Leaping #2: Don’t Hate

Since my decision to leave my full time job, I have been overwhelmed with supportive and wonderful comments, calls and emails telling me to enjoy my “leap of faith,” to embrace my time with Max and my favorite—“defy gravity.” (Thank you, Robbin Davis).

Then, there are the haters.

“Why would you leave a good job?” (There are lots of good jobs)

“Are you sure you thought this through?” (No, I didn’t at all, thanks for calling that to my attention)

“I figured you would quit sooner or later.” (Most people do quit a job—or 10—in their lifetime)

“What will you do?” (Whatever the hell I want, thanks)

(Note—and all of the above comments have had “the tone”—you know exactly the tone to which I am referring .)

I have decided that people often say something snippy or hateful because they really don’t know what to say. And most likely because they could never imagine making the same choice. It’s fine if people don’t agree with my decision because the decision is mine and I don’t require permission.

I’ve loved working and have had an amazing career. Every job I’ve had has taught me so many things about myself—strengths, weaknesses, what I love and what I won’t put up with. When I became a mom, I did experience the occasional bout of mommy guilt but it usually went away as fast as it came. But with time and age comes perspective and my perspective has changed. I want off the wheel. I want balance and flexibility. I want to stay in my yoga pants all day if I choose. I want to be where I am needed the most.

So to those who don’t seem to understand my decision, I say this: someday you may have a child or husband, an aging parent, a sick in-law, a health problem or all of the above—on top of a demanding job. I can almost guarantee you will feel conflicted about how to fit it all in. Let's just hope those around you say something nice or don't say anything at all.