In 2011, I started  ranking my daily satisfaction quotient. On my morning commute, top down on the convertible, wind in my hair, sun shining on my face, I considered my level of happiness each morning. My ranking was a consistently favorable 7 to 8 – even on a Monday. Life was good.

Fast forward a handful of years, add a revolving door of various managers, include a load of new policies designed to thwart me at every turn, suppress my ability to contribute – and my average daily ranking crept down to a paltry 4.5. For three years, life sucked.

This Friday, I noticed that my ranking catapulted back to an 8… perhaps even an 8.5, and not because of the impending 3 days weekend. How did I do it? How did I turn things around? I quit my job. After 15 years, I joyfully submitted my resignation. One indignity too many, straw and camel’s back stuff, convinced me that it was time.

And, as it’s supposed to happen when one takes a huge risk, Providence prevailed. Within a few weeks, a new job posted, within the same company, but with a group that I respect and adore– and I got the job! I feel good.  C’mon 2017, my groove is coming back.