The first time was because I had an important personal project that was going to take 6 months, and the company had no program like a leave of absence or anything like that. Once I was done I had to go back and apply as a new hire, no benefits for awhile and all that, in spite of being back in charge of the department. That burned a little.
Then we've been so screwed for competent workers during covid, they more or less gave up on hiring experience and just went with a bunch of raw recruits, and asked me to train them (which realistically takes years). It was a bit of a fight to actually get paid for that, but we came up with terms I was ok with. Then months of stress getting all that done, while keeping the place going.
One thing I liked was working 10 to 7. I could come in when everything was up and running, then work a day and have a little peace while shutting it all down myself after most everyone had gone home. Before work I had a nice hour or two to read, or cook, or putter around the house. After work I was always too trashed to do anything. Then a new boss decided everyone was going to have to be on 8-5, no exceptions.
So there's no time before work for anything really. I go in and sit and drink tea while everyone's checking in and getting things organized, a wasted hour. Then busy as fuck all day and after work I'm still trashed. Half the time I can't even wind down to sleep without drinking too much. Three months of that and it's like the time just goes by, nothing to show. The feeling of dropping into a hole, really slowly.
Anyway, with trainees more or less up to speed on the basic stuff I think I've done ok as far as reasonable obligations, and I just didn't see any reason to keep beating my head on the wall for nothing much. I can get by without the money, have put enough away, and there are all kinds of other possibilities. So I put in my notice. Made it through the talk with my boss. It feels good. Took a lot of thought, but the page is turned and I can plan things and look forward to living again.
I still wonder if the big boss (who I always got on with fine) is going to hear and call me in, try to talk me out of it or make me an offer. There isn't really anything I want, but he can be pretty persuasive. We'll see…