Man, I’ll just come right out and say it. I quit my job. As anyone who reads my blog knows, I’ve been dreaming/planning/plotting this move for a couple years now, so you’d think I’d be a happy Doug—in all honesty though, it was a couple years too soon for me.
I just felt like I didn’t have a choice.
I don’t want to go into a lot of boring detail here (besides, my poor family & friends have already had to suffer through the story again and again). In a nutshell, awhile back I was told I’d be assuming new responsibilities in addition to my current workload. Okay, where was the support (or backup at least) I’d been requesting for years? It was never coming, and now this. It was just too much for my brain (and nerves) to handle.
So on Monday, November 17 I talked to my manager & informed him I’d been planning to leave in a year or so anyway—but if I had to take on this additional work, I’d probably exit sooner. At first he suggested if the new stuff was given to someone else, would I stay a year and properly train my replacement. It sounded like a win-win for both of us, but HIS boss was not okay with this plan. I handed in my resignation. End of story.
(When I gave him a month’s notice, he said “you’re not required to give more than 2 weeks, you know.” I told him he’d better take the whole month. I truly believe he doesn’t have a clue of everything I do.)
My good friend & coworker Danielle; that’s my buddy Steve in the background
The last couple weeks have been a surreal, bittersweet experience. My friend Steve (who sat right behind me) treated me to a pricey lunch at the Carlton ($60.00 for one meal!) and even promised another one there if I came back! (I would never hold him to that, but I love the guy.) A few days later my team took me to an upscale lunch at the Bigelow Grille, and presented me with a card and $300.00 in cash. I admit it, I’m a big drama boy & choked up when I read all the kind wishes in the card (above, click on it to see full-size). I sure am going to miss these guys.
So… now what? I’m still a couple years or so away from reaching my early retirement goal, and even THAT estimate was based on me living on a real budget. But truth be told, I’m just not up to looking for anything new right now. I worked at UPMC 15 years—never had a week off—so for now I’m just going to enjoy this freedom for what it is.
Well if I can get over missing everybody—take care, guys
Good for you, Doug.There's a bleedin' awful work culture in America, and your shitehawk former employers fit right in. You do right to give them the big E. I've quit two jobs in the same way as you, and only good things came of it
ReplyDeleteAll the best, my man!
Hey Andrew! Thanks so much, man. Still not overjoyed at my move, but like you said here, just felt like enough was enough. I'm glad to know I'm not alone, and I sure hope you're right about better things to come. Thanks again :)
DeleteHi Doug, well a few days into retirement, are you going stir crazy yet? Hope things are going well. I am getting use to my new life! Just goes to show we are never too old! LOL Your 'old' friend, Diana.
ReplyDeleteHi Diana, good to hear from you--I was just thinking about you a week or so ago, as I was wondering how YOU were doing with your new married life & moving on from that library you loved so much, you sound great! :)
DeleteWell, I've gotten used to living without the daily stress of my job quick enough--but it's just too soon (and about 85K short) of calling it retirement. I have to go with "voluntary unemployment" until I figure out some things. But thanks for checking in!
Follow your heart this time, find a job you love. It will make all the difference in the world. I don't love my new job yet, but it is ok. So many changes in the last few months, for both of us, but change is good! Diana
ReplyDelete