I once took a job that lasted about three hours. My trainer showed me the ropes and because of my restaurant experience, left me to do my job. Suddenly overwhelmed with the knowledge that this was a really bad fit. I began planning my escape. Instead of waiting to the end of my shift, I changed into my street clothes in the bathroom and left the uniform near the sink.

I skulked out the door, and raced home, truly ashamed of myself. I’d never left a job on the first day or in mid-shift before that day or since. After beating myself up for weeks, I determined to conduct my life differently; committed to finishing well, no matter what.

From that moment forward, I decided to face difficult situations head on and learn from others who had done so. There were more honorable ways to conclude a job I didn’t like. That was the last time I used the disappearing act.

Some years later, working a job in grocery that I enjoyed, our department was suddenly deemed unnecessary. However, my supervisor counted it a kindness to find positions for each of us in the organization. My new position put me in the bakery department, which I had little interest in. The new shift required a totally different skill set, different hours and making products I didn’t feel good about. Every frustration led back to the same conclusion — this was not a good fit. One day, as he was prone to do, the director went on a rant. Unable to withstand the verbal abuse any longer, I removed my apron right in front of him.

“You can’t quit!” He said. I threw it down, turned on my heel and walked out the door. Still an impulsive decision, but I’d done so in his sight. I had a long way to go to finish well.

My friend Sloan bought a specialty juice and a beautiful bouquet of flowers for her boss’s desk. Whether she would be allowed to work her two weeks’ notice was in the hands of The Creator. Sloan planned to endure and keep her focus on the prize–the new job. She’d worked with the company for years, and wanted to soften the news that she was about to deliver. Her unpredictable boss was moved by the gesture, and asked what the flowers were for. Prepared for the worst, Sloan explained she was giving two weeks notice. Sloane’s boss was upset and cried, but ultimately wished her the best. Sloan’s priority was to finish well.

Roxy’s neighborhood had changed considerably since she’d first begun renting. She’d even invested some of her own money into upgrades which were installed by the property maintenance team. Even though she loved her place, especially the reasonable price, she admitted it was time to move. Some tenants left in the middle of the night, abandoning piles of belongings. Roxy moved all of belongings, and what she didn’t need went into the refuse can for pick up. She patched holes, cleaned the carpets and vacuumed the floor, leaving her apartment in better shape than when she’d moved in. She received her deposit, and also gained an excellent referral from the property owners.

What does this mean for you?

There’s a saying you may have heard, “Wherever you go, there you are.” Whatever circumstances I find myself in, I choose how to react. I can be rash or reasonable, petty or pragmatic. Even with a brutal boss, I can choose to be kind. Even if my old digs are going to the dogs, I can still leave them clean.

My original boss understood that working in collections was challenging at every level. When the department head changed, those old feelings of not being a good fit began to surface. It was time for me to leave when I was tempted to walk out at least once a week for several months. However, out of respect, I gave my two weeks notice to the company owners. I decided grit my teeth and just get through it the best I knew how, keeping my eye on the end date.

At the end of the first week, they called me to the main office. Inside, they’d laid out a wonderful celebration meal with balloons to wish me farewell. My original boss gave me a bonus check, and said I didn’t have to work the next week. We wanted to allow me time to get ready for my next job. It was a better send off than I could have hoped for. I’d finished well!

Part of being an encourager is setting a good example for others. Sloane’s grand finale was a great example of showing respect and ending well. Whoever moves into Roxy’s old apartment is going to love what she’s done to the place. The property owners are currently renovating many units, and I like to think she inspired them.

Whether the people in your circumstance are worthy of your respect and consideration or not, you reveal integrity and class by bestowing kindness and treating them well. Obviously, this can be challenging. As much as it is within your power, it’s almost always better to avoid burning bridges. The good you do and the respect show is never wasted. At the very least, it’s character building and goodness will follow you wherever you go. You can’t predict the future, but you can plant seeds now that will never fail to bear good fruit.

What is one of your most challenging endings? How would you have liked it to end? Drop your comments in the box below. Thanks for stopping by! I look forward to seeing you next time.