So long and goodbye
In August 2021, I was pacing around my dining room table trying to talk Blake into giving me a job while he was trying to talk me out of it.
It’s a funny thing, having someone actively tell you the reasons your job isn’t going to be perfect. Usually they try and sell you on it, try and tell you that it’s a perfect workplace where everyone’s family. They don’t tell you up-front about weird hours, an un-glamorous office, and all the other weird bits.
Because I’m pigheaded, I took the job anyway. I’m glad I did.
I have loved being part of the Calhoun Times. And if that sounds kind of like something someone would say when they’re telling you ‘goodbye’... that’s because it is. My last day was Friday. I don’t work there anymore.
That’s crazy for me to say. I’m one of those people that talks about their job all the time. It’s the first thing I talk about when I meet people — I tell them I’m a reporter at a small paper in Northwest Georgia.
Now I’m not that. I am reporting, still, but for someone else somewhere else. Or, I will be on Monday. I’m unemployed for the weekend. Excuse me while I rot in bed a little.
Back when I started, Blake told me that “at a small local newspaper, you’re going to handle a bit of everything”. I really, really have. Car crashes, forever chemicals, horses, education, a whole freakin’ pandemic — I mean, it’s been a lot. I even went up in a plane for this job once.
Unfortunately enough for y’all, that did tee me up pretty successfully to be able to move on. I’m really excited, but I’m also just... sad to go. I like this community. I like this paper. But sometimes, life throws something at you and you have to take it.
That’s not gonna stop me from being sappy, though.
This was the best job for me to possibly get coming out of college. I have never, ever felt like I was on the chopping block. I have always felt supported and cared for as both an employee and a person.
Blake is an incredible boss and an insane hype man. Mike is so hardworking and, in my opinion, the best sports guy in the southeast. They have put up with me, and they have let me shine. I would not be where I am as a journalist without their constant support.
I want to thank John in Rome for sending my resume over to Blake. I want to thank JK for interviewing me. And our publisher Otis for sending me up in that plane. Billy, thanks for keeping our lights on.
And Gordon County, thank you for continuing to support local news. The Calhoun Times is over 150 years old and, if you let it, it will last another 150 years. Support your local paper — subscribe, buy it from boxes, send story ideas and tips.
Anyway, see you, Gordon County. This is Cat Webb saying good day, and may the good news be yours.