I’m resigning from my job tomorrow.
I do not have an “offical” offer for a new job yet.
I’m reminded almost daily by my boss that I am a “bonus eligible, stock optioned executive at a fortune 500 company.” I’m walking away from a salary I will NEVER make again, with a bonus package that pays more than most people make in a year.
I am not crazy. I’ve given this A LOT of thought.
I’m working about 80 hours a week – I’m in the office by 7:30 a.m. and leaving around 7 p.m., then back on-line by 8 and working until 10 or 11. Then there are the weekends…oh, the weekends.
I do not see my kids. And when I do, I’m grouchy because there’s always an URGENT email. That’s a problem.
I don’t know if things would be different if I wasn’t a single mom, or if I wasn’t widowed, or if Mike wasn’t an alcoholic, or if pigs could fly. But I know that this isn’t working for us right now, and as Ethan continues to struggle, I need to be there for him. As Lauren starts to ask questions, I need to be there for her. As my mom’s health continues to be a mystery, I need to be there.
I’m fortunate. I can take a 50 percent pay cut and make it work. The basement remodel will have to wait. We won’t be going to Europe or Disney next year. I won’t be driving a brand-new car next month. But I’ve realized that I can’t put a price on my happiness, my kids’ health, or our sanity as a family.
Let’s just hope the unofficial offer becomes official soon…
Mommy's Little Blog 
I know how difficult it can be to walk away from a great job for the sake of your family. I’ve done it, although I can’t claim to have climbed as high on the so-called ladder of success as you have. People will probably give you a ton of flak if my experience is even remotely like yours. They’ll call you crazy, foolish, selfish, short-sighted, etc. So I just want to say that I support you 100% in this decision. I’ve always known you to be strong, decisive, and independent, so I know you don’t need support to do what you thinks needs to be done. But I just want to be a voice on the side of saying that any decision you make that is motivated by trying to do what’s best for your family will pay off in the end. So don’t doubt yourself if there are some rough patches in the future or if the criticisms come fast and thick. I admire your decision to take this leap of faith, and I’m sure many others do too. (BTW, I’d support you if you felt you needed to stay at that job too. Being the sole provider for a family is a heavy burden to carry and sometimes you need to do what you need to do. But I also acknowledge that in a way, the decision to leave your position and step out in faith is the harder choice, and it deserves more vocal support. I hope you know what I mean.) I’m still praying for you!
Thanks, Faith! It is truly a leap, and a scary one, but I KNOW that this is the right thing to do for me and the kids.