I did it.

I was finally able to get in to see The Boss right after an impromptu group meeting on Friday to recognize two well-deserved promotions. Everything was worked out in my head. I knew exactly what I was going to say, and how I was going to say it.

“Jackie, I have 20 minutes if you still want to meet,” she said as the meeting was breaking up.

It’s awkward to quit after two colleagues/friends were just promoted. “Um, coming from that meeting makes what I have to say even more difficult,” I started as we were walking into The Boss’ office.

“I think I know where this is going,” she said, settling into her chair.

I started to cry. I hate crying at work, especially in front of The Boss. Suddenly, my entire speech was jumbled in my head. I started the discussion – between sobs – in the middle of what I wanted to say. I tried to get it back on track, but kept slipping back into a snotty, sobbing mess. It wasn’t how I envisioned having the discussion. My elegant, well-thought out speech turned out to be a barely intelligible rambling.

By the end of my explanation for leaving, her eyes appeared to be watery. She seemed almost human in that moment.

She said she understood, but encouraged me to think about it more. She said I could change my mind anytime before my last day. She asked me not to tell anyone until we have aligned on a transition plan, which is my assignment next week.

The unofficial offer is still unofficial, but I anticipate hearing from them early next week. In fact, they’ve already given me some projects to start thinking through, so I know the offer is coming. But, it’s good to know that I quit so well that I could always “take it back” if I needed to.

But I’m not going to take it back. August 10 will be my last day – even if I don’t have an official offer.