A Break-up Letter

Dear Job,

I think you and I both knew this day would come. Strictly speaking, we don't have to do this right now, but I don't want to drag it out any longer than necessary. I'm afraid that the longer we wait, the worse this will become.

You and I have been through thousands of pages of technical documentation together and our relationship has been pretty good -- until recently. Yes, you were demanding at times, insisting that I bring you home with me. But you provided me with a regular paycheck and the freedom to determine my own hours. When I needed to take a twelve-week break to focus on other things that were, uh, emerging, you seemed patient enough. You promised that you'd wait for me, that our relationship wouldn't suffer, that we'd make it work -- and I tried to believe that you were telling the truth.

However, it has come to this: there's someone new in my life, and I can't devote as much time and attention to you as I once could. I can't focus on your needs right now, and it's not fair to you. We need to go our separate ways for a while.

This probably won't be a setback or a huge disappointment to you. And why should it be? You are, basically, a contract position. Change is part and parcel of your whole existence. It's something that many people seem to like about you, but I'm just not comfortable with that kind of uncertainty right now.

I would worry about leaving you in a tough spot, but it's clear to me that this won't be causing you much heartache. After all, you've already found someone to replace me. I knew you were going to see other editors while I was away, but it's obvious that you don't really need me any more. Why else would you have me doing three-week Quality Assurance projects? One of the major reasons that I was determined to stay with you was maintaining a professional identity. I wanted to be able to call myself an editor, but I'm not sure you see me in that role.

So, Job, after two and a half years together, I'm saying good-bye after today. I think my leaving is the best possible choice for both of us. Maybe we can start seeing each other again in the future, when the new love of my life is a bit more self-sufficient, and if you can figure out whether I can fit into your future.

Please don't hold this against me -- especially if I find myself in a financial emergency and need your help in the future. I really liked having you.

Yours sincerely,
BiB

P.S.
I'll come by to pick up my stuff next week.

P.P.S.
Holy shit, I'm a stay-at-home mom.

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