[BlackDog]

Darryl, I applaud your courage to step forward and do the right thing for you and your family. Your health, peace of mind, and family unity are worth far more than a paycheck.

About 16 years ago I quit a high paying job. I was on the "fast track" in a strong consulting company, and could have made a lot of money had I stayed. I was on my way to a junior partnership within a few years. But, I was only home 2 days per week, and my wife and I were on the fast track to a divorce. Thankfully we decided to make a career and lifestyle change before things got bad enough to actually get divorced. Now, 16 years later, I still make less than I did then. But the quality of our lives is so much better.

When I made the decision to leave my job, I had an interview with the man who was at that time the CEO of Alcoa. He had announced his plans to retire at the end of 6 months, and the Alcoa board was doing their background work to put a new CEO in place. He told me something I'll never forget. He said, "When you get to be my age, you won't wish you worked more hours. You'll wish you had spent more time with your family." That from the CEO of one of the largest companies in America. So I took his advice and made the change.

It's better to eat hotdogs with the people you love than to eat steak alone.

Darryl, I wish you much success and happiness. I respect your decision very much.