I did it

Was it easy? To be honest, yes. And I was downright giddy. I feel much lighter than I have in a year. I did it. No, I didn't diet (those never work for me). Instead, I quit the job that was stealing my happiness.

For the past semester, (as a teacher I live my life by the school year) I have gotten the feeling that I am not wanted at the school I have been at for several years. And, I don't want to be there. The staff I work with are getting moody and grumpy. Many of them are unhappy there as well and it is affecting how we did our jobs.

Now, I am not by nature an irresponsible person. Quite the opposite. I had a very fortunate stroke of luck. Within 24 hours, I had been asked in for an interview, interviewed, and offered the job. So I have a new one to start after the first of the year. Something I am actually excited about doing. So, the Monday before Christmas, I put in my resignation. I did it via email since everyone was out of the building. I sent it to the Director, Asst. Director, and Operations Manager. The only one I have heard from since is the Asst. Director. I am almost convinced the other two have no clue yet. It will be interesting to see what happens when they read their emails and only have 3 days to find a new teacher.

I think it serves them right. I never got a break from my email. It was constant. I was always expected to work over breaks, including getting phone calls on Christmas Eve to answer tech questions. I don't know why less is apparently expected for them.

I do have a couple of regrets. First, I don't get to work with my husband anymore. He is staying at the school until he has more options. Believe it or not, I love working with my husband. It will be hard to go back to only seeing him a few hours a day. But, with my new job, I have more opportunities to have free time to visit.

Second, I don't get to say goodbye to the kids. That may hurt them. I will still be visible, but the vast majority of them had no idea I wouldn't be back when they left for winter break. Actually, I didn't even know I wouldn't be back. The Friday before break was when I had my interview, so I didn't even make my decision till that weekend.

Still, I did it. And I feel great. I am SO excited for new opportunities and experiences. I still have some hurdles to overcome - mostly financial as this comes with a paycut - but I am looking forward to it.

This was my perfect Christmas present to myself. I choose happiness.