It's the little things
I have a two hour lunch break today. TWO HOURS! During this time, I've been watching TikToks, listening to my dog snore next to me, and watching the snow flutter down as the space heater hums. There's no work I'm expected to do during this time. Nothing to print. No students coming to me with more work. No emails flooding my inbox with more tasks, adding to a to-do list that is a mile long and makes my head and gut hurt. Just six months ago my stress was keeping me awake. I thought quitting teaching was a mistake. It made my gut churn and quickened my breaths into panic attacks. When I thought I had things handled, it would all turn upside down and would have to start all over. Interview after interview after cover letter after resume after jobs that just didn't feel like a good fit. And now I'm here. It was all worth it. How often does that happen? I sleep soundly at night. I'm told I'm valued as an employee and believed in. I have time to take care of myself and my home. For the first time I've started to look towards the future.
I had been struggling so hard to keep my head above water, I hadn't noticed how much of my energy was being used just to survive.
I couldn't have done it without my partner, who encouraged me every step of the way, and my coworker who would sit with me at the end of the day and helped me to build up the courage to send my resignation letter.
It was the best decision I ever made.
