So about 2 months ago I decided it was time to take a leap of faith. After 6 years dedicated to my team of Secret Escapers at RSVP Media Response Ltd, I realised that a change was needed - something big to shake things up - and so with a tingle of excitement mingled with trepidation and a touch of sadness, I handed in my resignation and started my month's notice. My last day at RSVP was unlike anything I could have imagined - the care and attention that was exercised by my friends and colleagues in making it an unforgettable day was overwhelming. From my last first moments through those glass doors, I was lavished with love, arriving to find my desk entirely covered with balloons and presents, a huge unicorn helium balloon tied to my chair, time stamped G&Ts lined up on my desk to get me through my final day, and most importantly, my greatest friends sat around my desk wearing party hats - who had arrived pre-7am in order to make sure I was not alone. Pretty emosh, right? I received gifts from the most unexpected of team mates, and the presents both from my team, other RSVP departments and the Secret Escapes Head Office proved one of the most lovely things - people had taken notice of the topics that I had shown great passion for in the years I shared their company. Mostly I was utterly moved by the words. To quote Rudyard Kipling; “I am, by calling, a dealer in words; and words are, of course, the most powerful drug known to humanity.” The sentiments that filled the many cards I received convinced me that I had achieved my primary goal - to help and support those who helped and supported me. I was given a huge scrapbook filled with photos, quotes and messages from the people I had spent the greatest number of hours with over the past 6 years and my heart was warmed. Some of my very best friends even turned their hand to one of my great loves; poetry, whilst others simply came and crouched next to my desk to chat for a little while, as we had done so many times. Then the pub. It was a tremendous night - even people who were not at the office that day attended to raise a glass with me. I played it safe and stuck largely to vodka-cranberry's, though there was a tequila shot with a real life Viking and a shot of Patron XO (which really hit my throat in the most unfortunate way) with a wonderful Spaniard. I had intended just to write a short introduction to prefix the poem I had written for my last day; but as is customary with me, once I started reminiscing, the catharsis of writing it all down for posterity was too seductive. The point however, was to further prove the purpose of my poem; that it was the people of RSVP who dictated the length of my service. As I said in my final Friday meeting, these were the people who became like family - who I genuinely missed when they were not there, and with whom I shared the daily (often dark) humour. And if this family is anything like my own, it now means that we might not see each other for some time, but the next time we do, they'll tell me I've grown and ask whether I have a boyfriend yet. Likely the answer will still be, "No." So finally, here is my ode to RSVP; my swansong if you will. Over and out for now. A question asked at interview those 6 long years ago:
"Which character would you want to be from a West End show?" No need to think, my little dress and shoes gave me away, "Galinda; Wicked" I said. They said, "Can you start Tuesday?" The wheels now set in motion - the job to be temporary, But I already liked the people who made RSVP. Next week I started selling for a company named Which? Sales was not my forte but when Which ran "The Big Switch" My "pleasant tone and friendliness" had me moved to CS, (Had I been kept on sales I'd have probably been there 6 years less!) As our "Golden Age" proceeded it became quite clear to me, That it was the people who made RSVP. Secret Escapes dawned my horizon towards the end of May, Who could conceive that I would be its Manager one day?! But I started at the bottom and joined the agent ranks, Learned everything I had to learn, but mostly I gave thanks, For every day the laugher brimmed from every escapee, Because it was the people who made RSVP. Time rattled on, I found myself entering my third year, And soon this "temporary job" turned in to a career. From here I'm not sure what to say; there were good days, there were bad, But the peaks and troughs were shared with some of the best friends I have had. I think you get the gist by now, the pattern's clear to see; That is the people who make RSVP. So it's the end of an era, a crazy slice of time, And what better way to commemorate it than celebrate in rhyme? For all I'll miss, and all I won't, the truth ever will be, That is is RSVP who helped in making me.
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Author - Helena ChristieLittle Welsh Sprite. A Manager of people. A wearer of heels. A drinker of gin. A disciple of musical theatre and medieval history. You can find me on Twitter under @HistoryWithHelz and @HelenaChristie4 Archives
July 2018
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