xx

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  5. This was a really lovely post :) I hope everything goes well for you in 2013! It's weird when change happens, but it can be for the best! Fingers crossed for you lovely!
    By the way I love your blog design it's gorgeous! Who did it for you?

    Sharna xo

    www.mybeautyandfashionfix.blogspot.com

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    1. Aw thankyou lovely :) It is - i havent had a big change for a while - in fact nothing this massive so its going to be an experience to say the least!
      Thankyou so much - I made it myself :)! It took a great deal of Google-ing! :) xx

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  6. This is such a lovely post! Changes can be great sometimes and I'm sure your change will go smoothly :). Your colleagues certainly spoiled you - good luck xx

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  7. I know exactly how you feel! I've been in my job for four years too and am leaving to start a new job in a new city! So scary but exciting at the same time! xx

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  8. I hope you find something you love soon! It was lovely of your colleagues to get you the Benefit goodies.

    Laura
    www.whitewintersblog.com

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  9. This is a beautiful post! I'm glad you had such a lovely work experience. I commend you for following your heart and not listening to people who say it's too late to make changes (too late to start school, or change jobs, etc.) Good luck in all your endeavors.
    Love
    xx Coco

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  10. Aww darling you'll be more than alright trust me! I have so many years of experience behind me, and I've also at times had to make decisions that would send others in a state of panic, but with determination, enthusiasm and hope I succeeded ~ I wish you the very best and can't wait to see where this path leads you :-) xoxo
    www.dressedinthecity.com

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  11. this is such a lovely post, I hope in the future I find a place to work that means so much to me! I wish you all the best and keep up with your amazing blog please!

    Romany x

    www.chasingpavementsbeautyblog.blogspot.co.uk

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  12. I really hope this turns out to be the positive you are looking for hun, its always scary to leave something you are used to and step out of your comfort zone but scaring yourself is a good thing sometimes! :) Im sure amazing things will come from it! Sounds like you have a lovely bunch of work friends there! :) xxx

    http://xosarah-loves.blogspot.co.uk/

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  13. I'm sure the future will be great, change can be scary but we should all be that little bit braver.

    x

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  14. Good luck for the future Beth :) This was a lovely post to read! Can't wait to see reviews of these products too ;) xx

    http://belle-amiebeauty.blogspot.co.uk

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  15. Such a lovely post- so thoughtful of your colleagues (big fan of the leaving card- those knitted characters are SO cute!). Sounds like this year will be a big one for you- looking forward to seeing what you get up to and of course seeing the Benefit goodies in future posts xxx

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  16. I was made redundant at Christmas so I'm on the job hunt too! Best of luck!

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  17. Awww this is such a lovely post and im sure your colleagues will feel the same as you do. You do get that family sort of feel when you work at a place for ages. I had a rough patch last year now wanting know what to do but in a way it did sort of break me :/ and i had a terrible time with my feelings but now im stronger and better then ever doing something im passionate about at a spa and uni :) so i think what you have done is an amazing and courageous step. Doing something you love is the best way :)

    Love Emily xx

    http://love-x-beauty.blogspot.co.uk/

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  18. Aww :) i wish you all the best for finding the right job :)
    i'm in the same tricky situation, i've been working in my job as a part-timer at school then becoming a full-timer & i'm comfortable but i know i need to move on to do a job that i want to do :)
    I get on so well with everyone & the banter at work is always a laugh, but i know i will be upset when i leave :(

    i'm currently looking for jobs & fingers crossed i do & to you too :) it's a pain :( - interviews are the worst :(

    so lovely they got you thoughtful gifts :) can't wait to see reviews :)

    xxx

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  19. Good luck with finding a new job. I think that leaving before you find something new gives you a little push to try new things - I hope all goes well for you. The gifts are so nice too

    Alice x
    rococ0.blogspot.com

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  20. Awww that's so nice of them, You're so brave hun and I wish you all the best at finding a job in the future. xxxx :-)

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  21. Good luck with everything! It is scary not having a job, I have been unemployed since September, but the other day I got a position as a receptionist, which I love, and I am so excited to get back in the real world. It definitely is a time for you to find out who you are, and what you are capable of, and gives you time to think long and hard about your next chapter in life.
    I wish you all the best, and tell us all about your journey!

    B xxx

    itsallaboutb.blogspot.com

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  22. I know exactly how you feel! Don't worry, everything will end up good! It takes a little patience but you'll see that the grass REALLY IS greener on the other side. New opportunities will arise :) Great post!
    xx

    http://lattelips.blogspot.com/

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  23. The people you worked with sound so lovely, good luck in trying to find the right job for you xx

    Lucy Loves To Blog

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  24. Such a nice post! I hate leaving a job or anything I just hate goodbyes! They must be great people to get you such amazing presents, hope to see some reviews on them :)
    Chloe xx
    http://moonchild-chloe.blogspot.co.uk/

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  25. Aw that had to be difficult! You're right, it is like taking a leap into the unknown. But I am absolutely positive everything will work out for you, if it wasn't going to - you wouldn't have had the urge to leave and begin a new chapter of your life. I know this type of thing is always hard, since you're leaving behind things you really care about, but it will work out, and it will get easier! That's so nice they spoiled you! You've made some excellent friends! ;)

    -Aly
    wonderlandbeautyblog.blogspot.com

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  26. Really enjoyed this post lovely :) it must be so hard for you to leave after being somewhere for so long!! I'm the same as you and don't really like change all that much but I'm 100% sure it will pay off :) I think it's always great to do something different and push ourselves out of our comfort zones once in a while!! How lovely of them to get you Benefit goodies too :) I look forward to reading some reviews!! Xx.

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  27. Aw you're so brave.. and it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks/says. This is your life.. and you have to make big decisions like this, as life can pass you by so quickly. I am sure you'll find your perfect job soon enough, just keep positive honey. I love the giftsets they got you... especially the tropicoral! Cuteeeeeeeee <3
    Gem xx | Miss Makeup Magpie

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  28. That's a lovely post hun! I'm sure you'll be doing the right thing and I totally feel you, I've changed my mind a lot before finally taking the plunge and going for a different field of study but it all worked out great in the end. Like you said, it can't hurt pushing yourself out of your comfort zone every now and then! Good luck with finding something you'll love :) Oh and I'm looking forward to your reviews, so kind of your colleagues to treat you to some Benefit goodies xxx

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  29. Amazing Post Sweet cakes :D - You are such a doll!

    I also have the Tropicoral kit and you won't be dissapointed :D

    Lots of love ! X

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  30. Such a lovely post! I did the shame, quit my mundane job without having another job and it's been so hard trying to find something new but I know it's what I need to do to get to the next "stage" in my life. Good luck with the job hunt, it'll be worth it in the end! X

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I always read all of my lovely comments. Make sure you check back as i often reply but if you do have a specific question and want a quicker response then please do email me over at birds.words@yahoo.co.uk or tweet me (@Beth_BirdsWords). Thank you for all your support! x