Working at Theo has been a really big part of my life. I started there at the age of 21 working in the confections packing room. While boxing up confections was never my dream job, I had, just a year prior, abandoned my plan of becoming a fashion designer, dropped out of school, moved from New York back to Seattle, and gone back to life working retail. Not just retail, but retail while working for the worst boss I have ever had. Needless to say, I was not in the best place, but this was a step in the right direction.
Pretty much as soon as I started at Theo I knew I was working somewhere special. My new co-workers were so warm, welcoming, and AWESOME. Within my first month I had gone to a company party, made friends, and started to truly feel at home.
As time passed, I moved into the retail store, where, in addition to selling chocolate, I also gave tours of the factory. In my three years in the store, I probably gave somewhere around 1,000 tours to people from all around the world (including Dave Matthews! Ha!). For a gal who is freaked out by public speaking and hates being the center of attention, this is a pretty major accomplishment. But trust me, I still got nervous ever single time. Working in the store kept me surrounded by the most compassionate, supportive, and hilarious group of people I have ever met, many of whom have become dear, dear friends.
After taking on various responsibilities, I eventually moved into the office as a receptionist, doing work that really played to my strengths. I was less stressed out, and I was really content with the work I was doing. I felt fortunate to be give such a great opportunity that has really changed my career path, and I felt proud of myself for having worked hard enough to earn it.
In my time at Theo, I've been given opportunities I may have never gotten elsewhere; I've been given guidance that has helped me grow leaps and bounds from the person I was at age 21; I've been surrounded by an amazing group of some of the most supportive people I've ever met; I've made some of the best friends I've ever had; and I have had so. much. fun.
I love to learn, grow, and be challenged, and because of that, I made the decision to take a new position with a great non-profit that will really let me stretch wings. While I'm excited and ready for a new challenge, I'm definitely leaving Theo with a heavy heart.
To everyone I've worked with at Theo over the years, thank you for everything. I'm going to miss working with you so, so much.
Oh man, I am feeling all the feelings right now! Thanks to everyone for reading along today. Ya'll are the best!
XOXO
Becca
Follow me on:
Sorry it's your last day working there because it sounds like an awesome place full of amazing people, but I'm sure you're moving on to bigger and better things!!
ReplyDelete~Sara
Thanks, Sara! It was a tough decision, but I think it will be a good one overall!
DeleteIt sounds like you had an amazing time and that's so special, it's tough to find a job that you're happy to go to! Good luck on your new venture at the non-profit, excited to hear all about it!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Kate! It's definitely bittersweet to be leaving, but I'm excited to start my new job tomorrow!
DeleteWhat a great experience! I feel like I am in a place like that right now. So great for us young'n's (?) :) Excited for you and your new opportunity! :) -Alexandra
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Oh I'm glad to hear it Alexandra! I think I probably still qualify as a young'n! Thanks, Alexandra!
DeleteOh man, what a great story!! Thank you for sharing this, best of luck in your new ventures! I can tell you are such a sweetie, but who knew you actually worked for a chocolate company!
ReplyDeleteHahaha! I love it! Thank you so much, Marg!
DeleteSouns all very exciting, Becca! I'll be joining the 'working life' this year too. And I'm so scared for the things I won't be able to handle in the beginning because everything is new. I hope in 5 years time I hope I can be as proud as you of the things I accomplished. Good luck on the new job!
ReplyDeleteSofie x
Little green Sofie
Thank you, Sofie! If you are even half as amazing in person as you are on your blog I bet you'll have NO trouble getting started. I bet you'll do amazing!
DeleteAwe, Becca! I am so happy for you that you got a new job, and I am also very happy that the time you spent working at Theo was a very fulfilling time and full of growth. You will no doubt experience growth in your new job as well!
ReplyDeleteP.S. - Kind of dropped my jaw a bit when I read that Dave Matthews was given a tour!
Danielle ~(^-^ )
Condensed Star Stuff
Thank you so much, Danielle! You're the best :) Dave Matthews lives in Seattle so I'd say at least half of my friends have had run-ins with him!
DeleteI could really use a copy of that store photo. Love you Becca!
ReplyDeleteLove you too, Eleanor! I've got a copy on my computer, so I'd be happy to send you one. It's one of my favorite things!
Deletesounds like an amazing place to have been a part of for so long - good luck with the new opportunity! <3
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Erica! It was really the best, but I think this new place will be pretty great, too!
Deleteoh gosh it sounds so great, Becca. by the way, your college story kinda sounds like where I am right now... hahaha dropped out of college in new york at 21 to move back home? love you becca, glad to see how far you've come!!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you so much, Juni! When you were writing about leaving New York I could totally relate because of my experiences. It was really hard the first couple of years, but you'll totally come out the other end and be happier than ever. Love you, too, lady!
DeleteI'm so glad you had such an amazing time at Theo! I can't imagine leaving a place and people I've worked with for that long! But how exciting to start a new venture with your new job! I hope it's as amazing as you hope it will be! Good luck with the new company!!!
ReplyDeletexo
Kristina
www.eccentricowl.com
Thank you so much, Kristina! I was pretty much on the verge of tears all day on Friday, but it was a good send off, and I'll be back to visit for sure.
DeleteI can't imagine how great it must've been to work for a Chocolate company :) It sounds like an amazing experience, and I'm really proud of you for spreading your wings and making the leap, because that's even harder when you're working at a place you're happy. I left my family-owned restaurant job of 8 years last year and it was tough but so worth it, so I can relate! Best of luck with the next step! I hope you get a few days off in between :)
ReplyDeleteHaha, yes! Working for a chocolate company was pretty awesome! Isn't it crazy leaving somewhere you've worked so long? I really appreciate your kind words, Lisa; thank you so much!
DeleteCongratulations on the new opportunity! I just moved to a new position, too, and it’s hard leaving the friends you’ve made. It’s so wonderful, though, to have been able to work in a place you enjoyed:)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kari! Congratulations to you, too!
Deletecongrats--belated though they may be! :)
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