Shock at work

It was a big shock this morning when one of my colleagues Penny resigned. I knew there was something going on at about 9:15 when I saw her gathering her stuff and then left the office. I asked one of the other girls what was happening but she didn't want to say. Then I noticed that our team leader, Carole, was crying, and just at that moment the manager, Gavin, walked past asking to see her out in the back room.

At 10 o'clock we had a team meeting and the first thing on the agenda was confirmation that Penny had resigned for personal reasons. Apparently she did give notice but the manager said she didn't have to stay and work it. So she's gone and we're not likely to see her again, unless of course, she chooses to stay in contact with anyone.

It was quite sad actually, despite not knowing her for very long. Although she's been with our section since November, I was off sick at that time and only returned in March. It wasn't until two weeks ago when the person sitting next to me was on holiday that I got to know her better, as she came and sat at the spare desk. I found we had a very similar sense of humour (both mad) and I was very glad of that opportunity.

Poor Carole was still very upset afterwards and said she felt partly responsible for Penny's departure. I tried to reassure her that it wasn't her fault but I guess if I put myself in her shoes, I'd probably feel the same. No-one except, I suppose, Carole and the management know the exact reason for her resignation but my hunch is that she was fed up with the feedback she was getting about her work - when we sat together she did confide in me saying that she thought the feedback was inconsistent, considering the way other staff in our section worked certain things procedure wise. Of course I only have Penny's version of events, and there are always two sides to every story.

So, all in all, it's been a strange, sad day and I will miss her.