How I did it: Not just with work, but this was a big part of it...

So, people think that if you work for the State you have it made. So. not. so. I had to decide that my happiness was more important that a semi-secure pension plan. I mean, really, nothing is for sure, so why trade my whole life for a chance at having a retirement sum? It just doesn't make sense when you think about it.

Sure there were those who thought I was crazy. I did try to transfer but that fell through. And I since no one wants to commute three hours a day (especially to a job that feels like it sucks a bit of your soul out each day), I had to make a change.

So, these days I am much happier. I am working in my field. I have variety and flexibility and a sense of accomplishment. And I don't drive 200 miles a day.

I did it by deciding that I didn't care what those who loved to criticize me thought. And then I decided to have the courage to just jump off the edge and see what happened. It was scary but definitely worth it.

Lessons & tips: 1. Trading your sanity and happiness for "security" is like making a deal with the devil.
2. Those who criticize you will always find ways/reasons to criticize you, so pay them no mind.
3. Life gives you challenges but it's never the ones you expect.

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Oct 15, 2009, 06:58AM PDT | 1 comment | 1 cheer