After planning an awesome get-away for my son with my mother, I knew I needed in. I wanted this too. Now determined that I was taking a summer off with my kids, I needed a plan. I work full time, a benefit providing corporate job and leaving for three months to travel the world with my kids was not going to be an easy feat. However, I put a plan in motion and was determined to not take no for an answer. I had a plan, I had an answer to every question. I had proposals, I spoke to friends in HR, I spoke to influencial friends, I spoke to negotiators...but after a good struggle the answer was still no... What now!? I wasn't prepared for a no. I started the process in April of 2016 and by December of 2016, with my final no, I knew I couldn't push anymore. The answer was a stern no. I couldn't get my employer to approve an unpaid leave of absence. Now the real soul searching...did I want this leave bad enough that it was worth quitting a good job for?

Is it worth quiting?

My husband and I now really needed to answer that question. Was it worth quiting to go and have fun? To travel selfishly? Was it irresponsible? I gave myself the holidays to answer this question. Spending two weeks of holiday time with my kids was enough to give me the definitive yes we needed. Of course this was worth it. Were my children getting any younger? Did I see a resonating yes, lingering for me in the near future that I should hang onto? What was I waiting for, if I didn't go now? I had my answer and in January I put in my notice. It was one of the toughest decisions I've ever made. I enjoy my job, I work with smart, solid, good people. I was supported and encouraged and had no reason to leave. I put my notice in because this summer with my kids is something I can't go back to and get if I don't do it now.