Two years ago, someone I love persuaded me to leave my consulting work to come work for them. I was feeling burned out and thought — okay — sure- why not.

It was good work, okay pay, kept me busy… but not fulfilling. Frankly, I hated it.

I kept thinking… I have got to get out.

Then I got fired. My loved one invited me to lunch and gently informed me I was being encouraged to retire. In other words, I was too expensive and he hoped I would be okay with being terminated and could this be my last day.

I was elated. Except for the money part ( yes, I know — unemployment benefits- big whoop).

I giggled to myself and was all smiley inside and started envisioning my days by the poolside contemplating my liberation from tyranny.

Then… I started to feel a bit empty and unappreciated. “That little shit — doesn’t he know what I gave up to help him in a time of need?”

The next day, I prepared the staff for my retirement, gathered up my things, cleaned out the file cabinet, reminded them of things that were mine.

The white board.

The copy machine.

The extra large wide computer screen.

The waste basket with the fancy iron filigree trim.

The cowboy painting.

Don’t wreck any of it… I will want it back I insisted with my finger pointing at it all. No one really cared. I could see it in their eyes “ when is she leaving — get out.”

If you need me, just send me a text… no one did. Which is good, I guess, I trained them so well they didn’t need me anymore.

Don’t they know how lost they will be without me?

The next day I got on a plane to Seattle to visit grandkids. It was great. Went to the beach, took the ferry to Victoria, walked in the Happiness Forest (aka Grand Forest — Bainbridge Island) and came home feeling relieved and ready for the next happy chapter in my life.

I was reminded how easy it is to die inside when beaten and bruised by our unmet expectations of how people should be. I create my own happiness and appreciation.