Goodbyes

My workplace, like many others is deep in the midst of change. Restructures and voluntary redundancies. Over the last few months there have been waves of farewells as those who take the redundancies all leave on the same date. 

Today was another wave. Half a dozen emails from staff who have worked for my organisation for 15 years, 20 years and one for 43 years.  This has happened 3 or 4 times in the last 12 months and it's sad that we are becoming complacent as they go. 

One of those who left was a lecturer who will be missed greatly by her team and by us mere library mortals. A great teacher and supporter of not only the library, but of her colleagues and students.  We went to her farewell afternoon tea which was light and humorous, (great cheesecake) but hiding beneath was a deep sadness that such a talent should be leaving.  

It's sad watching an organisation get rid of its best and talented. And sure doesn't seem like progress.