An open letter for my ex-boss…
This is an open letter for my ex-boss (hopefully my last boss). Why? Because you gotta give credit where credit is due and you gotta thank those who have helped you become the person you are today… and also because I completely fucked up.
About two months ago, I said goodbye to full-time, corporate life and on my last day, my boss gave a farewell speech that to be honest, I didn’t expect. Not that I thought she would just say a stock standard “you’ve been such a great asset to the team” and “we’re sad to see you go speech” — no, not at all. What I didn’t expect is to be reflecting on what she has said during her speech weeks after she has delivered it and has become one of the things that comforts me during times where I doubt myself in what I’m doing. But where did I fuck up?
Well, since my farewell speech, I’ve had flashbacks of my own speech (that I completely freestyled and did not prepare for because I knew I’d just cry anyway.. I blame my weak tear ducts) and I realised, I never thanked her. I never specifically thanked the one person who 1. hired me 2. trusted me 3. was a huge part of the start of my adult professional life and the one person I actually looked up to no matter how many times we didn’t see eye-to-eye.
See my relationship with her as a manager-employee wasn’t always smooth sailing — no one’s relationship with their boss is ever smooth sailing. But boy did we make an epic team during the moments we did come together and conquered the world of exhibitions.
So to Steph, this one is for you.
Hey Steph,
It’s Pat. I’m so sorry I’m running late today. No reason I’m just a late person.
Kidding. For once this message isn’t about how late I’ll be for work (which. hey. I totally made up by working LATER but that’s the past). I wanted to drop you a note to say Thank You.
For two years, you and I were Bonnie and Clyde to each other taking over our shows like nobody’s business. We were what was that? THE A TEAM.
Throughout those two years, we’ve had our ups and downs, our highs and our lows and a lifetime’s worth of selfies but in those two years, I don’t think I told you enough how much of a role model and a mentor you were and are to me.
Thank you for taking a chance on a 21 year old who had a resume that looked like an infographic (but admit it, it was cool) and for taking a chance on a uni graduate EIGHT WEEKS OUT FROM SHOW!
You gave me countless opportunities to grow as a professional and as an individual. You gave me tasks and projects that were beyond my skill set yet you trusted me with them. You held me up through stressful times even when you were stressed yourself. You became the voice of validation in my head when I doubted my work or my decisions.
As a friend, you shared personal stories with me that made me think, ‘Wow. She is incredible. All that before 30?’. You shared your experiences with me for me to learn from your achievements and your mistakes. You’ve inspired me to travel more and experience more and you taught me to work hard and play hard.
Tomorrow’s the first show that you and I won’t be working together and I’m sure it has been stressful leading up to it but I have no doubt that you will be the star that you always are.
I’m very proud of you in both a professional and personal aspect — YOU BOUGHT A PROPERTY! How exciting is that! Just know that I’m very proud of you, you’re one of a kind and that you’re amazing.
I’ll only ever be a Skype message away for gin and tonic hangs so when you’re less busy, let’s catch up!
I’m proud of you, please don’t stress and THANK YOU. Thank you, thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Much Love,
Pat x


