I Resign! (Thank God!)

One month ago, for reasons to0 numerous and dull to list here, I quit my job. Three days before my last day a large meeting was held with compulsory attendance for all my eighty or so colleagues. The department (or 'sector' as they called it) I worked in is to be relocated to Basildon (about 35 miles east of London).

Basildon is a 1950s 'New Town', built to provide housing after the war. Before I continue I would like to share with you some images of Basildon:
















I would like you to compare this with the immediate neighbours of the current City Of London office:












The Basildon office is in an industrial estate park (actually the one shown in the last picture of Basildon), a 40-minute walk from the railway station. Strangely, a number of people do not want to spend over four hours a day travelling to and from this rural paradise located in the majestic central plains of Essex. This apparently, has surprised the 'executives' that made the decision. I tried very, very hard not to have the most enormously smug, shit-eating grin for those last three days. Not liking my colleagues and immediate management was not actually one of the reasons for leaving. I think this is a rather shitty trick to pull on some pretty loyal and dedicated staff, I really wouldn't wish Basildon New Town on anyone. Thankfully some of the people affected live in Essex anyway, so the travelling won't be too bad, and I don't think many of the rest will find it hard to get a new job, but what a lovely Christmas gift from the company!

For reference, my new job is based next door to here:






It is still just a fifteen-minute cycle ride. I love living in London, and I am so, so, very smug.