On November 1^st, 2017, I began an outline for a farewell email…because on November 1^st, 2017, I was informed that my position was being “eliminated” due to a re-structuring. My last official day was slated for December 31^st, 2017.During the next few weeks, I had so much to write and my thoughts were going through my head like a Lamborghini without brakes. Ideas were churning and a multitude of feelings and emotions were tap dancing in my brain non-stop. I found myself debating over what to write and what to just leave in my head; what not to say, where to start and where to end. There was a list of people to send the email to and I did not want to leave out anyone. As you can imagine, it was a mess!

It almost felt like I was going through a divorce with the company I loved, but on good terms with no complaints, even though my wish would soon be a dream now. This ideology can be supported by my years’ long relationship with the company…a relationship that never saw me stray or vacillate or make me want to leave and find gainful employment elsewhere. Even when family, friends and colleagues encouraged me and enticed me with better benefits and career growth, I never strayed. I stayed put…until the very end.

But wait! A wish, you say? Yes!

I was very inspired by the book “The Amgen Story” which was handed out at the company’s 25^thanniversary celebration in 2005. I had always wished I could have my photo taken with Amgen’s CEO, R&D head and Sr. Management team while I, myself, completed my 25 years of service.  Unfortunately, it would never be. That dream would remain a wish unfulfilled.

Here, in its entirety and completely unedited form, is the farewell email I sent before my last day of service:

My Farewell Email

Happy Holidays everyone,

My long, illustrious ride with Amgen is coming to an end at the end of this month. I have thoroughly enjoyed the (almost) 15 years as an FTE, short by 1½ month and an additional 1½ years with Immunex/Amgen as a contract worker.

I would personally like to take this opportunity to thank all of my managers, highly talented colleagues within the group/cross-functional and the many friends I have made during my tenure at Amgen – It has been my sincerest privilege to work with everyone since each of you have greatly contributed to my development and helped to transform me into the person I am today.

My Amgen family has contributed greatly to me personally and professionally since I began working here back in February 2003. It was the first FTE position I held in the U.S. Then, the journey started moving full speed ahead with new possibilities and never-ending opportunities. I personally developed new skills such as the ability to re-assess priorities, problem-solving and the ability to express myself which made me stronger and happier. I am extremely proud of my achievements while working here. There will be no looking back. The wealth of knowledge, experience and confidence that I have gained at Amgen will be carried forward the rest of my life.

I am not going to say goodbye since I truly hope to keep in touch and/or wish our paths cross again in the future.

I can be reached via LinkedIn or through the contact information listed below. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter to know more about a new weekend hobby I soon plan to pursue.

Wishing you and your family Happy Christmas, Happy New Year and may good luck be with you at all times.

Warmest regards,

Satya Medapati

I will end this article with a quote about Kobe Bryant since I am a huge fan of both him and the Lakers:

“Dear Kobe – Please stop shooting me. I do not enjoy it at all. The cold, hard, metal rim hurts so very, very much —–By A Basketball”.

All of us might have the opportunity, at least once in our professional careers, to pen a farewell email. Question is: are you going to be Kobe, the basketball or the rim?