Work relationships are complex things. These are the people we share our workspace (and work stress) with, and with whom we often spend more hours a day than our families.
Together we ride the emotional rollercoaster of good times and bad, late nights and deadlines, of triumphs and disasters. They are our sounding board, brainstorming partner, the people we can rely on to keep going even when we know they are exhausted. Yet, when they announce their departure to pastures new, we are expected to sign a card, eat some cake and send them off with a cheery wave.
Well, I am not OK with that.
After seven amazing years working with someone — who has nurtured, mentored and guided me, made me laugh (too many times to count) and cry (once), and hands down been the best boss anyone could ask for, she is leaving.
Over the years we have spent together, she has supported and schooled me, shared her knowledge and her belly laughs and been an absolute joy to work with. There have been hugs, the odd shouting match, and more adoration and respect than I ever thought possible. Simply put, I am devastated that she leaving.
The flip side is, of course, I am delighted for the future that awaits her — she has bagged a dream job at which she will excel, and I cannot wait to see her soar. But I cannot help feeling like Oliver Hardy without Stan Laurel, the brains and talent of the operation is leaving and I feel a bit hollow inside.
As happy as I am for her, all I want to do is cling to her ankles and beg her not to go. And here’s the rub. Outwardly mourning the departure of a colleague is not really acceptable. Rather than crying, we have to content ourselves with a staid hug, a slice of stale cake and then hurry back to our desks.
If a romantic relationship broke up after this long — and let’s face it, at seven years, this has outlasted many marriages — it would be OK for me to sob into my laptop, and walk about with puffy red eyes.
For the loss of a departing workmate however, no such grace is granted. Despite this person having held an important and significant role in, and shared countless hours of, our lives, any outpouring of sadness is seen as, well, a bit weird.
Thankfully, the world of journalism carries an old school tradition to mark the departure of a beloved and respected workmate. Despite being an industry built on words, as he or she departs the newsroom for the final time, in a wordless ritual, everyone bangs on desks and stamps on the floor, creating a din loud enough to carry the departee out of the room. Raw, visceral and spontaneous, it is an outpouring of grief and respect in one noisy, celebratory cacophony.
So as I face this huge shift in my working life, I am left with how to process it. We have shared long hours and high stress together, and built a rock-solid team. While I can only hope I have held up my side of the bargain, she has been my guiding star, much-loved boss and friend. How do I say goodbye to this, and how do I mourn ourt time together ending?
So, to the colleague who is leaving, here is my love letter, my thank you for everything.
It has been a joy and an honour working with you, and these seven years have been an absolute blast. Through the long days, the jet lag and the brutal deadlines, you have conducted yourself with grace, elegance and above all humour. I have loved the laughter and the ideas, and have been so proud to work alongside you and wish you a gilded future, as you show others what I have known all along — that you are a rare and remarkable woman.
Your final day will break my heart, but through my happiness for your future and my own tears, I for one, will be banging on the desk for all I am worth.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Messi at the Copa America
2007 – lost 3-0 to Brazil in the final
2011 – lost to Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-finals
2015 – lost to Chile on penalties in the final
2016 – lost to Chile on penalties in the final
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
T20 World Cup Qualifier fixtures
Tuesday, October 29
Qualifier one, 2.10pm – Netherlands v UAE
Qualifier two, 7.30pm – Namibia v Oman
Wednesday, October 30
Qualifier three, 2.10pm – Scotland v loser of qualifier one
Qualifier four, 7.30pm – Hong Kong v loser of qualifier two
Thursday, October 31
Fifth-place playoff, 2.10pm – winner of qualifier three v winner of qualifier four
Friday, November 1
Semi-final one, 2.10pm – Ireland v winner of qualifier one
Semi-final two, 7.30pm – PNG v winner of qualifier two
Saturday, November 2
Third-place playoff, 2.10pm
Final, 7.30pm
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
The team
Photographer: Mateusz Stefanowski at Art Factory
Videographer: Jear Valasquez
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory
Model: Randa at Art Factory Videographer’s assistant: Zanong Magat
Photographer’s assistant: Sophia Shlykova
With thanks to Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
Oppenheimer
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
Maestro
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
MATCH INFO
Day 2 at Mount Maunganui
England 353
Stokes 91, Denly 74, Southee 4-88
New Zealand 144-4
Williamson 51, S Curran 2-28
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
