Wow, I completely missed it. March 23 was the one year anniversary of me walking away from a job. That’s right, I stopped working for The Man.

After 10 long years at a trade association, I had had enough of office drama, 16 hour days, and putting out one fire after another rather than doing my job. It got to the point where work felt like a hungry parasite sucking out my soul.

I always fantasized about quitting my job and getting into shape. Just focus on me. But the truth was I was afraid to walk away from the paycheck.

“Just quit, take a year off and get in shape. We’ll be fine.”
In 2008, we got our financial house in order. Thanks to Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps, we are debt free and have a 6 month emergency fund. We could more than survive on one salary. I just didn’t have enough pluck to say enough.

Enter the most awesome husband…evah! He assured me we had the weather gauge. Our finances gave us more freedom so why should I be miserable. If this was something I really wanted to do, then I should. He offered a deal – quit and focus on my health and after 12 months, rejoin the rat race. Sold!

The next day I resigned. It felt great. My health was now a priority. It was the first time in a long time I felt happy. If I had to pick one word to describe how I felt my last day on the job, it would be jubilation. I was in control. I had the weather gauge.

It’s been a great year. I’ve lost 20% of my body weight so far. I’m feeling healthier, more relaxed and stronger. My insomnia has all but disappeared and my stress levels have pretty much bottomed out. I already have a cool new job lined up that I’m very excited about (no commute!).

Never surrender the weather gauge.