10.28.08
Retirement!
It’s a weird thing being retired at 32. My last day has come and gone at Rustico, and people are constantly asking me, “So do you feel (random emotion) about it?” The answer is invariably, “Yes.” I feel almost everything about it.
I’m sad to leave a job I really liked
I’m excited for the move to England
I’m scared about the move to England
I’m happy to be moving on for such an incredible adventure
I’m depressed about leaving all my friends behind
I’m anxious about meeting all sorts of new people and making new friends
I’m doubtful that I’ll be able to drive on the left side of the road well
I’m thrilled about my soon-to-be easy access to cheese made from unpasteurized milk
I’m hoping to be able to find stuff to do with my free time
 Now I can slice through my hands with a higher quality of knife. |
The list goes on and on. But the real emotion now is the mixture of sadness and pride associated with my leaving Rustico. Many people on my staff did a lot of very nice things for me as I left. I was given several cakes and cards, a few cookbooks and even a fabulous set of Shun knives that everyone chipped in for. It was truly overwhelming to see how much everyone cared, and how much they thought of the work I’d done there.
I think Jason, my GM, said it best when I remarked how amazing it was to see what everyone did for me. He said, “You’re only see all the appreciation when it comes down to the end. During the job, you never get any positive feedback since it is just your job, but when you go, everyone suddenly comes out and lets you know what they were thinking all along. The real proof though is when you come back in a year, how much of the things you set up are still being used.”
Well I guess it’s a date then. I’ll have to go back someday soon and see how much has changed from the way I did things, and how much of my “legacy” remains.
But for now, I am up in Bedford, PA, enjoying my first week off in almost 2 years…
Stumble it!
FoodieInDisguise said,
October 28, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Matt,
I’m sorry to see you are leaving DC. I will be coming back and was hoping to enjoy a wonderful evening at Rustico. I haven’t read your last few entries, but I assume it says why you’re moving to London.
Good luck and please continue to blog!
Scott