Jan says farewell after 29 years
Work-free life a daunting prospect
Jan Newman says contemplating life without work is scary.
The mainstay of Mana Medical Centre’s reception team will spend her last day behind the desk on December 20. It will bring to a close 29 years at the medical practice.
Ms Newman started with a part-time position in the former office in Pascoe Ave after years as a stay-at-home mother.
Her work grew into more than 30 hours a week. Since then the number of doctors, nurses and reception staff has quadrupled as the business has flourished.
She said she would miss the people most.
‘‘I’ve enjoyed being part of a busy team.
‘‘We’ve become a big family and I have made lasting friendships,’’ she said. ‘‘I think they might miss the cakes I bring in.’’
The proespect of walking out the door next week has her a little apprehensive.
‘‘It’s scary to think this is the end of my working life, although I am available if they [the medical centre] need me to fill in.
‘‘I just thought if I don’t finish up now, I never will. It’s going to hit me the first day I don’t have to get up for work.’’
One incident Ms Newman recalled clearly was the day a man suffered a heart attack in a business situated above the medical centre.
It was an example, she said, of the staff working quickly together to save his life.
With nine grandchildren, the Raumati resident — who lived in Plimmerton for 33 years — is likely to be busy.
She will have plenty of contact with Porirua in her retirement through friends made at the medical centre and long associations with Paremata- Plimmerton Netball Club and Plimmerton Tennis Club.