Acceptance

My one remaining client told me on Wednesday, during our session, that he would be away for the next month. Friday would be our last session before he leaves.

I told him I’ve been thinking of leaving the company, and that there’s a good chance I’ll be gone before he gets back. Friday would be our last session. I’d make sure they set him up with a new trainer when he gets back.

Afterward, I poked my head into the manager’s office. I’ve barely even gotten to know him enough to learn his name.

He was in a meeting. I interrupted anyway, didn’t care that the other trainer overheard me.

“My client will be gone for a month after this Friday. That will be my last day. I’ll send you an email, but consider this my two weeks’ notice.”

I didn’t wait for a response.

This had been coming. I cleaned out my locker weeks ago.

Friday came and went without ceremony. There were no tearful goodbyes. No celebrations. No thank-you’s for my service.

Given my tearful response—months ago—when my coach suggested it might be time to move on from this job, I thought I’d be more emotional.

Nope. I finished my client and said goodbye. Clocked out and walked out the front door without looking back.

Eighteen years and it was over.