Sadness. That seems to be the ambiance here in our department. All of us been busy lately, beating deadlines, overtime, revision of projects, the “Summer rush” projects. Indeed, this month is our month of endless works, as one of our officemates said. But this is not about what I am going to say.

A while ago our department head called up a meeting. We were kind of surprised of the unexpected call. All of us are wondering. Me, a bit scared. Yesterday, our HR head emailed a memo about employees using their computer for non - work related purposes. So I was thinking maybe this is the reason why we are being called. I admit, I’ve been using my PC for non - work related things. But this is never an issue in our department because our Head won’t mind or have a problem of us playing, browsing websites, doing something other than work, as long as we are able to finish what is needed to be done and as long as we are aware of the consequences if caught. Besides, an employee needs to have a diversion sometimes. Just to avoid boredom or create an idea out of nowhere. That’s how cool our Head is.

So, we were all there sitting in our small library lounge. Our HR was also there, she is never a stranger in our department. She’s our friend. Everybody’s just waiting for our two Bosses to speak first. Our HR spoke, but it’s not about the memo. It’s something we would never imagine. She said, “may aalis” (someone’s leaving). “Not me, but she is”. She was referring to our Department Head. At that point, we were all shocked. All is silent, overwhelmed of what our HR said. Tears began falling down. I just sat in sadness, covered my head with my hooded jacket. She is leaving us .

She told us about the opportunity that came to her working abroad. As she speaks, she wept. I can barely watch her. It is so sad because we pioneered our Department. We created a bond that no one has and even some envied. We laughed at same things, cracked up jokes in the middle of the afternoon. All of us are having fun. We are the cool guys in the office. We are, because we have the coolest Boss.

I just can’t imagine us at work without her. She’s been our leader and it will never be the same without her. I gave her a hug before we left the room.  It’s just so hard to think that’s she’s leaving because we never imagined her to leave, not this soon.

On the other side, we are happy for her. Opportunities like working on an advertising agency abroad don’t come everyday. So it’s all good. Who knows, she’ll get us here and still work together. Opportunity comes and if you think it’s the right time, you just have to grab it. She’s been an inspiration to all of us. We are all thankful.

This month’s been rough. The things that have been happening are so overwhelming. Two of my friends’ parents died, I am feeling sick, I am sad. But life’s like that, it has its own twists and turns. It’s never fair. But it’s all up to you. So just live it the way you can even if there are unexpected turn of events.