I.Resign.

"I don't think I remember her ever not working."  - the father of my childhood best friend when hearing the news I had quit my corporate job.  

"I resign."  The simple statement shared with the HR manager at the corporate job I loved and hated the last six years. For the first time in my nearly twenty year career, nothing followed.  No, "I have accepted a position with x" or "I appreciate the opportunity this company has provided me..."  Just two words.  I. Resign.

Alligator tears filled my eyes and streamed uncontrollably down my face.  Tears of relief. Relief that I could stop worrying about leaving my babies at the breakfast table while I rushed to make an 8 a.m. meeting of little to no significance.  Relief that I could stop spinning my wheels exerting energy trying to climb the corporate ladder when really I was like a gerbil spinning on its wheel. Relief that I had a choice. The choice to stay and continue spinning or go, go to that something that has significance; My Family.

The decision was not as simple as the two words. In fact, it was weeks, months of consideration and quite frankly, I'm still not sure this is the "right thing."  Spending more time with my family was the logical explanation and one that was easy for me and most everyone else to believe. BUT,  the night before I delivered the message to HR, we asked our 10 year old son if he would want to spend the summer hanging out with me or going to his daylong summer program at school.  He was confused by this question and quickly responded that "it sounds really great to spend time with you but I think I would miss my friends."  And so the adjustment begins for all of us.