I Quit!

Friday, January 22 - Today was the big day for Abe. He gave his two weeks notice. The stress of losing his income has been building up for a while now, but this morning he had a meeting with his boss where he let his boss know our plans. He was nervous and unsure of the reaction he would get. We're both waiting for people to tell us we're irresponsible idiots for giving up our income and security to travel (maybe because we both have to fight off that thought in our own heads), but so far we've gotten nothing but positive feedback. The #1 response has been, "I'm so jealous!" But when it's your boss, you have to realize that there is a possibility of anger. Abe is a manager who has only worked for this company for just under a year. A lot of time and money went into training him, and there was an expectation from everyone, including himself, that he would be there for years. Abe gained some new appreciation and respect for the man he has worked under since last March. When he gave his notice, he was met with well wishes and a sincere, "If you ever need anything, let me know." He said he felt ten pounds lighter when it was done.

It's too late to change course now, so as soon as I start work on Monday I'll talk to my boss. I expect a positive reaction, but we shall see. I have a dentist appointment first thing in the morning, but as soon as I start work I'll make the phone call. I have my resignation letter and the letter to my coworkers ready to go. I'm incredibly nervous, but at the same time, I don't think I've ever been so excited for a Monday!

Monday, January 25 - It's official. In two Fridays we will both be jobless with no source of income. I spent the last week anxiously awaiting Monday. Friday hit and instead of my normal, "Hooray! It's the weekend!", it was, "I wish the weekend would pass so I could get to Monday!" Sunday came and instead of the usual Sunday blues, I was excited for the next day. But as Sunday progressed I became more and more apprehensive. By the time I got back from the dentist, I was wishing I could put it off longer, although I knew I needed to get it over with. By the time I called my boss at 9:00 a.m., my hands were literally shaking.

I'm sure it sounds like my boss must be cruel, mean, and vicious, but she's not. She's one of the sweetest ladies I know. I knew it would be okay but emotions are often irrational. I wasn't surprised, but I was relieved when she told me she was excited for me, and scared for me, and sad to see me go. I sent an email I'd already prepared to her and her boss, and another to the entire office. We had a wonderful conversation before we both got back to work. Phew! I'm still scared and nervous - I expect that to linger until a week or two into this adventure - but there's no turning back. This is really happening!

Now Abe and I have to deal with two weeks of short timers. It would be so much easier to give two days' notice rather than two weeks', because these next two weeks are going to feel like months, but at the same time, I know they'll be over in a flash. I wish I could describe how it feels to quit your job so you can travel for a year with no income. I'm relieved to be leaving the humdrum of sitting at a computer from 8:00-5:00 Monday through Friday, trepidatious of what will go wrong because it is a guarantee that things will go wrong, exhilarated to see what the future holds, and so much more. At the moment, my stress is sky high as the fear and anxiety are fighting to be number one in my brain. I am clinging desperately to my faith in God, and reminding myself constantly that He brought us here so no matter what happens, we'll be okay. Who can add one hour to his (or her) life by worrying? And I am alternating between bouts of deep breaths as I steal myself for what lies ahead, and giddy squeals as I anticipate what lies ahead.

Onward and upward!