So tonight I'm sitting here in my pajamas. I've cut the AC off and am listening to the sounds outside (and Rich killing some bad guys on his video games up front). I'm feeling pretty good. I talked to my boss today about not finishing my master's degree. There was no lecture, no yelling (which is something I became accustomed to from my previous boss, unfortunately), just some advice on how to handle my decision in future interviews I may have. He didn't ask for an explanation or anything. He just understood. I can't even explain how blessed I felt at that moment. So now I just have to tell my MP and drop off my stuff at my old lab. It almost seems simple now. I'd love to just get my MP on the phone and tell her exactly what I think, but I won't burn any bridges. I've not felt so at peace in a very long time. I'm finally doing what I need to do for me.
It took me a while to finally come to this decision. I've been grappling with it for a while. But yesterday, when I received 3 phone call and 2 e-mails within a 4 hour period asking about some samples that I had clearly informed those who still work there about their whereabouts, I realized that I just can't deal with these people anymore. Don't call me during work hours and expect an immediate answer. You don't sign my check anymore, so I'm not going to be at your beck-and-call during time devoted to my job or during my personal time. Deal with it. You used me for cheap labor for 3 1/2 years and I just took it, getting nothing from you in return. I had such a strong emotional reaction to this that I knew it was time to let it all go. I am, by no means, an angry person who is easily irritated, but yesterday just pissed me off. I haven't been that mad since I left S-ville. I know I've made the right decision.
Last weekend, Rich and I went camping. It was so nice. The weather was perfect for camping. I took a few pictures, but I haven't downloaded them to my computer to post them yet. Maybe I'll do that later this weekend. We also had a little get-together at my boss's house last Friday. It was so much fun. Rich finally got to meet everyone I work with, and I think that now he understands that the people I'm surrounded by are very different from those I was working with before. He actually wants to spend more time with them. At my last job, I had 2-3 people I actually trusted, but I really could have done without having to deal with several of them. They were all just so negative. But, I realize now, that it doesn't have to be that way.
This weekend I plan on taking it easy. I'll watch some TV, maybe do some knitting, I don't know. I've definitely got to make a Target run and go to the grocery store. Well, that about covers my week. Everything else has been pretty routine. So until next time...