Changes

I quit my job.

I can hear you now, "Are you nuts? In THIS economy?" (that was the actual reaction from my next door neighbor.)

But I had been offered a job by a previous employer a few weeks ago (name your price , any job in the company I want), and I had very regretfully turned it down because I couldn't imagine turning my back on my current career. I'd worked so hard, for so long. Put so much into it.

Then my current career stepped over the line, so to speak. And I realized in a fit of clarity that it was never going to get better. No matter how many extra hours I worked for free, no matter how much extra I gave it, my efforts were always going to be met with eye rolling and exasperation. Because they were only ever going to be satisfied with it if it was free, and ready 24 hours before they asked for it. That they would promise anything when it needed to get done, but then reneg when it came time for presenting the bill. And after yet another unpaid all nighter or three, I was not prepared to take yet another uncalled for temper tantrum. Especially one that had nothing at all to do with my work and everything to do with their bad day.

So I called the lovely job-offering lady back, and I have a full time job (full time!) working from home (from home!) with full benefits (benefits!) and performance bonuses (bonuses!) and stock options (stock options!!!). They came pretty close to meeting my asking price, so I'm going into this at a respectable starting salary. And I will start it all, with luck, week after next.

I may have just figured out what I want to be when I grow up.

{{{Relief}}}