LinkedIn was off by a few days and I got some congratulations early, but today marks my 29th year at The University of Akron.
While I’m not one for nostalgia or sentiment, I did think back on my early days on the Helpdesk, then Client Services, then Computer Labs, and finally several roles with the Webteam.
I’ve learned a lot, taught a lot, and helped a lot. I’m respected and appreciated by my peers and kind of a leader – which sometimes gives me some imposter syndrome.
One of my co-workers got me a card and some snacks – she was going by the LinkedIn notice and thought she was late. My boss congratulated me – he saw the official notice in Workday. And when I met with our VP today she noted that I had been at UA for quite a while. Glancing at my watch I told her, “Twenty-nine years – as of today”
After we were done with our meeting she posted on the group chat for work – congratulating me on my “Akronversary” and my colleagues jumped in to note the occasion as well. I thanked them and said we can do a party when I hit 30 years.
It’s a strange time to work at UA, but I’m doing my best and trying to stay useful. I don’t see retirement in my near future, but I guess it’s time to start planning for that.
And when that happens, I don’t just expect a party – I demand a party.
I think I’ve earned it.